American Musical Theater
- Course Description and Requirements
- In-class Video Guide Questions
- My Fair Lady Test Information
- Musical Theater VOCAB
- Types of Musicals
- HOME WORK
- Grade 7 Exploring Music Information
- Grade 6 Exploring Music Information
Course Description and Requirements
American Musical Theater
A section of General Music at Madison Middle School, Trumbull, CT
Grade 8
Welcome to American Musical Theater. If you like music and drama and if you
enjoy watching musicals and learning about them, then this is the place for
you! I am hoping that you will find this class to be a great part of your
day, which you look forward to and that you will use your class time to
better understand the history and information about American Musical Theater
and certain musicals in particular.
What you will need for each and every class:
� Three ring binder or section in a three ring binder
� Pen and pencil
� Loose leaf paper
� All hand-outs as you get them (do not misplace.)
� Assignments as required (see below)
� Your brain and a sense of humor
Classroom behavior expectations:
Please refer to the music contract.
Assignments
Assignments are expected to be done in class or at home when required. Most
work will be done in class with ample time allowed for completion.
Assignments will be kept to a minimum and therefore are expected to be
completed and handed in on time. Work not completed in class becomes
homework. This is up to you. Assignments include note taking as well as test
review work and presentation preparation. Tests are 75% written and 25%
presentation. Presentations will be result in better grades if worked on
outside of class as well as in class.
Grading
Your grade will be based on the following:
� All written work including notes and vocabulary lists.
� In-class participation in discussions, including active and engaged
dialog and attentive listening and viewing of presentations. Please note:
inappropriate behavior will cause lack of attention and result in lowering
your grade.
� Tests and Quizzes on information learned in previous classes and two
presentations
� Extra credit assignment: The Friday and Sunday edition of the local
newspapers have a section on Arts. Find an article on a Broadway related
topic. Read the article and type a brief summary. Staple them together with
your name on all papers and bring to class for presentation, discussion and
grade. *Note � at times this will be a required assignment, but can always
be
done for extra credit as well.
In-class Video Guide Questions
Questions for INTO THE WOODS can be found in the
DOCUMENTS TO DOWNLOAD
page.
MY FAIR LADY
1. What event are the people leaving at the story begins?
2. What purpose does the rain shower serve?
3. Why does the flower girl protest, �I am a good girl, I am !�
4. The note taker is assumed to be of what profession? What actually is his
profession?
5. What does the note taker say about a "woman who utters such depressing
and disgusting sounds"?
6. The note taker brags about what he could do for the flower girl within
six
months. What does he claim?
7. What do Higgins and Pickering have in common?
8. In a well-written musical play, the lyrics in the songs take the place
of dialogue and serve to move along the plot, develop the themes and/or
better develop the characters. Why does Higgins sing, � Why can�t the
___________________ teach their ________________ how to
___________________ ?�
9. Eliza sings a song when she is back near Covent Gardens that night. She
sings, �All I want is a ___________________ somewhere/ Far away from the
___________________ night air with one ______________________ chair, now
wouldn�t it be ____________________________ ? What does this indicate about
her?
10.. When Higgins recognizes the flower girl at his house the next day, what
is his reaction?
11. What does Eliza Doolittle want?
THE BET AND THE FULFILLMENT
12. Even after he agrees to teach her, what is Higgins' attitude towards
Eliza?
13. Describe Mrs. Pearce's role.
14. Eliza determines to leave rather than to be further insulted. How does
Higgins persuade her to stay?
15. What is the point of the bath scene?
16. Mrs. Pearce makes some suggestions to Higgins. What are they?
17. Why is Alfred Doolittle looking for his daughter? Does he see her
often? How do you know?
18. Alfred Doolittle sings a song that reveals his character. He
sings, �with a __________________ bit of luck, you�ll ______________
amok.�
What does this line and the entire song
indicate?
19. Why does Alfred Doolittle come to see Professor Higgins?
20. Doolittle says, "I'm undeserving, and I mean to go on being
undeserving." Why does he not want to better himself?
21. Why does Doolittle want only five pounds instead of the ten he is
offered?
A few months later�����..
22. How does the �rain on the plain� scene mark a turning point in the
play?
23. When Henry playfully dances with Eliza in the study, how does the
balance of the play change?
24. Why does Eliza later tell Mrs. Pearce that she could have �danced
all night� ?
25. Eliza�s manner of speaking is changing, but what about her self-
identity and values is also changing?
26. Where does Henry Higgins decide to take Eliza to test her skills?
27. What do you notice about the clothes of all the race watchers?
What
might this communicate about their individuality?
28. Does Eliza �look the part� that day? How?
29. Influenza, aunts, people being �done in� and yelling about Dover ---
how does Eliza�s behavior and conversation cause an uproar? How is the use
of
slang a violation of social conventions?
30. Henry�s mother, though kind, needs to explain something to Henry
about Eliza at this stage. What does she say?
31. Who is Freddy Eynsford Hill? Do you recognize him?
Several more months pass��.
