West Side Story, filmed in 1961, was one of the most ground-breaking works not only in terms of subject and genre, but also in terms of the boundaries it broke with its musical scores and choreography. Indeed, the film's dance sequences often form part of its plot. Its musical scores depict the deep distrust and underlying violence in the uneasy truces between the street gangs whose members form the basic plot background of the film. What is most interesting is that the film not only broke the romantic plot norm with its "Romeo and Juliet" story, it also broke some norms in the minds and physical exertions of its dancers. One example of such norm defiance is "Cool," one of the songs just before full violence broke out between the gangs and the final tragedy of its outcome. The first and most important pioneering element of the dance sequences in the film is the "dance-fight" sequences, in which both fights and other everyday movements are portrayed by dance. In "Cool," dance is used as a pre-violence way to blow off some of the frustrations that have built up between...
What is interesting is that not only the movements, but the words and rhythm of the song itself interact with its main theme, which is to cool down and to let go of immediate urges to fight and destroy at random, but rather to focus the pent up anger towards a common and focused goal. Indeed, this is a break from the norm that is the case throughout the film. Both the dance and song sequences follow plot lines based upon a deep sense of discontent, unhappiness, and ultimate violence. At the time, this represented a break from the upbeat norm that was generally the trend among popular musicals.
Musical Theatre Film and the Choreographed Dance Sequence Entertainment based on film has been paramount in this country since the beginning of the motion picture in the early 20th century. The movie-going experience spread throughout the world in a few quick years, and was enhanced subsequently by technological developments. Today, movies range from action to musicals to drama and animations. One type of movie mentioned above, the musical, however involves not only
Technology in Musicals Musical theatre has existed in some form for centuries. Theatre is an art form that allows many emotions to be expressed through acting and music. While talented performers are most responsible for being characters to life and performing the music contained in the production, musical theatre also relies on other factors to guarantee the success of a musical. These factors are inclusive of ambience (i.e. The way that
Musicals Since the dawn of the classical Broadway musicals like Oklahoma! And My Fair Lady, musicals have captivated audiences in America and worldwide. The power of the musical cannot be underestimated. As Chapter 13 points out, musicals have their roots far back before New York City or Broadway. China has a long tradition of opera, in which dramas are set alongside poignant musical numbers. European operatic traditions are also the forebears
Michael Bennet-What makes him unique Michael Bennett was born in 1943 under the full name of Michael Bennett DiFiglia. He was devoted to the theater and over the course of his life was a dancer, choreographer and director; before succumbing to AIDS complications at 44 years old. His unique style was his legacy to Broadway -- particularly regarding Musical Theater. Musical theater has a rich and storied history; dating back centuries. First
Jerome Robbins: Something to Dance About Judy Kinberg's 2009 motion picture Jerome Robbins: Something to Dance About provides a view into the life of a person who played a significant role in the twentieth century's art movement. Jerome Robbins used his mastery to make Broadway musicals much more intriguing and choreographed some of the world's greatest ballet dancers. The film uses a great deal of resources with the purpose of providing
Singer, Barry. "In Yiddish Music, a Return to Roots of Torment and Joy." New York Times (August 16, 1998): 32. In this article, Barry Singer notes the changes Yiddish music underwent as Jews emigrated from Europe to America, and compares the evolving nature of Yiddish folk songs during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to more recent developments in Yiddish music. This article is useful because it allows one to trace an unbroken
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