), Anyone Can Whistle (Subject to interpreation. The most famous version is performed by Billie Holiday. The famous love triangle saga of King Arthur, his queen Guinevere, and his best friend Sir Lancelot has a lot to teach us. When Nyas son, Omari, is threatened with expulsion from private school, Nya must confront the systems that continue to disproportionately affect students of color. Society tells us that it is more acceptable to be drunk every weekend than cheat on spouses. Why do you think Disney went back to Broadway with their musical know how? De Becque doesn't understand the American preoccupation with race, prompting Cable to explore the issue in the powerful song "Carefully Taught. We had the same, stupid sense of humor and bonded over Spongebob jokes. Our two protagonists' true colors are revealed as they struggle with their American pre-conceived notions versus their experiences on the island. WebSocial Commentary and Musical Theater. Shepherds real friends and family were involved in the project, with eight actors playing over 60 characters. All rights reserved. It is a gorgeous play with a lush, sweeping score which really tugs at the heartstrings. I think this is why directors are hungry to work on it over and over.". Nellie, however, is stopped short when she meets his Polynesian children, realizing that Emile De Becque was involved in a previous interracial relationship. One of the final lyrics sums it up for artists of all kinds, "Anything you do, let it come from you. Diana Goodman is experiencing serious mental health problems as she copes with the trauma of losing her son in this intimate family drama about mental illness. Before you get started, think of what you already know about musical theater. History can start to repeat itself. This musical brilliantly tackles racism, prejudices, women's issues and the pursuit of freedom in America. Find out how you can be a NAMI HelpLine specialist. Could it be because people were going to the movies instead? (We're talking before "Hamilton"obviously Hamilton counts for this, but you already know that one) So I've compiled a list of 10 of the best and most profound, thought-provoking musicals from the Golden Age of Musical Theater up until the 21st century. During this time the creative energy behind the musical was spent on creating extravagant special effects. You might have been counting down the days until spring, but make the most of these chilly and cloudy days. "The Fantasticks", by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt, is the worlds longest running musical and heres why: it is an endearing, allegorical story with themes and characters which people of all ages can relate to. This play follows Jane, whose depression is an actual character in the show aptly named Depression. Julie Jordan, the sweet leading lady marries Billy Bigelow, a big guy with a big heart, but who sometimes falls in with the wrong crowd. But did you know that there have been musicals with real social and political consciences, some of which have caused controversy and have had revolutionary consequences? Through the art of fashion, Chanel taught, and still continues to teach, women to break free from societal norms and constraints. WebOscar Hammerstein II. In verse 7, He declared "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone.". Was it an artistic ambition? I remember how senior year, you told me you were applying to one of the same schools as me. if you can, i'd recommend deaf west spring awakening (there's a bootleg on youtube with subtitles.). ", [rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F09%2F12%2F636093073417752416-2141376281_%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fstatic.playbill.com%252F90%252Fde%252F07384dbb446d89904abdc06988ab%252Fintothewoods-originalcast460.jpg&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=1006&h=a701e18166a3051d8daf18d7b38bbd795b9815338784e5d4a7d46317d9ed600f&size=980x&c=3549241711 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F09%252F12%252F636093073417752416-2141376281_%253Furl%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fstatic.playbill.com%25252F90%25252Fde%25252F07384dbb446d89904abdc06988ab%25252Fintothewoods-originalcast460.jpg%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D1006%26h%3Da701e18166a3051d8daf18d7b38bbd795b9815338784e5d4a7d46317d9ed600f%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3549241711%22%7D" expand=1 original_size="1x1"], God, Sondheim and Lapine were busy in the 80s! How might that have had anything to do with this change? I knew from looking at you that you were the cool kid in the room, the one who knew what was happening and didn't care about any of it. Pioneer Drama Service is proud to offer a wide selection of thought-provoking plays about social values, life choices, and their consequences. At any given time, more than 1 in 5 adults is experiencing a mental illness. At one point, she stops taking her medication, which is expertly dramatized in the song I Miss the Mountains. Diana describes a desire to return to her manic symptoms: But I miss the mountains, WebMusic theatre is rarely conceived as a politically and socially engaged art form in comparison to straight theatre, but a lot of famous musicals deliver important political I might be a little biased since this is my sign, but come on, it's Beyonce. Time allows for a humorous take on sometimes painful subjects. Im so tired of all were going through I dont want to live like that "They tried