The Evolution of Musical Theatre: Analyzing and Admiring the Works of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim
Abstract
Radical innovations in musical theatre are underappreciated. In order to support this concept, the thesis will look at the works of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. These composers’ and lyricists’ works are long lasting because of their unique features and the way they depict love. To articulate these ideas I will analyze Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, and Sweeney Todd. This thesis will examine how love is displayed in musicals, and how it has changed in its expression due to these composers’ and lyricists’ themes and innovations.
The Evolution of Musical Theatre: Analyzing and Admiring the Works of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim
Radical innovations in musical theatre are underappreciated. In order to support this concept, the thesis will look at the works of Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. These composers’ and lyricists’ works are long lasting because of their unique features and the way they depict love. To articulate these ideas I will analyze Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, and Sweeney Todd. This thesis will examine how love is displayed in musicals, and how it has changed in its expression due to these composers’ and lyricists’ themes and innovations.