Open Forum

 View Only
  • 1.  Sondheim Project

    Posted 11-30-2021 12:53
    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.



    ------------------------------
    Ken Buswell
    Drama Teacher
    Peachtree City, GA
    http://mcintoshtheater.org/

    Theater kills ignorance
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Sondheim Project

    Posted 12-01-2021 14:38
    This looks really cool!  Thanks for sharing

    ------------------------------
    Karin Neal
    Theatre Director
    Trinity Catholic High School
    KS
    ------------------------------