THEA 363/MUSC 373 – WILEY

FORMAT FOR MOVIE MUSICAL THEATRE CRITIQUE

Going To the Theatre

1. List the title of the musical you watched, and the date and circumstances (watched it by yourself, with your mom, etc)

2. Describe the opening credits and music that are noticeable before the action of the musical begins.

3. Describe how these first impressions combined to shape your expectations.

What Was It About

1. What was the musical about? What were the writer/composer/lyricist(s) of the show trying to communicate to the audience?

2. Describe how the meaning of the show was communicated to you – through dialogue, music, lyrics, dance, actions, symbols, spectacle or a combination? Be specific.

3. Which character changed the most and how did they change?

4. Did you identify most with one of the characters? If so, describe character you identified with and why.

Style

1. How would you describe the overall tone or mood of the show? Did that tone change during the show? If so, how?

2. In your own words (instead of prescribed terminology), describe the style of the music, dance, acting and design aspects. Did all of these aspects work together, or did they seem incongruous? Please explain.

3. Were the actors believable, given the requirements of the play? If they were believable, how did they seem to accomplish this? If they were not believable, what occurred to impair or destroy believability?

4. The director unifies a production and frequently provides an interpretation of the text. Did there seem to be a unifying idea behind the production? If so, how would you express it?

Design Aspects

1. What information did the scenery convey about time, place, characters, and situation? Give examples. Was it realistic or nonrealistic or somewhere in between? Detailed or minimal?

2. Address these same questions with regard to lighting, sound and costumes.

3. Did the design aspects seem appropriate to the production? Why or why not?

Assessing the Performance

1. How did this musical translate to the screen? Was it effective in this medium? Why or why not?

2. After watching the movie version, are you interested in seeing the musical done on stage? Why or why not?

Overall Experience

1. How did your experience compare to your expectations?

2. Did the experience leave a lasting impression? In what way?

3. Did the experience alter your opinions or expectations about musicals? Why or why not?

Note: All written assignments are to be typed and double spaced, using a standard font (not to exceed 12) and 1” margins. Spelling and grammar are evaluated, as well as content. If you are concerned about these assignments, please do not hesitate to seek assistance from the Writing Room.

Include the signed honor code pledge at the end of the critique. The last class day is deadline for all critiques.