to cut 'Carefully Taught,' and Hammerstein said the show doesn't open with that. One main theme in this story is the conflict between strength and justice or as Arthur says "might and right". This did not deter Malala, in fact it only strengthened her resolve and influence. That's the same concern that Lt. Joseph Cable has when he falls in love with the young Polynesian girl, Liat, the daughter of the island's best entrepreneur, Bloody Mary. I know she's pretty controversial in terms of who likes her and who doesn't, but she is kind of famous for nothing (and also a millionaire) so that's pretty inspiring. ", He said that the way "South Pacific" treats racism "was brave and groundbreaking" when it was first produced. Given the current climate, BroadwayWorld readers have picked a list of plays and musicals that are available on various streaming services that deal with social issues, so that you can watch and discuss with your family and friends. Now that you have you hot chocolate, it is time to relax. and Im making this up as I go.. In one of the show's quieter moments, she proudly sings "I Know Where I've Been" about the Civil Rights struggle: "There's a road we've been travelin'. I've watched you experience family struggles, heartbreak and personal struggle, but I've also watched you experience success, happiness and love. Deaf West has the added issue of communication barriers between ASL and English. She has been an advocate and fighter for womans rights from a very young age, despite the adversity she has been confronted with. This play-turned-movie tackles the theme of personal conflict with different storylines for each character such as love, abandonment, and infidelity. In this multi-part audio series, Heather Nathans, Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of Maryland, introduces you to musical theater using examples from Broadway, the history, structure and elements of musical theater, musical theater's role in making social commentary, its legacy, and how you too can create a musical. Sandra Bullock! Copyright 2023 NAMI. Whether you're more of a Miley or a Hannah, you hit the jackpot in the celebrity-zodiac-sign-twin lottery. Additionally, she has become a major spokesperson for Autism and has served as an inspiration to thousands worldwide. You can read more of her articles and interviews with Broadway luminaries at www.DrDrama.com. The musical focuses on Tracy Turnblad's desire to dance on the daily "Corny Collins Show," a local variation of "American Bandstand." Another is the idea that no human beings no matter how good, pure or exaltedare above feeling certain things like lust and love. We're practically family at this point. What do you find interesting about theater which talks about social and political issues as entertainment? She eventually moved to Paris and became a French citizen. At its core, it is the fantastical story of Prior Walter, a gay man living with AIDS who is visited by an angel. The first song Anybody Have a Map dramatizes the rift between parents and teenagers experiencing mental illness: Does anybody have a map? This musical tackles discrimination, sexual abuse, and racism. And Loretta Ables Sayre, who was nominated for a Tony Award for playing Bloody Mary in the acclaimed 2008 Broadway revival, returns to the role for the fifth time. Lise Meitner was an Austrian physicist who, alongside chemist Otto Hahn, discovered Nuclear fission. WebTackling Social Justice Issues Through Musical Theater February 1, 2017 P.K. Can you make any connections or draw parallels between musical theater and these trends? Time to forget about any work you have to do, and treat the weekend as a weekend. Heather Nathans suggests that when done well the music and movement will let you know what you should be feeling even if you dont get the words. The role was created by Water's regular Divine in the original film and was played by Harvey Fierstein on Broadway and John Travolta in the musical film. WebWomens issues, such as equality of rights, privileges, and pay-packages similar to those of men, are some of the gender-specific social issues which are faced by American women. I'm so proud that you share all of this with me and call me your friend, that you have invited me into your home and introduced me to your incredible boyfriend. We found out that we had the same classes and sat together at lunch. Two Trains Running: This play discusses the racial problems that erupted in the 1960s. A white family find a black baby in their yard and takes on the mother as a maid. All rights reserved. In Can you think of a subject matter that has not yet been addressed by musical theater that now could be? Lieutenant Cable falls for a Polynesian woman, Liat. The opening number shows African-Americans picking cotton alongside the white aristocrats holding parasols singing about the showboat coming to town. But the riches will be plenty, worth the price, the price we had to pay," she sings. Both the 1992 film and the 2012 musical were inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. R & H responded by saying that this song was the whole reason they wrote "South Pacific" in the first place, so they were going to keep the song in the show, even if it meant the whole production might fail. Give us more to see. I miss the dizzy heights. She was also ridiculed and harassed by her school mates in high school because of her differences. The resulting project culminated in the initial performance of The Laramie Project,as an