Musical Theatre

Musical TheatreMusical Theatre

Unit 2Unit 2

(1930s-1940s)(1930s-1940s)

What to Expect this week?!What to Expect this week?! Binder Check of last weekBinder Check of last week

Abbreviated version of the 1930s...Abbreviated version of the 1930s...– Not the most exciting time for BroadwayNot the most exciting time for Broadway

Pros and Cons of Broadway during this timePros and Cons of Broadway during this time

Pros and Cons of HollywoodPros and Cons of Hollywood

Influence of Technology on the musical and moviesInfluence of Technology on the musical and movies

Whos Who in Hollywood/Broadway?!Whos Who in Hollywood/Broadway?!

Setting up a study of Wizard of OzSetting up a study of Wizard of Oz

Where did we leave off?Where did we leave off?

Ziegfeld produced Ziegfeld produced ShowboatShowboat Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, II Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, II

teamed up to write teamed up to write ShowboatShowboat 542 performances at the Ziegfeld theatre542 performances at the Ziegfeld theatre Ziegfeld is making a lot of money and so are Ziegfeld is making a lot of money and so are

his associates. (Kern; Hammerstein, II; his associates. (Kern; Hammerstein, II; Berlin, etc.)Berlin, etc.)

What do you already know about this What do you already know about this time period?! 1928s-1939s?time period?! 1928s-1939s?

What is happening Nationally?What is happening Nationally? First Transatlantic telephone call from NYC to LondonFirst Transatlantic telephone call from NYC to London

FCC begins to regulate radio frequenciesFCC begins to regulate radio frequencies

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is foundedThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is founded

Lindbergh flies solo across the AtlanticLindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic

New York Yankees beat the Pirates in the World SeriesNew York Yankees beat the Pirates in the World Series

The Jazz Singer opens ushering in the era of dialogue and song in filmThe Jazz Singer opens ushering in the era of dialogue and song in film

The Holland Tunnel joins New York and New JerseyThe Holland Tunnel joins New York and New Jersey

Prohibition is enforced and eventually repealedProhibition is enforced and eventually repealed

Organized CrimeOrganized Crime

Jazz Music is coming into mainstreamJazz Music is coming into mainstream

FDR is elected presidentFDR is elected president

The Great Depression arises from the Stock Market Crash of 1929The Great Depression arises from the Stock Market Crash of 1929

What is changing in the world?What is changing in the world?

Technology – telephones, aviation, roads, Technology – telephones, aviation, roads, movies, soundmovies, sound

Scope of the world....it’s a beginning to be a Scope of the world....it’s a beginning to be a small world after allsmall world after all

So How’s Broadway During this So How’s Broadway During this Time?!Time?!

Remember Ziegfeld? He made money enough to get through the Remember Ziegfeld? He made money enough to get through the Depression but that was about it. He had a lot of debt following the Depression but that was about it. He had a lot of debt following the Depression and sold off much of his clientele to keep him afloat, his Depression and sold off much of his clientele to keep him afloat, his second wife and child would eventually inherit his estate. second wife and child would eventually inherit his estate. His second His second wife was wife was Billie BurkeBillie Burke, remember this name!!, remember this name!!

Most theatres turned to showing “talkies” aka movies during this time Most theatres turned to showing “talkies” aka movies during this time as they were financially more stable and cheaper for audiences to as they were financially more stable and cheaper for audiences to afford....even the New Amsterdam Theatre (former home of the afford....even the New Amsterdam Theatre (former home of the Ziegfeld Follies went this route)Ziegfeld Follies went this route)

This is time period is a Golden Age, but not for Broadway? What This is time period is a Golden Age, but not for Broadway? What Golden Age was this for?Golden Age was this for?

The Stats on BroadwayThe Stats on Broadway

Between 1927 and 1928 (The year before the Between 1927 and 1928 (The year before the Stock Market Crash) there were a record 264 Stock Market Crash) there were a record 264 productions on Broadwayproductions on Broadway

Between 1930-1931 (the first year of the Great Between 1930-1931 (the first year of the Great Depression) there were 187.Depression) there were 187.

