THEA 112Introduction to Musical Theatre

3 credits · Theatre · Penn State

Beginning with developing an understanding of basic musical theatre terminology, Introduction to Musical Theatre will proceed to examine musical theatre development as it parallels the quixotic historical landscape. The course is designed to allow the general student to experience and understand the art of the musical theatre. The course will begin with an exploration of foundational vocabulary and subsequently move through seven major periods of musical theatre history: Greek Tragedies (BCE-1800), Operetta (1800-1900), Cinderella Musicals (1900-1928), Champagne Musicals (1928-1943), Golden Age Musicals (1943-1966), Concept Musicals (1966-1983), and Pop Musicals (1983-Present). Students will be asked to read a libretto, and listen to the score of, one show from each of these periods to fully understand, and compare, the artistic transitions that epitomized each era. Each of these productions are seminal works in the evolution of the musical: HMS Pinafore, No, No, Nanette, Show Boat, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, Company, A Chorus Line, Rent, and Next to Normal. In addition to the studying of these works, students will be taught, in chronological order, the persons and movements that helped shape the discourse of musical theatre, as well as looking at other shows that fostered dialogues between audiences and artists. While musical theatre is a primarily American art form, the development of musical theatre in other countries will be discussed as students will explore the contributions musical theater made in the countries of Greece, South Africa, Japan, China, England, France, Italy, and parts of Latin America. Each week students will be quizzed on the content they have studied and there will be two midterms and one cumulative final examination.