🎭Musical Theater Performance Unit 12 – Contemporary Musical Theater: 1970-Now

Historical Context and Trends

• Reflects social and political changes of the late 20th and early 21st centuries (civil rights movement, women's liberation, LGBTQ+ rights)
• Increased diversity in storytelling and representation on stage
• Rise of rock musicals and pop-influenced scores (Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent)
• Resurgence of movie musicals and adaptations (The Lion King, Hairspray)
• Globalization of musical theater with international productions and collaborations
• Emphasis on spectacle and high-budget productions (The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked)
• Growing interest in smaller, more intimate musicals focusing on character development (The Last Five Years, Fun Home)

Key Composers and Shows

• Stephen Sondheim: Company (1970), Sweeney Todd (1979), Into the Woods (1987)
  • Known for complex lyrics, intricate melodies, and exploring darker themes
• Andrew Lloyd Webber: Jesus Christ Superstar (1970), Evita (1978), The Phantom of the Opera (1986)
  • Popularized the concept of the "mega-musical" with grandiose productions and sweeping scores
• Jonathan Larson: Rent (1996)
  • Brought a contemporary, rock-influenced sound to Broadway and tackled social issues
• Lin-Manuel Miranda: In the Heights (2008), Hamilton (2015)
  • Incorporated hip-hop and diverse casting, revolutionizing the genre
• Other notable composers: Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast), Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home)

Stylistic Evolution

• Incorporation of various musical genres (rock, pop, hip-hop, folk)
• Increased use of through-composed scores and non-linear storytelling
• Blurring of lines between musical theater and opera (Sweeney Todd, The Light in the Piazza)
• Emphasis on realism and naturalistic acting styles
• Exploration of unconventional song structures and forms
• Integration of dance and movement as storytelling devices (A Chorus Line, Contact)
• Influence of international styles and world music (The Lion King, Fela!)

Technological Advancements

• Improved sound systems and microphone technology for clearer vocals
• Computerized lighting and special effects enhance spectacle (The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked)
  • Moving lights, projections, and video screens create immersive environments
• Automated set pieces and stage machinery allow for quick scene changes and elaborate designs
• Digital orchestrations and virtual instruments supplement live musicians
• Use of social media and online platforms for marketing and audience engagement
• Streaming services and filmed productions make musicals more accessible

Thematic Shifts

• Exploration of social and political issues (Rent, Hair, Ragtime)
  • Addressing topics such as AIDS, racism, and economic inequality
• Increased representation of diverse identities and experiences (The Color Purple, Fun Home, Kinky Boots)
• Subversion of traditional gender roles and norms (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, La Cage aux Folles)
• Examination of mental health and psychological struggles (Next to Normal, Dear Evan Hansen)
• Adaptations of popular films, books, and historical events (The Lion King, Les Misérables, Hamilton)
• Emphasis on personal growth, self-discovery, and the human condition (Pippin, A Chorus Line)

Performance Techniques

• Method acting and emotional realism in character portrayal
• Belting and pop-influenced vocal styles alongside traditional musical theater singing
• Incorporation of contemporary dance styles (hip-hop, jazz, modern)
• Increased physical demands and acrobatics in choreography
• Use of microphones and sound amplification for vocal projection
• Emphasis on acting through song and conveying authentic emotions
• Collaboration between actors, directors, and creative teams to develop nuanced performances

Notable Performers and Roles

• Patti LuPone: Eva Perón in Evita (1979), Rose in Gypsy (2008)
• Bernadette Peters: Dot/Marie in Sunday in the Park with George (1984), The Witch in Into the Woods (1987)
• Idina Menzel: Maureen in Rent (1996), Elphaba in Wicked (2003)
• Lin-Manuel Miranda: Usnavi in In the Heights (2008), Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton (2015)
• Audra McDonald: Ragtime (1998), Porgy and Bess (2012), Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (2014)
• Ben Platt: Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen (2016)
• Other notable performers: Lea Salonga, Kristin Chenoweth, Nathan Lane, Sutton Foster

Impact and Legacy

• Expanded the boundaries of musical theater in terms of subject matter and storytelling
• Paved the way for greater diversity and representation on stage
• Influenced popular culture and mainstream music (songs from Rent, Wicked, Hamilton)
• Inspired new generations of composers, performers, and theater-makers
• Contributed to the economic growth and tourism of cities with thriving theater districts (Broadway, West End)
• Preserved and reinvented classic musicals through revivals and adaptations
• Continued to evolve and push artistic boundaries, ensuring the vitality of the genre