During the Depression there were 5,000 Equity During the Depression there were 5,000 Equity Actors and 20,000 theater artists looking for workActors and 20,000 theater artists looking for work

So Who are we going to be talking So Who are we going to be talking about?about?

Cole Porter - Songwriter/LyricistCole Porter - Songwriter/Lyricist Ethel Merman - Actress PerformerEthel Merman - Actress Performer George Gershwin - Composer, SongwriterGeorge Gershwin - Composer, Songwriter Busby Berkeley – Director/ChoreographerBusby Berkeley – Director/Choreographer Gene Kelley – Actor, Dancer, SingerGene Kelley – Actor, Dancer, Singer Shirley Temple – Child StarShirley Temple – Child Star Al Jolson - Blackface Actor and ComedianAl Jolson - Blackface Actor and Comedian Billie Burke – Glinda, 2Billie Burke – Glinda, 2ndnd wife of Florenz Ziegfeld wife of Florenz Ziegfeld Bert Lahr – Cowardly LionBert Lahr – Cowardly Lion Jack Haley – Tin ManJack Haley – Tin Man Ray Bolger – ScarecrowRay Bolger – Scarecrow Judy Garland - DorothyJudy Garland - Dorothy

What are we going to be talking What are we going to be talking about?!about?!

The competition to Broadway, aka HollywoodThe competition to Broadway, aka Hollywood

The positive and negative effects of Hollywood on The positive and negative effects of Hollywood on various Vaudeville/Broadway entertainersvarious Vaudeville/Broadway entertainers

Influence of technology on the entertainment Influence of technology on the entertainment industryindustry

Movie clips from Movie clips from The Jazz SingerThe Jazz Singer to to The Wizard of The Wizard of OzOz

The Jazz SingerThe Jazz Singer Featuring Al Jolson and released in 1927Featuring Al Jolson and released in 1927

Won an oscar for being the first “talkie” picture which revolutionized the industryWon an oscar for being the first “talkie” picture which revolutionized the industry

Produced by Warner Bros. studios and premiered at the Warner Theatre in New York on Produced by Warner Bros. studios and premiered at the Warner Theatre in New York on BroadwayBroadway

Irving Berlin’s song “Blue Skies” premiered by Jolson on ScreenIrving Berlin’s song “Blue Skies” premiered by Jolson on Screen

Cost $422,000 to make and grossed $2.6 millionCost $422,000 to make and grossed $2.6 million

A decent profit for the day considering that most theatres were not wired to use A decent profit for the day considering that most theatres were not wired to use VitaphoneVitaphone

Vitaphone - The technology that was used to synchronize sound and dialogue to movies Vitaphone - The technology that was used to synchronize sound and dialogue to movies

Blue SkiesBlue Skies

Toot, Toot, TootsieToot, Toot, Tootsie

Watch performanceWatch performance

Al JolsonAl Jolson

Born in Lithuania in 1883 Born in Lithuania in 1883 True name: Asa YoelsonTrue name: Asa Yoelson Started on vaudeville and known for his blackface Started on vaudeville and known for his blackface

routinesroutines Became “The World’s Greatest Entertainer”Became “The World’s Greatest Entertainer” Huge Ego!Huge Ego! Starred in Starred in The Jazz SingerThe Jazz Singer which launched him to which launched him to

super-stardomsuper-stardom Dies in 1950, his life rode the success and death Dies in 1950, his life rode the success and death

of Vaudeville and the golden age of Hollywoodof Vaudeville and the golden age of Hollywood

The CrashThe Crash

Remember the Stats? 20,000 Broadway entertainers out Remember the Stats? 20,000 Broadway entertainers out of work?of work?

People were desperate for work and traveled to places that People were desperate for work and traveled to places that could offer them jobscould offer them jobs

With the rise of Hollywood, movies provided the demand With the rise of Hollywood, movies provided the demand for the best Broadway talent. for the best Broadway talent.

Due to increases in technology the film industry was able to Due to increases in technology the film industry was able to create higher profit margins thus could afford to pay for the create higher profit margins thus could afford to pay for the best talent from Broadwaybest talent from Broadway

Broadway and HollywoodBroadway and Hollywood

Pass out pg. 132-134Pass out pg. 132-134

Pros to going to Hollywood?Pros to going to Hollywood?

