Making report on West Side Story, Show Boat, and Oklahoma.

1 ANSWERS

1. Guest23274281
   

   Hi,

   this is an interesting question, especially since you are asked to discuss the reality in shows by different composers rather than different lyricists/book writers. I find this a little strange, since the reality in a show has much more to do with the words and story than the music. However, given the parameters you were assigned...

   Those are three good choices, each with a different kind of representation of realism.

   Oklahoma shows a somewhat simplistic version of reality - the reality of an historical event as seen through something of a romantic haze - although the harshness of Jud's life, intentions and baser nature bring a stronger element into the show. The difference between the original productions and the latest revival with Hugh Jackson is indicative of the realistic potential within the play (which was glossed over in the original because at the time it was written the audiences wanted light entertainment - musical comedy). Rodgers and Hammerstein's later shows (such as South Pacific or even The Sound of Music) made stronger statements and expressed, perhaps, a greater sense of reality, but the same potential was in Oklahoma. A song from the show which might illustrate this lighthearted approach to reality is Kansas City, which tells of a country boy's first trip to the big city at the time the show takes place.

   Show Boat, music by Jerome Kern, but sharing the incredible social vision and courage of book writer/lyricist Oscar Hammerstein, is an earlier show, but with a tremendously risky (for the times) undercurrent of reality, with regard to the hard facts of interracial relationships and the effects on a family of a man who deserts his family. The colorful lightness of the show has a very strong dark side. Songs that reflect this include Ol' Man River, Bill, After the Ball or Mis'ry Comin' Aroun'.

   West Side Story is another level of reality altogether. Taking Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet and moving it to the tough streets of 1960's New York was a daring move, and one that really brought the story to life for millions who have seen it. With the concept by Jerome Robbins, a beautiful, haunting score by Leonard Bernstein, it is the book by Arthur Laurents and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim that true make the show exceptional. No longer just a romantic tragedy in some distant time and place, it made us see the heart of true tragedy in the bigotry and hatred that walks with us every day. Songs that bring this home are many in the show, including America, Gee, Officer Krupke, The Quintet (Tonight), and A Boy Like That/I Have a Love.

   Interesting subject thanks for making me think. Hope this helps...

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