HSY2245

Another opening, another show: a history of the musical

(ART)

Carol Williams

6 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prohibition: HSY3245

Synopsis: The musical has become today's most popular theatrical genre and is a production that is characteristically sentimental and amusing in nature, with a simple but distinctive plot. It features strongly popular musical numbers, which are essentially reflective in nature, while the dramatic activity is expressed in traditional dialogue. While the form is wholeheartedly popular in both its intent and reception, its parentage may be traced to one of the most elite of high art forms - the opera. Closely allied to the musical is the musical comedy which traces its developmental line through comic opera back to the earliest days of the parent form - the 17th century opera seria.

Assessment: Seminar and electronic participation: 10% + Review of a live performance of a musical (1000 words): 20% + Long essay (2500 words): 40% + Examination (1 hour): 30%