Producers offering $$$$$$$$$$$$$...$$$Producers offering $$$$$$$$$$$$$...$$$ Weather verrrrryy nice!Weather verrrrryy nice! :o) temps are nice:o) temps are nice Job MarketJob Market Sound movies revolutionizing industrySound movies revolutionizing industry

Cons to going to Hollywood?Cons to going to Hollywood?

Nothing is promisedNothing is promised Hard to get out there due to DepressionHard to get out there due to Depression Limited creative freedom of writers and Limited creative freedom of writers and

songwriterssongwriters Limitation of camerasLimitation of cameras

Does/Did Broadway need Hollywood Does/Did Broadway need Hollywood or does/did Hollywood need or does/did Hollywood need

Broadway?Broadway?

Busby BerkeleyBusby Berkeley Born in Los Angeles to a family of performer’s in 1895Born in Los Angeles to a family of performer’s in 1895

Mother was a stage actressMother was a stage actress

Served in the military during World War I where it is thought his choreographic inspiration Served in the military during World War I where it is thought his choreographic inspiration came fromcame from

After WWI he was a dance choreographer for Broadway including After WWI he was a dance choreographer for Broadway including A Connecticut YankeeA Connecticut Yankee

Worked for MGM, Universal, Warner Bros., and 20Worked for MGM, Universal, Warner Bros., and 20thth Century Fox Century Fox

His style was in complex geometric shapes and over-the-top photographyHis style was in complex geometric shapes and over-the-top photography

His films were known to start on a stage but through camera manipulation seemed to His films were known to start on a stage but through camera manipulation seemed to expand beyond what the camera could showexpand beyond what the camera could show

Was one of the first directors/choreographers to show the “Magic” of moviesWas one of the first directors/choreographers to show the “Magic” of movies

Married six times but lived to the ripe ole’ age of 80Married six times but lived to the ripe ole’ age of 80

Busby in Action!Busby in Action!

Clip Clip By a WaterfallBy a Waterfall

Cole PorterCole Porter Filthy-Rich or “Rich-Rich” as he liked to sayFilthy-Rich or “Rich-Rich” as he liked to say

Born into a rich family in Peru, Indiana and given a considerable inheritance though often Born into a rich family in Peru, Indiana and given a considerable inheritance though often endangered this financial stability by defying his parents and grandparents by pursuing a endangered this financial stability by defying his parents and grandparents by pursuing a musical educationmusical education

Attended Yale and wrote the school fight song while thereAttended Yale and wrote the school fight song while there

After a brief stint writing for Broadway went to France where he served in the Foreign After a brief stint writing for Broadway went to France where he served in the Foreign LegionLegion

He wrote a lot of French songs while there and also met Linda Lee Thomas, considered He wrote a lot of French songs while there and also met Linda Lee Thomas, considered to be the most beautiful women in Europe.to be the most beautiful women in Europe.

They marry but the unusual thing is that they were both homosexuals.They marry but the unusual thing is that they were both homosexuals.

Though deeply in love Linda overlooked the affairs as long as the men in Cole’s life were Though deeply in love Linda overlooked the affairs as long as the men in Cole’s life were “well-mannered.”“well-mannered.”

I. Berlin Brings Cole BackI. Berlin Brings Cole Back

Porter and Thomas lived a lavish life in EuropePorter and Thomas lived a lavish life in Europe

Irving Berlin needed Cole Porter though because Berlin Irving Berlin needed Cole Porter though because Berlin wanted to marry Ellin Mackay. Her father disapproving of wanted to marry Ellin Mackay. Her father disapproving of Berlin used to date Linda Lee Thomas (now Linda Porter). Berlin used to date Linda Lee Thomas (now Linda Porter).