32. Higgins, Pickering, and Eliza dress in evening clothes for a big
event. What is the event?
33. How is this evening another test? For whom?
34. Who is Nepommuck? Does Henry Higgins like him?
35. Is Eliza successful at the ambassador�s reception? What rumors
circulate about her?
36. What is society�s definition of a �lady��from the perspective of the
people at the reception.
37. After arriving home from an exciting evening of dancing, Eliza does
NOT
say she could have �danced all night.�
How has the evening been a difficult one for her?
ELIZA�S INDEPENDENCE
38. Why does Eliza throw Higgins' slippers at him?
39. What is Higgins' advice to Eliza when he realizes she is upset (although
he cannot understand why she is upset)? The major conflict in the play is
now out in the open. Explain.
40. Why does Eliza wish Higgins had left her where he had found her?
41. Who is waiting for Eliza when she leaves the Wimpole Street residence
in the middle of the night? Why is this
person outside?
42. Why does Eliza tell Freddy, "Don't you call me Miss Doolittle . . .
Eliza is good enough for me."
43. Later, she vehemently sings to Freddy, � If you�re in love�show me !�
Is she really singing to Freddy or someone else? Why is she upset?
44. Eliza has a taxi take her somewhere. Where does she return? Does she
belong there anymore?
45. Eliza meets her dad at Covent Gardens . How has Alfred changed?
46. How has Alfred been ruined by Henry?
47. Alfred is on his way somewhere and sings a song about it, �Pull out
the _________________________/ Let�s have a ___________________________/ But
get me to the ___________________________ on time !� What does the song
tell us about Alfred now?
48. What does Henry Higgins tell Pickering to do since Eliza is missing?
49. Higgins says, "She behaved in the most outrageous way. I never gave her
the slightest provocation." Is he lying or
not?
50. Who is able to give the police the description of Eliza�s hair and
eyes? Why?
51. What is ironic about Henry Higgins singing, � women are irrational,
calculating, infuriating�� ?
52. Eliza seeks refuge at Mrs. Higgins� house. Why is that the only
place she has left to go?
53. To whom does Eliza believe helped her to become a lady?
54. When Eliza tells Henry that he only wants her back to fetch his
slippers, how does Henry respond?
55. After Eliza tells Henry that he can listen to her voice on the
gramophone if he misses her, he replies to himself, �But I can�t
_______________ your ________________ on.� What does this reveal about
Henry Higgens?
56. Eliza asks why she should return. Henry tells her what?
57 Who does Eliza declare she will marry?
58. Eliza threatens to make money by working for whom?
59. Eliza then sings to Henry, �You are not the beginning or the
______________________ . There�ll be ___________________ without you.�
What
opinion is she convincing herself of?
60. On his way home, Henry is clearly conflicted. He switches between two
songs. One laments, �I�ve gone accustomed to your
__________________________,� and the other exclaims, �I�ll never
____________________ her back.� What is confusing Henry Higgins?
61 After entering his house, where does Henry go? What does he do there?
62 Who quietly appears in the hallway?
63 How do you characterize the relationship between Henry Higgins and
Eliza at this point in time?
****Discussion Questions over the Entire Play****
64. I recently asked you to explain a story that made you, the
reader/audience, feel both �pleasure and disquietude.� How does the ending
of the play offer you the same two emotions? Why?
65.. How are Pickering and Higgins foils for each other?
66. What are the major themes of the play?
67. The study guide is separated into 3 parts. What does Eliza achieve
at each stage?
68. How do Henry Higgins and Alfred Doolittle get educated during the
play?
69. In Shaw�s ending of the play, Eliza marries Freddy and works in a
flower shop to support them. They remain friends with Henry Higgins and
Pickering. Why do you think Shaw chose to deviate from the Pygmalion myth�s
ending in his original?
70. Has Higgins learned something new when he says to Eliza, "I can�t
turn your soul on.� What will he miss about not having her at his house?
71. What does this play suggest as possible results of education? Do
teachers and students alike need to be concerned about those results?
72. What does the play suggest about the differences between social
classes? What does it suggest about marriage and family?
My Fair Lady Test Information
My Fair Lady Test
Written 75%
Study all video questions/answers and review the characteristics of the
leading and secondary characters in the play.
Presentation 25%
PRESENTATION
Directions
You will be presenting a scene/song from the musical
Decide on your partner (and any extras you might need)
All roles can be played by boys or girls.
Choose a scene/song from the play from the list provided to you.
Rehearse your script with the following in mind.
You will be graded on:
� Lines were said in an acting way, not just read or spoken, must be
similar to the character portrayed
� Lines were said in projected voice, loud enough to be heard
� A connection must be made with your audience with eye contact
� The scene must show that it was obviously practiced (outside of
class
would help)
� The students in the scene must stay in character
� Students must use creativity with their voice, extras, props,
gestures, facial expressions
Each group will be given a group grade that in combination with their
individual written test score will be the total test grade.
