Music: Broadway & the American Musical
[You may continue using your same musical from your Module 2 and/or Module 3 Project, or you may select another one that interests you.]
Choose a musical that has not been discussed in the textbook. A simply internet search can open many possibilities to you. Make certain you have access to the cast recording of the songs from the show, either from YouTube or your preferred music streaming service.
Listen to all of the songs/numbers from the show. Read the synopsis of the show completely and notice where the songs appear in the story plot. Look up the lyrics and follow along (nearly everything is able to be found on the internet).
This module is focusing on the end of act one and beginning of act two.
For this written project, please write about the following three items, based on the musical you chose above:
1. Identify a “Star” song feature in the later half of act one of your show (what is actually the middle act of three-act story structure). Explain how the song uses this time with a star of the show and what the number seems to be celebrating in life and art, in your opinion. Provide at least three points of proof to support your arguments for why and how the song is indeed a “Star” song. Please also add what you personally feel when experiencing this song.
2. Identify a “Tent Pole” number in act one. Explain how it functions as a “Tent pole” number by following the logic demonstrated in your readings and videos. Provide at least three points of proof to support your arguments for why and how the song is indeed a “Tent Pole” number. Please also add what you personally feel when experiencing this song.
3. Identify and explain your feelings about the two numbers in your show where:
The curtain comes down on act one, and
The curtain rises on act two.
Discuss the unique features brought forth in your chosen show for these two structural numbers. (For example: Is there an intriguing “gap” that is formed? Is there a return of a “tie rod” character or element? Is there not an intermission at all and instead your show is a one act? If so, how do you think they are able to keep the audience’s attention from needing the restrooms? How does act two grasp your attention once again? Could you have stayed in the restroom longer and missed it?)
NOTE: You will write about four songs for this assignment. Remember, though there are formulaic tendencies in the structure of musicals, they are each individual and unique too.
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