Linda Porter got Mr. Mackay to agree to Berlin marrying Linda Porter got Mr. Mackay to agree to Berlin marrying his daughterhis daughter

Berlin than recommends Porter to write the latest Berlin than recommends Porter to write the latest Broadway musicalBroadway musical Paris Paris and it immediately is succesful and it immediately is succesful

Porter and SexPorter and Sex

Porter makes Sex safe for 1930s BroadwayPorter makes Sex safe for 1930s Broadway

Though subtlety was not his thing, he wrote Though subtlety was not his thing, he wrote songs titled: “songs titled: “Let’s Do It,” “Love for Sale” Let’s Do It,” “Love for Sale” “Gay Divorce,” “Gay Divorce,” and one of his biggest hits and one of his biggest hits ““Anything Goes”Anything Goes”

PorterPorter

To Sum up he is the most successful To Sum up he is the most successful composer-lyricist of the of the 1930s!composer-lyricist of the of the 1930s!

““You’re the Top”You’re the Top”

Track by Cole PorterTrack by Cole Porter

We’re off to see the Wizard!We’re off to see the Wizard!

Background InfoBackground Info

The Wonderful Wizard of OzThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz was a book written by L. was a book written by L. Frank Baum written in 1899 and released in 1900.Frank Baum written in 1899 and released in 1900.

It was adapted into a stage musical between 1902 and It was adapted into a stage musical between 1902 and 1903 and was performed in the Grand Opera House of 1903 and was performed in the Grand Opera House of Chicago and the Majestic Theatre in New York. (Yes Chicago and the Majestic Theatre in New York. (Yes musical’s existed prior to Ziegfeld)musical’s existed prior to Ziegfeld)

What is currently playing at the Majestic and has been What is currently playing at the Majestic and has been since 1988?since 1988?

PlotPlot

You guys tell me!You guys tell me!

CharactersCharacters

Kansas Role Oz Role(s) Actor/Actress

Hunk Scarecrow Ray Bolger

Hickory Tin Man Jack Haley

Zeke Cowardly Lion Bert Lahr

Miss Almira GulchWicked Witch of the

WestMargaret Hamilton

Professor Marvel

Emerald City Doorman/Cabbie/Th

e Wizard's Guard/The Wizard

of Oz

Frank Morgan

AwardsAwards

Ranked in the 10 best movies of all timeRanked in the 10 best movies of all time The most watched film in historyThe most watched film in history

Only three oscars in 1939Only three oscars in 1939– Best Score and Best Song “Over the Rainbow”Best Score and Best Song “Over the Rainbow”

– Best Juvenille Actor Award to Judy Garland, the only Best Juvenille Actor Award to Judy Garland, the only one of her careerone of her career

– The competition was stiff though....The competition was stiff though....Gone With the Wind Gone With the Wind also was released in 1939also was released in 1939

Special Effects for 1939Special Effects for 1939 Technicolor!! – The original story had Dorothy wearing silver slippers but Ruby Red Technicolor!! – The original story had Dorothy wearing silver slippers but Ruby Red

translated better to Technicolortranslated better to Technicolor

Technicolor also required a lot of LIGHTS!! The Set regularly rose to over 100 Technicolor also required a lot of LIGHTS!! The Set regularly rose to over 100 degrees....no AC!degrees....no AC!

Costuming and sets were nearly unbelievable for the time and a pain for the actorsCostuming and sets were nearly unbelievable for the time and a pain for the actors

Jack Haley received an eye infection from his make-up and was toxic if ingestedJack Haley received an eye infection from his make-up and was toxic if ingested

The cast was often told they could not eat in make-up though they would be in make-up The cast was often told they could not eat in make-up though they would be in make-up from 5am to 8pmfrom 5am to 8pm

Margaret Hamilton had a liquid diet because she could not eat in make-up due toxic Margaret Hamilton had a liquid diet because she could not eat in make-up due toxic consequencesconsequences

It took 12 months to teach Toto how to run along side the charactersIt took 12 months to teach Toto how to run along side the characters

Fire on set....Margaret Hamilton suffered severe burns in an accidental malfunction of a Fire on set....Margaret Hamilton suffered severe burns in an accidental malfunction of a trap door in her 2trap door in her 2ndnd take on the Escape from Munchkinland take on the Escape from Munchkinland

