Musicals - Basic History

Question 1

1866 what was the first musical?

Answer 1

The Black Crook

According to some this was the first musical as it had, admittedly by accident, singing, acting and dancing around a very loose story. Dancing girls were a great hit. Ask Stephen for the full story - it is quite naughty.

Question 2

1871-1896 audio

A Topsy Turvy pair? And what did they write?

Answer 2

Gilbert and Sullivan wrote (English) Operettas

Key points: Patter Songs satirical, clever lyrics, operetta musical style(classical), smart comedy.

Question 3

1840’s - 1900

Answer 3

Minstrels Shows

Question 4

Precursors of Musicals

Answer 4

Minstrel Shows, Burlesque, Vaudeville, (Music Hall). Operetta

Question 5

1860-1920

Answer 5

Vaudeville

Question 6

1860-1900

Answer 6

Burlesque

Question 7

1910-1930s

Answer 7

European Operetta

Question 8

1910-1920

Answer 8

The Princess Musicals

Question 9

1920-1940s

Answer 9

Musical Comedy

Question 10

1943

Answer 10

Oklahoma

Question 11

1943-1960

Answer 11

The Golden Age of Musicals

Question 12

1960s

Answer 12

Concept musicals

Question 13

1967-1972 (onwards)

Answer 13

Rock Musicals

Question 14

1980’s

Answer 14

Mega-Musicals

Question 15

1990s

Answer 15

Commercial Musicals

Question 16

1980’s onwards

Answer 16

Off-Broadway musicals

Question 17

1782. Or was this the first musical?

Answer 17

The Beggars Opera. A satire on Italian Opera it demonstrated some fundamentals of the American Musical. Songs reflecting or forwarding the action. Something the American Musical was not going to fully achieve until 1943!