Stephen Sondheim: The Musical Theatre

Musical theatre had not been called "musicals", although there were previous stage entertainments. Before the 20th century there was a reported first musical written entitled The Disappointment was a ballad opera that was taken from rehearsal because it contained

The interconnectedness of these character arcs generates an extremely complex plotline, and for this reason, it makes sense that the conventional Broadway musical writing sequence would perhaps not have been the most effective way to create this story, and this was not an issue the writers and production teams had faced before in the realm of musical theatre. Instead of, tone and theme were fully dictated by the score rather than the text, following the trials and tribulations of several main and supporting characters who come together in a unified narrative. Had the script portion of the libretto been created first, the depth and wit of Loesser’s music and lyrics might have

Stephen Schwartz is a famous American composer, producer, and creator of music and film. With a degree in drama, Schwartz was first hired as a producer in his early years. Schwartz was interested in musical Theater since the early 1970’s when he was famous for three popular shows on Broadway; Godspell, Pippin, and The Magic Show (The Songwriters Hall of Fame). Stephen Schwartz accomplishments include winning the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, obtaining three Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and also being nominated for six Tony Awards. (circletheatre.org). Stephen Schwartz has made an impact on American Musical Theater by influencing Americans by composing famous musicals and earning many awards from which American’s remember him by.

There are many well-known lyricists and composers, but none of them have left a mark on the theatre world like Rodgers and Hammerstein. The duo produced eleven musicals during their partnership and made an extensive change in musical comedy. They set a new standard that are still followed to this day in musical history.

Leonard Bernstein is seen as one of the greatest composers in America. Bernstein composed great music, conducted great music, and also preformed great music as a pianist. Bernstein is probably most known for his film score in the production West Side Story. According to The New York Times, he was "one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history.” Being born and educated in the United States, Bernstein was the first American to obtain worldwide acclaim. He is also cited in the Encyclopedia of World Biography, that “his special gift of bridging the gap between the concert hall and the world of Broadway made him one of the most glamorous musical figures of his day.”

Stephen Schwartz is a famous American composer, producer, and creator of music and film. Stephen Schwartz has been appointed as having one of the most significant careers in American musical theater for over four decades (Laird, 2014). With a degree in drama, Schwartz was first hired as a producer in his early years. Schwartz was interested in musical Theater since the early 1970’s when he was famous for three popular shows on Broadway; Godspell, Pippin, and The Magic Show (The Songwriters Hall of Fame). Stephen Schwartz accomplishments include winning the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics, obtaining three Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and also being nominated for six Tony Awards. (circletheatre.org). Stephen Schwartz has made an impact on American Musical Theater by influencing people from composing famous musicals and earning many awards from which American’s remember him by.

I have chosen to compare performances of two of his most famous works, Fanfare for the Common Man (youtube.com/watch?v=FLMVB0B1_Ts) and Billy the Kid (youtube.com/watch?v=H_mdvy2M13Q). Fanfare for the Comman Man was written in 1942. The song was written for a WWII tribute for the Cinncinatti Symphony Orchestra. Billy the Kid was a ballet commissioned by Lincoln Kirsten. It premiered in 1938 in Chicago by the Ballet Caravan Company. Although the two works may differ they both present the listener with a view of American life.

Fans of musical theatre all around the world most likely know who Stephen Sondheim is. He has written a myriad of musicals, such as “West Side Story”, “Into the Woods”, and “Sweeney Todd”, and these are only his most famous ones. Maybe you know some of them, even if you do not avidly follow theatre.

The History of Broadway Musicals What Is Broadway theater? Most would believe that it refers to the theaters that are located on Broadway street in New York. Surprisingly however, many Broadway theaters have moved to neighboring streets. In modern times, the definition of a Broadway theater actually refers to how many people the theater holds, as well as how much they pay the cast etc. So as a rule, a theater would be considered a Broadway if it seats at least 500 people.

When Bernstein realized the lack of recognition he was receiving, he had his own name removed so that Sondheim’s name would ring as the lyricist for West Side Story - for Bernstein admits to having done less work on the lyrics than Sondheim. West Side Story is a well-known and important play in the theatre world at present, but in the beginning, it did not sit very well with people outside the general theatre-loving district. Until years later and a reduction in prices, the musical received mediocre reviews and did not reach many audiences. Now, West Side Story is viewed as an influential and important play and it has reached many audiences over the years since its production. Its relatable plot line and realistic characters have made West Side Story almost as timeless as Shakespeare’s Romeo and

Stephen Schwartz Stephen Schwartz is changing the world of theatre “Day by Day.” Songwriter Stephen Schwartz started his career by writing music and new lyrics for Godspell. Next he wrote music and lyrics for Pippin and The Magic Show (Giere). Some of his other works include the hit musical Wicked, and the movie Pocahontas. The award winning Stephen Schwartz is like no composer before him.

He was one of the biggest stars and greatest creators in the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals.

A life of fame, luxury, and well known plays. This was unquestionably the life of Arthur Miller, who is one of America’s well known playwrights of the twentieth century. His impact on American theater is still recognized today and will continue to be looked at for years to come. However, Miller will not only be recognized by his plays but by his high profile marriage, his work in politics and the list goes on. Arthur miller is viewed through American literature by his life, literary works, and impact on American theater.

A life of fame, luxury, and well known plays, this was unquestionably the life of Arthur Miller who is one of America’s well known playwrights of the twentieth century. His impact on American theater is still recognized today and will continue to be looked at for years to come. However Miller will not only be recognized by his plays, but by his high profile marriage, his work in politics and the list goes on. Arthur miller is viewed through American literature by his life, literary works, and impact on American theater.

Musical theatre performance, which presents fictional plots and impresses audiences with show-stopping dance and song, unites dramatic works across the globe. American musical theatre, specifically, draws inspiration from European straight plays, burlesques, and operas, while dramatizing American topics. Nineteenth-century musical comedies use entertaining situations, rather than plot, to frame performances involving song, dance, and humor. For example, George M. Cohan’s works, although inspired by European musical theatre, fail to please audiences as its unified music and book neglect the plot. By the twentieth century, however, pioneers such as Oscar Hammerstein II create musical