In light of his death, I adapted a previous musical project to focus on Sondheim. Feel free to use/steal/alter this if you are interested. It should make for a low-key project to end the year on. If we had more time, I might have them act out a scene from their show.
Students are working in pairs and each group chooses one of Sondheim's musicals to research. I eliminated some of his lesser shows, in part because we only needed 13 shows to fit the number of groups. There are two parts - a written paper and slideshow presentation to the class.
West Side Story
Gypsy
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Company
Follies
A Little Night Music
Pacific Overtures
Sweeney Todd
Merrily We Roll Along
Sunday in the Park with George
Into the Woods
Assassins
Passion
For your written paper, you should include the following:
Synopsis – summarizing the plot and themes of the show. 1 to 2 paragraphs
If it is based on a prior work (film, book, play), tell us a little about the work.
Who wrote it: Book, music and lyrics 1para or list
Do any of his co-writers have other important works?
Original Broadway Production 1p or list
Who directed the original Broadway show? Were there any well-known actors in the original cast?
Broadway run 1p or list
When did it open, how long did it run, and did it make money? Did open in London or elsewhere before opening on Broadway?
What did critics say about the show? 1-2p
Awards 1p or list
How many Tony awards was it nominated for, and how many did it win? Was Sondheim nominated for any awards? If so, did he win? Did it win any other awards (Obie, Oliver)?
Why is it important/noteworthy? 1-2p
What did the musical do that was new or different?
This could be the musical's music, themes, staging, effects, structure, or even its popularity and success.
If it is not considered important, why not? Why do people think it did not work?
Has the show had any Broadway revivals? Is it frequently performed by high schools? 1p or list
What are some of the well-known or notable songs from the show? 1p or list
Your presentation to the class should be about 5 minutes. You should include:
Basic info about the show:
Authors
Plot
Broadway opening
Length of run
What is important, noteworthy or interesting about your show?
Parts of a few songs from the show that are well-known or notable.
Pictures from the original Broadway production (or other productions, if there are none from the original)
At least 3 interesting facts about the show that are not included in the rest of the presentation.
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Ken Buswell
Drama Teacher
Peachtree City, GA
http://mcintoshtheater.org/Theater kills ignorance
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