Casting IssuesCasting Issues

Buddy Ebsen was severely hospitalized in an iron lung due Buddy Ebsen was severely hospitalized in an iron lung due to the Tin Man make-up. He was re-cast by Jack Haley. to the Tin Man make-up. He was re-cast by Jack Haley. Its okay, he later went on to play Jed Clampett on Its okay, he later went on to play Jed Clampett on The The Beverly HillbilliesBeverly Hillbillies

W.C. Fields was originally cast as the Wizard but was later W.C. Fields was originally cast as the Wizard but was later recast due to his inability to negotiate a contractrecast due to his inability to negotiate a contract

Gale Sondergaard was originally cast as the Wicked Witch Gale Sondergaard was originally cast as the Wicked Witch but turned down the part three days prior to shooting due but turned down the part three days prior to shooting due to the role changing from a sly and beautiful witch to one to the role changing from a sly and beautiful witch to one more indicative of The Wicked Witch from more indicative of The Wicked Witch from Snow White. Snow White. Margaret Hamilton was then given the roleMargaret Hamilton was then given the role

Judy GarlandJudy Garland Born Frances Ethel Gumm in Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 1922Born Frances Ethel Gumm in Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 1922

Her parents were vaudeville theater owners and managed the act entitled the “Gumm Sisters” later Her parents were vaudeville theater owners and managed the act entitled the “Gumm Sisters” later changed to the “Garland Sisters” through 1935 on vaudeville and the screenchanged to the “Garland Sisters” through 1935 on vaudeville and the screen

Judy was signed to MGM studios at the age of 13. At this point she was considered too old to be a Judy was signed to MGM studios at the age of 13. At this point she was considered too old to be a child star and too young to be a leading ladychild star and too young to be a leading lady

Very self-conscious about her appearance as she went to school with Ava Gardner, Lana Turner, Very self-conscious about her appearance as she went to school with Ava Gardner, Lana Turner, and Elizabeth Taylor...beauties of the age.and Elizabeth Taylor...beauties of the age.

She was referred to be MGM executives as their “little hunchback.”She was referred to be MGM executives as their “little hunchback.”

To keep up with the frantic pace of Hollywood young stars like Garland were given amphetamines To keep up with the frantic pace of Hollywood young stars like Garland were given amphetamines and barbiturates before bed...this later led to addictionand barbiturates before bed...this later led to addiction

She was cast in the Wizard of Oz at the age of 16 beating out Shirley Temple for the role as 20She was cast in the Wizard of Oz at the age of 16 beating out Shirley Temple for the role as 20 thth Century Fox was unwilling to loan Temple to MGMCentury Fox was unwilling to loan Temple to MGM

Remember the costuming issues....well they had to make her look younger and had her wear corsets Remember the costuming issues....well they had to make her look younger and had her wear corsets and fabrics that would hide her curves.and fabrics that would hide her curves.

Later CareerLater Career Between 1940-1947 Garland appeared in eight more movies making the transition from Between 1940-1947 Garland appeared in eight more movies making the transition from

child star to film actresschild star to film actress

Following her time with MGM she later went on to be a major recording artist, touring Following her time with MGM she later went on to be a major recording artist, touring singer, and even had a TV series.singer, and even had a TV series.

Throughout this time she constantly wrestled with drug addiction and unhappy marriagesThroughout this time she constantly wrestled with drug addiction and unhappy marriages

Garland died in 1969 at the age of 47 from an accidental drug overdose though she was Garland died in 1969 at the age of 47 from an accidental drug overdose though she was also suffering from cirrhosis of the liver at the timealso suffering from cirrhosis of the liver at the time

She had appeared in over 41 movies, 7 television series, and 16 concertsShe had appeared in over 41 movies, 7 television series, and 16 concerts

Her daughter, Liza Minnelli (64), gives the Garland family the distinction as the only film Her daughter, Liza Minnelli (64), gives the Garland family the distinction as the only film family to have all won academy awards. Her father won for best director (Gigi), her family to have all won academy awards. Her father won for best director (Gigi), her mother for best juvenile actress (Wizard of Oz), Liza won for best actress (Cabaret).mother for best juvenile actress (Wizard of Oz), Liza won for best actress (Cabaret).