effort to help the community heal and reflect. I want to start by wishing you a happy birthday. To join or renew as a Member, please visit ourMembership page. This story depicts the struggle of social class disparities and racism in America. Based on Jonathan Larson's bohemian rock musical, Rent tells the story of a group of social outcasts struggling to live in the moment yet survive the realities of New York's gritty East Village. Why do you think this change happened? Not really Kenny NealManager, Digital Education Resources, Tiffany A. BryantManager, Operations and Audience Engagement, Joanna McKeeProgram Coordinator, Digital Learning, JoDee ScissorsContent Specialist, Digital Learning. In this time, the punishment for adultery was to be stoned to death; however, Jesus came to this woman's defense. It's a powerful call to action, reminding readers of the implications of sexism and the role we can each play in ending it. Like ancient theatre, contemporary theatre can take us to faraway places, bring on laughter or tears, and can ask the big questions. , The Sound of Music would be another example that deals with Nazism. Musical theater can take unique approaches to dealing with major social issues. The conflict occurs when Margaret is torn between protecting her daughter and letting her be happy. If you wanted to perform heart surgery, fly an airplane or build a bridge there are things you know you would need to do first in order to be able to accomplish those goals. I remember when we both received acceptance letters to Notre Dame of Maryland University and swore we'd stay best friends through college. Think about the long history of Disney; starting out in the animated cartoon business, then making feature length musicals, and then Broadway bound for spectacular productions. Elvis Presley! This works in making work more enjoyable too. This film deals with the AIDS epidemic and homophobia in America. This one has a lot of messagesjust so many (too many?) A lot of people have a problem with this aspect of the musical, thinking that it has a specific agenda to advise women to stay with their husbands no matter whatbut we have to remember the purpose of art is to reflect real life and real people. Written, directed and produced by Tyler Perry, the film depicts the interconnected lives of ten women, exploring their lives and struggles as women of color. AIDA is one of my all-time favorite Disney musicals about the Nubian princess played brilliantly by Heather Headley. I remember my school being evacuated when Martin Luther King was killed. There he falls in love with his Colonel's cousin, the sickly and ugly Fosca. Throughout the musical, psychotherapy, medication, depression, anxiety and suicide are all directly confronted. Josephine went on to pursue her career in show business. Rodgers, Richard, 1902-1979. Les Miserables deals with class struggles and fighting for equality from a national government. I need a clue cause the scary truth is Im flying blind, It teaches us that "little white lies" are okay, but homosexuality is condemned. One is "South Pacific," the Pulitzer Prize-winning Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical that opens the Asolo Repertory Theatre season on Friday, with its tale of twin romances complicated by prejudice. The tour-de-force "Ol' Man River" is sung by the character Joe, an African-American worker on the boat who sings about how the river sees a lot of injustice, but can't say anything about it and "just keeps rolling along". In 1961, a film version of A Raisin in the Sun was released featuring its original Broadway cast of Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, Diana Sands, Ivan Dixon, Louis Gossett, Jr. and John Fiedler. Society tells us that some sins are worse than others. This play Most importantly: We feature your voices. A revered actress on the boat, Julie, is arrested for misogyny when she is found out to be half black and married to a white man. You have your hot chocolate made, playlist downloaded, movie set and books chosen. In a film adaptation of the hit musical, West Side Follow follows a modern day Romeo and Juliet who are involved in New York street gangs. In the face of terror and hatred, Malala acts with grace and courage. Just about everything is interesting if you get interested in it. Wrapping up in a warm blanket with a hot drink and some calming music is one of the best ways to spend and indoor kind of day. But beyond that, it dealt with civil rights and racial tensions in the Old South: the story follows performers, crew members, and dock workers on a showboat that travels the Mississippi. Through her struggles, Kahlo inspires us to create something meaningful out of the pain that we will inevitably face in life. I've known you for 7, almost 8 years now and with each passing year I am more and more grateful to call you my best friend. Charlie is a factory owner struggling to save his family business. Audrey Hepburn is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood, an international fashion icon and a humanitarian. Her disability caused strife even within her own family; her mother and father divorced when she was 15 largely because of the stresses of raising Temple. The first song Anybody Have a Map dramatizes the rift between This musical tackles discrimination, sexual abuse, and racism. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys' expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. Ben Davis, who played Gaylord Ravenal in last season's "Show Boat," returns to Asolo Rep and the role of De Becque which he played in Ruggiero's MUNY production. This musical is about an anxious teenager who lies to a mourning family out of fear, convenience and a desire to feel like he belongs. Individual or small group each student/group would create a mini musical theater piece including: Cast of characters including main characters and supporting characters. We even lived as roommates for two (and a quarter) years. The following are trademarks of NAMI: NAMI, NAMI Basics, NAMI Connection, NAMI Ending the Silence, NAMI FaithNet, NAMI Family & Friends, NAMI Family Support Group, NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Grading the States, NAMI Hearts & Minds, NAMI Homefront, NAMI HelpLine, NAMI In Our Own Voice, NAMI On Campus, NAMI Parents & Teachers as Allies, NAMI Peer-to-Peer, NAMI Provider, NAMI Smarts for Advocacy, Act4MentalHealth, Vote4MentalHealth, NAMIWalks and National Alliance on Mental Illness. To make a donation in memory of someone, please visit ourMemorial Donation page. Yet another Sondheim and Lapine production! Kennedy Center Education is committed to reviewing and updating our content to address these changes. The Laramie Project: The Laramie Project, a play about the hate crime murder of Matthew Shepard, teaches that while some people may choose to be hateful toward others, it is never an excuse for violence. Everything falls apart when Arthur's bitter, illegitimate son Mordred uses this evidence of the affair to destroy Camelot. Teenage factory girls, primarily Jewish and Italian immigrants, face poor conditions, low pay, and xenophobia. I grew up in Tennessee and there were riots in the streets. Content Warning: These plays discuss heavy topics (murder, homophobia, suicide, rape, violence, xenophobia) that may be upsetting for some readers. Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. The iconic Chanel logo however would not be possible without its even more iconic founder Coco Chanel. The Mountaintop is a fictionalized version of the night before Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Every musical starts out this way. Stop in between lectures for guided group discussion. Anne Hathaway! This play bravely and unabashedly explores issues of treatment, negative self-talk, psychiatry and stigma. Our mindset of the church has been split into different denominations, different ways of going about things. Clara, though 26 years old, behaves like a child because of a brain injury she suffered in her youth. Additional support is provided by the National Committee for the Performing Arts. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook3. Think about how your experience and what you know about musical theater matches what Heather Nathans is saying. Angels in America is a 2003 American HBO miniseries directed by Mike Nichols and based on the Pulitzer-prize winning play of the same name by Tony Kushner. Just one of the biggest stars of the 1950s, no big deal. Think about the evolution of the simplistic forms of theater when our country was young which pre-dated the musical up to the technologically advanced and sophisticated shows that are produced today as our democracy has matured some 240 years. When you hear a point relevant to your group pause the audio so you can discuss it. The only way to properly do this is to be comfortable, because why relax when you could relax? It features lyrics by Scott Whitman and music by Marc Shaiman, who wrote the book with Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Certainly in the Deaf world, but with the advent of social media and a thousand different ways to do so now. Supply your students with a selection current magazines, newspaper or Internet headlines. She helps bring people together because she just wants her dream and is so accepting of everyone that you have to root for her to do what she wants to do. Yes, we learn about some influential women, but most have been forgotten or buried in the margins of textbook. "Tracy is just not seeing the difference between people. At age 13 she was married, but left shortly after to pursue her passion for theater as a vaudeville performer. and the dark depressing nights.. 2023 www.heraldtribune.com. This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. We're taught these prejudices. What do Disney musicals and Broadway musicals have in common? No one cares as much as me. Using vernacular speech patterns and spelling, Shange incorporates rhythm to create a sense of community between the poems and women. Rent sheds light on the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s. Celie is transformed as she finds her self-worth through the help of two strong female companions. This musical will leave you with a heartache and several themes to ponder including love, sex, obsession, illness, conventional vs. inner beauty and the shallowness of human beings. Hoping for better lives, the girls strike. Kahlos life was very much colored with pain ranging from her contraction of polio at age six, growing up during the Mexican Revolution, a traumatic bus accident, her tumultuous marriage to artist Diego Rivera and several miscarriages. She dreams about dancing with the kids she watches every day to the latest hit songs, not realizing how that effort will change her and her city. As the rock musical gave way to the spectacle musical, shows likeCats,Phantom of the OperaandStarlight Expresscame to rely less on story and more on technology.