Broadway Melody

Question 1

What actions are used in the beginning?

Answer 1

• ensemble reflecting people in the streets on New York/broadway.
• Don performs exaggerated walking actions along a moving track, with elaborate large movements to gain attention.
• Knocking on doors, high energy tap steps in order to impress

Question 2

What actions are used for jazz?

Answer 2

• ensemble perform MT/jazz - jazz hands, shoulder shrugs, Charleston forward/back kicks, shakes.
• Cyclical structure - this section and beginning are repeated

Question 3

What actions are used in tap solo?

Answer 3

• tap steps, pirouettes, ronde jambe, transference of weight, barrel rolls to floor, knee slide pausing he comes across Cyd Charrise

Question 4

What actions are performed in the duet?

Answer 4

• sedcutive, gestural, pedestrian, contact
• supportive lifts and holds, hip and shoulder shakes
• leg extensions moving around Don
• twist in canon in time with the trumpet sound
• action reaction - hat falling of Dons head, hips, seductive nature
• coin tossing from gangsters

Question 5

How is the space used?

Answer 5

1. space once again is hugely manipulated
2. linear pathways to show walking along street
3. circular pathways used in duet with Cyd (to show snakey/manipulative)
4. faces the camera to regain attention but majority of the number is multi-directional
5. incredibly large, elaborate space which is filled by both Don alone and all the ensemble
6. large size of movement to start which then slowly reduces
7. multi levels used
8. busby Berkley patterns used (above angle shots)
9. Don is often centre

Question 6

What dynamics are used?

Answer 6

• rapid
• strong
• sharp
• energetic
• strong
• contrasted with - sustained and slow

Question 7

What relationships are used?

Answer 7

1. interaction with pedestrians at the start
2. handshake with agent
3. ensemble use mirroring, call and response (Don performs, ensemble respond)
4. counterpoint - Don dancing something different to ensemble
5. main relationship is with Cyd during duet - contact work heavy
6. Cyd leads with hips - Fosse esc movement
7. Action reaction
8. Ballroom partnering in ‘party scene’ by ensemble

Question 8

What’s the aural setting?

Answer 8

1. ‘Gotta dance’ - sung by the chorus and repeated by Don
2. Musical interlude for Dons solo - full orchestra, energetic building to a climax for when he meets Cyd. Direct correlation of movement to music
3. tapping of feet
4. slower, smooth jazz music for duet - sultry, seductive with saxophone highlighting when Cyd is flirting with Don
5. Piano keys played when she shakes her shoulders
6. composed of “The Broadway Melody” from The Broadway vMelody (1929), and “Broadway Rhythm” from Broadway Melody of 1936.

Question 9

What’s the lighting/set?

Answer 9

1. theatrical lighting to represent being inside a jazz club - dimmed and smokey
2. lights painted onto the backdrop adding a dream - like quality to the number
3. white spotlight/wash centre stage to highlight Don
4. lighting brightens when at the party
5. cabaret tables and chairs, tables cloths, painted on door and pipes
6. red/orange coloured set design - passion or a warning

Question 10

What are the costume/props?

Answer 10

1. Don - grey smart trousers, white rolled sleeved shirt with green stripes and red tie. Yellow waistcoat and brown shoes
2. At the start Don is also wearing glasses with a think black frame, pink jacket with blue checks, and a boater hat with red rim
3. Cyd Charisse - green flapper style dress typical of 1920/30s with large tassels, matching green shoes. Piece wrapped around her arm and neck, heavily sequined/rhinestoned
4. black bob wig
5. cigarette, diamond bracelet, large earrings