Ray Bolger (Scarecrow/Hunk)Ray Bolger (Scarecrow/Hunk)

Born in 1904 in Dorchester, MassachusettsBorn in 1904 in Dorchester, Massachusetts

In this suburb of Boston he was inspired by In this suburb of Boston he was inspired by the many Vaudeville shows he saw and the many Vaudeville shows he saw and became a vaudeville entertainerbecame a vaudeville entertainer

Mr. Riley grew up only an hour a way from Mr. Riley grew up only an hour a way from where he was born.where he was born.

CareerCareer Signed by MGM in 1936 from Vaudeville and Broadway. He was Signed by MGM in 1936 from Vaudeville and Broadway. He was

definitely a triple threat due to his ability to sing, act, and dance.definitely a triple threat due to his ability to sing, act, and dance.

Appeared in 3 other movies prior to the Wizard of Oz including the first Appeared in 3 other movies prior to the Wizard of Oz including the first MGM movie in technicolor (MGM movie in technicolor (Sweethearts)Sweethearts) with future Oz co-star Frank with future Oz co-star Frank Morgan – Professor Marvel/Wizard of OzMorgan – Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz

Contract with MGM lasted until 1946 in which he then signed with RKO Contract with MGM lasted until 1946 in which he then signed with RKO productions where he had a long and fairly successful television career productions where he had a long and fairly successful television career as a guest star and also Broadway entertainer where he won a Tony as a guest star and also Broadway entertainer where he won a Tony for Best Leading Actor in the musical for Best Leading Actor in the musical Where’s Charlie?Where’s Charlie?

Stayed great friends with Margaret Hamilton and even gave the eulogy Stayed great friends with Margaret Hamilton and even gave the eulogy at her funeralat her funeral

Margaret HamiltonMargaret Hamilton

Born in 1902 in Cleveland, OhioBorn in 1902 in Cleveland, Ohio

She was drawn to acting at a very early ageShe was drawn to acting at a very early age

Became a teacher first but soon turned exclusively to Became a teacher first but soon turned exclusively to actingacting

Always had a life-long love for childrenAlways had a life-long love for children

Her appearance was in stark contrast to the typical Her appearance was in stark contrast to the typical Hollywood glamour girlHollywood glamour girl

CareerCareer

She never signed herself to any one studioShe never signed herself to any one studio

She charged $1000 a week for her servicesShe charged $1000 a week for her services

She worked as much as possible to support her She worked as much as possible to support her and her one sonand her one son

Prior to Prior to The Wizard of OzThe Wizard of Oz she was cast primarily she was cast primarily as a plain character actress who would be more of as a plain character actress who would be more of the intolerant grandmother character on screenthe intolerant grandmother character on screen

Wicked WitchWicked Witch

Producers actually cut some of the scenes from the movie Producers actually cut some of the scenes from the movie as they were deemed too wicked for children to seeas they were deemed too wicked for children to see

Hamilton often worried about her part and the effect it had Hamilton often worried about her part and the effect it had on children...after all she loves childrenon children...after all she loves children

Appeared on episodes of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood after Appeared on episodes of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood after filming to speak with children about how make-up defines filming to speak with children about how make-up defines the witch and that isn’t who she really was.the witch and that isn’t who she really was.

Later CareerLater Career Had 39 principal stage roles in theater including Showboat (1966 Lincoln Had 39 principal stage roles in theater including Showboat (1966 Lincoln

Center Revival) and Oklahoma!Center Revival) and Oklahoma!

Produced 3 stage productionsProduced 3 stage productions

Appeared in 3 major tours including “Annie Get Your Gun”Appeared in 3 major tours including “Annie Get Your Gun”

Had consistent TV appearances after Oz from Had consistent TV appearances after Oz from What’s My Line?What’s My Line? to to The The Addams’ Family, Addams’ Family, to to As the World TurnsAs the World Turns..

Spokeswoman for Maxwell House CoffeeSpokeswoman for Maxwell House Coffee

Served on the Beverly Hills Board of EducationServed on the Beverly Hills Board of Education

Passed away of a heart attack in 1985Passed away of a heart attack in 1985

Oz Through the AgesOz Through the Ages

The Wizard of Oz has been a timeless story that has The Wizard of Oz has been a timeless story that has effected all generations of stage and screen throughout the effected all generations of stage and screen throughout the last century.last century.

