History Entry: The Changing Ways of Broadway. Broadway During the 1950's-1960's

As the 1950's came about, traditions of how Broadway shows were created began to change. Jerome Robins, a choreographer, invented the method of one person directing and choreographing a musical at the same time. "West Side Story" is a Broadway show that he choreographed. The show focused murder and violence, which were new themes to Broadway musicals. Also, a musical called "Cabaret" was one of the first Broadway musical comedies to introduce adult situations to the theater. Steven Sondheim's, "Company" was the first Broadway musical comedy to focus on marital problems as well.
Some of the greatest hits were produced in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Productions included "Hello Dolly," "A Raisin in the Sun," "Gypsy," and "Bye Bye Birdie." The longest running show on Broadway at the time was "Fiddler on the Roof," which came to Broadway in 1964. During the 60's Broadway music was becoming unpopular due to the advent of Rock and Roll and the creation of pop culture. Until this time, Broadway show tunes were the most popular music in the country.
The Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Counterculture Movement had great influences on Broadway. Plays such as, "A Raisin in the Sun," were influenced by the Civil Rights Movement, and musicals such as "Hair," were influenced by the Vietnam War and the Counterculture Movement.

Just a Thought: Article Review

Just a thought:
Broadway for Big Kids, Beyond Spoonfuls of Sugar. By Robin Pogrebin

On March 21, 2008, I read an interesting article by Robin Pogrebin titled "Broadway for Big Kids, Beyond Spoonfuls of Sugar." Her article explained that the joy of experiencing Broadway musicals with the whole family is quite easy, but if you are seeing a show with children, is that show appropriate for them? Then things can get a bit dicey. When children become too old for "kiddy musicals" such as "Beauty and the Beast" or "The Little Mermaid," they might want to experience shows of a more mature fashion. Robin gave most Broadway musicals 'caveats,' and that it's better to see if that musical is appropriate before you make a big investment--common sense. In my opinion, Broadway has always been a bit sassy and risqué. It's nothing new about Broadway, and it's been in effect since the Ancient Greeks. Even Yiddish theater and vaudville had that. That's what live theater is about, pleasing the public...with the human condition in all of it's forms.
As far as my audience is concerned, a casual viewing of most TV 14 television shows explore many of the same themes as Broadway theater. I'll just note Robins 'caveats' or warnings to parents: explicit lyrics or themes and racy dancing, and I can substitute it with "Grey's Anatomy" or "Dancing With The Stars." In fact, "Family Guy," "The Soup," "Gossip Girl,"even "Oprah," address the same issues. And the list goes on and on! And if you're really worried, don't pass a newsstand in Manhattan, Ms. Pogrebin, with last weeks' tabloids shouting about a governor's sexual exploits, a new governors 'affairs' (was it 4, or 5??), and a an old governors '3-some.' TP had to ask MP (mom preppy) what that was!!!! Another day I got an eyeful when I saw Spitzer's escort (what's is that anyway??? TP thought it meant the date to a Debutante ball), 'Kristen,' half nude on the front page of The Post! I got whole sexual education that week, Oprah even had Dr. Oz talking about fondling your testicles to detect cancer... and hey what's ED? What are all those medicines for? Why does Viagra sponsor college sports....It's everywhere. Dr. Oz even talked about passing gas! Who does it more: Men or Women? It's sounded like a take-out of a Mel Brooks musical! So finally, I guess life imitates art!

History Entry: The Begining of Broadway

     The creation of Broadway started to take place in the 1800's when musical revues, vaudeville, and minstrel shows were popular. In 1810, the theater district was developing rapidly, and most actors and composers were immigrants from Europe. Broadway was very popular in these years because it was the leading form of entertainment. Instead of having dreams of being a star in Hollywood, people aspired to be stars on Broadway.

     At the beginning of the twentieth century, Broadway shows didn't have plotlines. Productions consisted of dramas filled with magic and fantasy, whimsical skit performances, and amateur variety shows. In 1913, Ziegfeld's Follies was the first huge production that Broadway has ever seen. Created by Florenz Ziegfeld, the show consisted of glitzy musical revues that were held at the New Amsterdam Theater. It featured beautiful women in lavish costumes called Ziegfeld Girls, huge sets, and visual effects that amazed it's audiences. Because times were hard, this show offered glamour to the public not seen anywhere else.

RENT: genius, empowering, closing, and...what did he say?

It's true. The beloved rock musical, RENT is closing after almost 13 years on Broadway. For those of you who don't know what this musical is about, it's based on the opera La Boheme, and tells the story of eight friends in NYC's the East Village, who struggle with poverty, AIDS, relationships, and life in general. Out of the eight friends there's Angel and Collins...(a gay couple), Maureen and Joanne...(another gay couple), Roger and Mimi...(lovers), and Benny...(their landlord). Almost all of these people are affected by AIDS, but from audience member's point of view, you wouldn't have known it unless you were listening very carefully. Throughout most of the musical, it was just singing and rock and roll music, instead of dialog which I would have preferred. They only mentioned the word 'AIDS' once in the entire show. The music and singing was stupendous. Tamyra Gray, who stared as Mimi, was perfect for the role. Even though Rent is a simple show, I gave it a "collar's up," because it teaches us that we have to live life to the fullest! For more information about Rent visit www.siteforrent.com.

Rent was created into a feature film in 2005, and many people compare it to Across the Universe. Across the Universe is a great movie that also depicts the lives of friends in NYC, accept with Beatles music and a 1960's setting. Many people agree that if you would substitute AIDS with the Vietnam War you would come up with this movie. I give Across the Universe a "collar's up as well.