AHSU+MUSICAL+THEATRE+ASSIGNMENT+6


 * ASSIGNMENT 6 **

Producing a Broadway Show is a double-edged sword. The expenses and time spent producing a show can go two ways: extreme success with profits or ultimate failure. To produce a show requires a kind of determination and luck. The formula to a successful musical can be deduced from the textbook, YouTube examples, and the video “Show Business.”

The text, __A Creative Spirit__, defines musical theatre as a “form that presented the popular dancing and singing in a dramatic plot with characters who played out a complete story” (349). The first notable Broadway show produced was //Oklahoma!//. Prior productions used dance as a break in the action, to showcase the individual actors’ skills, and help further the development of the characters and ideas. De Mille, the choreographer for //Oklahoma!// invented the method of incorporating dance to support the plot itself instead of providing breaks. Later, //A Chorus Line//, removed the chorus by making all the roles singing and dancing characters. These two elements have become defining factors in Broadway today. The text also reveals that an ingredient to a successful show is the use of popular music of the period. Many successful shows have been produced with catchy tunes that reflect the period in which they were produced. The use of Hip Hop, Rap, Pop, and many other genres have all contributed to some success of a show.

The Youtube videos and “Show Business” document what takes place in making a show and the thoughts of the people who created a successful piece. A good musical seems to appeal to the audiences’ ideals and how the audience can connect to the musical. For example, //The West Side Story// reveals troubles within America and the American Dream. The audience targeted in this production is undoubtedly Americans.

But, a certain degree of success can also be contributed to how original and the production is in the industry. The commercial success of //Wicked// stems from both the connection to the audience being based off a well-known story, __The Wizard of Oz,__ and the twist: the plot is based on the perspective of the wicked witch of the west. In addition, the successful show, //Avenue Q// throws in puppets as well as comedy into the mix.

Finally, using well-known actors and celebrities also aids in the success of a Broadway show. For Example, the use of Hugh Jackman in //Oklahoma!// may have contributed to some of its commercial success. If a well-known celebrity is given the opportunity to showcase his/her ability, the audience cannot help but be intrigued.

The success of a musical theatre show is unpredictable and will always be a gamble. There are some factors that can contribute to a show’s success, but they do not guarantee it. Appealing to the public’s ideas, bringing new and unusual ideas, or utilizing well known celebrities will help, but ultimately there is no sure way to measure the audience’s mood and interests.