Recently Oz has come back to Broadway in the form of a Recently Oz has come back to Broadway in the form of a spin-off story/prologue of L. Frank Baum’s book.spin-off story/prologue of L. Frank Baum’s book.

Wicked: The Life and Times of The Wicked Witch of the Wicked: The Life and Times of The Wicked Witch of the WestWest by Greogory Maguire has become one of the best by Greogory Maguire has become one of the best known book musicals of the 21known book musicals of the 21stst century and has brought century and has brought the land of Oz back to the stage via the land of Oz back to the stage via WickedWicked for a new for a new generation to appreciate!generation to appreciate!

WickedWicked

Music and Lyrics: Stephen SchwartzMusic and Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz Book/Libretto: Winnie HolzmanBook/Libretto: Winnie Holzman Basis: Gregory Maguire’s NovelBasis: Gregory Maguire’s Novel Currently the 18Currently the 18thth longest running musical in longest running musical in

BroadwayBroadway Nominated for 10 Tony’s and won three in Nominated for 10 Tony’s and won three in

2004 for Best Actress, Scenic Design, 2004 for Best Actress, Scenic Design, Costume DesignCostume Design

Synopsis: Courtesy WikipediaSynopsis: Courtesy Wikipedia

WickedWicked explores the concept that the Wicked Witch explores the concept that the Wicked Witch of the West, here known as of the West, here known as ElphabaElphaba, was a , was a misunderstood, victimized person whose behavior misunderstood, victimized person whose behavior was merely a reaction against a charlatan wizard's was merely a reaction against a charlatan wizard's corrupt government. It also shows her relationship corrupt government. It also shows her relationship with the beautiful and ambitious with the beautiful and ambitious GalindaGalinda Upland Upland, , who ultimately becomes Glinda the who ultimately becomes Glinda the Good Witch of the NorthGood Witch of the North. Through the show, their . Through the show, their friendship struggles to endure extreme personality friendship struggles to endure extreme personality conflicts, opposing viewpoints, rivalry over the same conflicts, opposing viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, and Elphaba's eventual fall from grace.love-interest, and Elphaba's eventual fall from grace.

Music: Defying GravityMusic: Defying Gravity

In In WickedWicked, the song is the finale for the show's first act, , the song is the finale for the show's first act, when Elphaba discovers that The Wizard of Oz is not the when Elphaba discovers that The Wizard of Oz is not the heroic figure she had originally believed him to be. heroic figure she had originally believed him to be. Realizing this, and despite Glinda's attempts to dissuade Realizing this, and despite Glinda's attempts to dissuade her, Elphaba vows to do everything in her power to fight her, Elphaba vows to do everything in her power to fight the Wizard and his sinister plans against the Animals of the Wizard and his sinister plans against the Animals of Oz. She sings of how she wants to live without limits, going Oz. She sings of how she wants to live without limits, going against the rules that others have set for her. During the against the rules that others have set for her. During the song, Elphaba enchants a broomstick to levitate and, song, Elphaba enchants a broomstick to levitate and, pursued by the Wizard's guards, rises from the stage pursued by the Wizard's guards, rises from the stage above the angered citizens of Oz, who try in vain to "bring above the angered citizens of Oz, who try in vain to "bring her down."her down."

Where are we going from here?!Where are we going from here?! Not too far quite honestlyNot too far quite honestly

However the glory days of Hollywood are coming to an end and the However the glory days of Hollywood are coming to an end and the nation’s economy are starting to turn for the better again.nation’s economy are starting to turn for the better again.

The time period now is 1940 through 1960The time period now is 1940 through 1960

WWII is about to break out and American sentiment is going to return WWII is about to break out and American sentiment is going to return to New York City and bring about the 2nd Golden Age of Broadwayto New York City and bring about the 2nd Golden Age of Broadway

Musicals to be discussed will include:Musicals to be discussed will include:

- Oklahoma! The Music Man, West Side Story- Oklahoma! The Music Man, West Side Story