NYU/Steinhardt - Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions
Program in Vocal Performance - Spring Semester, 2012

Music Theatre History II: 1930-The Present
E85.1265.001
Time: Friday 9:30-11:35
Office Hours: by appointment

Professor John Kenrick
bwayman08@yahoo.com

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Through lectures, video clips, recordings, and assigned readings, we will trace the evolution of musical theatre in the 20th Century as we discuss book musicals, mega musicals, juke box shows and other trends. Music Theatre History Part II will provide students with:

• A historical prospective on the artistic, cultural and commercial trends that led to the modern American musical.
• An examination of the people and environments that drove these trends and shaped an industry.

EVALUATION CRITERIA
Grading will be based on two written exams (70% of grade) as well as classroom participation (30%). The mid-term and final will be take-home exams.

ATTENDANCE
Class participation is a major component of your final grade, so please attend ALL lectures, and be on time. Make sure you sign the attendance sheet even if you arrive late. If you do not sign the sheet, you may be counted absent. Lectures will include rare video clips that may not be available to you elsewhere. Any unexcused absence will lower your grade one full grade. Unexcused absences include oversleeping, auditions, vacation plans, etc. Excused Absences include medical, family emergency, etc. When possible, send me an email with the appropriate information prior to your absence, and I will let you know if it indeed excused--or not.

PLEASE NOTE: Electronic devices are permitted in class for note taking. Web browsing, emails, texting, phone calls, checking phone messages and any other extraneous use of such devices in class is strictly prohibited, and will result in deductions from your class participation grade for the semester – 10 points per infraction. After a third infraction, further disciplinary action may be taken.

REQUIRED TEXTS
• Musical Theatre: A History, John Kenrick (2008)
• BROADWAY: The American Musical, Maslon / Kantor (2004) 
• On-line text for reference: Musicals101.com

ASSIGNMENTS
Weekly reading assignments are posted on the NYU website, and at www.musicals101.com/nyusem2.htm

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED READING 
Broadway Musicals: Show by Show. Stanley Green
American Musical Theatre: A Chronicle, Gerald Bordman 3rd Edition, 2001


CLASS SCHEDULE 

Week 1 (Jan. 27) The 1930s-Early 1940s: Something is Stirring 

Week 2 (Feb. 3) Rodgers & Hammerstein: Oklahoma & Beyond 

Week 3 (Feb. 10) After R&H: Broadway’s Golden Age

Week 4 (Feb. 17) Anatomy of a Hit: My Fair Lady 

Week 5 (Feb. 24) Career in Profile: Ethel Merman 

Week 6 (Mar. 2) Directors: Abbott, Robbins, Fosse

Week 7 (Mar. 9) More Golden Age Musicals (Midterm due)

Mar. 16 - Spring Break

Week 8 (Mar. 23) 1960s: The Parade Passes By 

Week 9 (Mar. 30) Sondheim & Prince: Worlds to Change 

Week 10 (Apr. 6) 1970s: The Main Stem Becomes a Side Street

Week 11 (Apr. 13) 1980s: Mega Musicals

Week 12 (Apr. 20) 1990s: Who’s the Leader of the Club? 

Week 13 (Apr. 27) Nowadays: Jukebox Jive & Cartoon Candy

Week 14 (May 4) The Future? (Final due)