My Fair Lady Scene Options
1. The scene between Henry and Eliza where she throws the slippers.
2. The scene where Henry and Pickering realizes that Eliza left.
3. The scene where Eliza first comes to Henry�s house
4. Any of the songs from the musical (list in your packet)
Musical Theater VOCAB
1. lyrics � words of a song
2. lyricist � the person who composes the words for a song
3. recitative � a speech like song, conversational
4. libretto � the text of a show
5. librettist � person who write the text of a show
6. underscoring � music heard under dialog or action
7. producer- supervises the financing and business aspects of a show
8. director � stages a production, has overall responsibility of the
finished product.
9. choreographer � stages all the dances in the show, and movement
related action.
10. composer � writes the music of a show
11. satire � a work that holds up human vices and follies to scorn and
ridicule through the use of irony and sarcasm.
12. Marquee � a permanent canopy, usually of metal or glass, over and
entrance to a theater upon which advertisements for the show are placed.
(sign)
Types of Musicals
1. Mega Musical
2. Book Musical
3. Revue
4. Musical Comedy
5. Operetta
6. Fully integrated musical
7. Rock Musical
8. Concept Musical
HOME WORK
Name ____________________ Day __ Per. __ GR. ___
Research and name the show and composer(s) of the songs listed.
1. Oklahoma!
2. There�s no Business like Show Business
3. Some Enchanted Evening
4. I Could Have Danced All Night
5. People
6. Unexpected Song
7. Razzle Dazzle
8. Almost like Being in Love
9. I Dreamed a Dream
10. For Good
Grade 7 Exploring Music Information
Crchestra assignment:
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/takomaparkms/academics/cs/grade8projects/le
a
rnaboutmusic/sections.html
http://campus.bloomfield.edu/cat/worldmusic/images/orchestr.jpg
http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/thesoundexchange/the_orchestra/sections/find_ou
t
_where_the_sections_sit_.html
http://www.csphilharmonic.org/images/orch-diagram.gif
Exploring Music
A section of General Music at Madison Middle School, Trumbull, CT
Grade 7
Welcome to Exploring Music. If you like music and want to learn more about
it, then this is the place for you! I am hoping that you will find this
class
to be a great part of your day, which you look forward to and that you will
use your class time to better understand the history and information about
aspects of music and certain great composers in particular.
What you will need for each and every class:
� Three ring binder or section in a three ring binder
� Pen and pencil
� Loose leaf paper
� All hand-outs as you get them (do not misplace.)
� Assignments as required (see below)
� Your brain and a sense of humor
Classroom behavior expectations:
Please refer to the music contract.
Assignments
Assignments are expected to be done in class or at home when required. Most
work will be done in class with ample time allowed for completion.
Assignments will be kept to a minimum and therefore are expected to be
completed and handed in on time. Work not completed in class becomes
homework. This is up to you.
Grading
Your grade will be based on the following:
� All written work including notes, workbook pages etc�
� In-class participation in discussions, including active and engaged
dialog and attentive listening and viewing of presentations. Please note:
inappropriate behavior will cause lack of attention and result in lowering
your grade.
� Tests and Quizzes on information learned in previous classes
� Extra credit assignment: The Friday and Sunday edition of the local
newspapers have a section on Arts. Find an article on a music related topic.
Read the article and type a brief summary. Staple them together with your
name on all papers and bring to class for presentation, discussion and
grade.
*Note � at times this will be a required assignment, but can always be done
for extra credit as well.
Grade 6 Exploring Music Information
Exploring Music
A section of General Music at Madison Middle School, Trumbull, CT
Grade 6
Welcome to Exploring Music. If you like music and want to learn more about
it, then this is the place for you! I am hoping that you will find this
class
to be a great part of your day, which you look forward to and that you will
use your class time to better understand the history and information about
basic aspects of music.
What you will need for each and every class:
� The workbook given to you (replacement cost $6.50)
� Three ring binder or section in a three ring binder
� Pen and pencil
� Loose leaf paper
� All hand-outs as you get them (do not misplace.)
� Assignments as required (see below)
� Your brain and a sense of humor
Classroom behavior expectations:
Please refer to the music contract.
Assignments
Assignments are expected to be done in class or at home when required. Most
work will be done in class with ample time allowed for completion.
Assignments will be kept to a minimum and therefore are expected to be
completed and handed in on time. Work not completed in class becomes
homework. This is up to you.
Grading
Your grade will be based on the following:
� All written work including notes, workbook pages etc�
� In-class participation in discussions, including active and engaged
dialog and attentive listening and viewing of presentations. Please note:
inappropriate behavior will cause lack of attention and result in lowering
your grade.
� Tests and Quizzes on information learned in previous classes
� Extra credit assignment: The Friday and Sunday edition of the local
newspapers have a section on Arts. Find an article on a music related topic.
Read the article and type a brief summary. Staple them together with your
name on all papers and bring to class for presentation, discussion and
grade.
*Note � at times this will be a required assignment, but can always be done
for extra credit as well.