Episode 136 - America

As the 1950s moved on, new talents were emerging, taking up the challenge laid down by Rodgers and Hammerstein to create integrated musicals featuring real characters dealing with real issues. Among others, Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents, and Stephen Sondheim heard that challenge and rose to meet it, creating something brand new and incredibly challening for 50s Broadway audiences. West Side Story debuted in 1957 (Erik says 1959 a few times in the episode, ignore him), and its 1961 film adaptation cemented its legacy as a classic. So why has it taken this long to get to it? The reasons are complicated. Join us as we discuss them and the 2021 version of "America," All clips are from 2021's motion picture soundtrack of West Side Story featuring Ariana DeBose and David Alvarez and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and commentary. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify! Follow SMSTS on Instagram: @somuchstufftosing Email the show: [email protected] Recommended Reading/Viewing: https://sites.google.com/view/analyzing-vocal-music/posts/leonard-bernstein-america https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/the-divided-states-of-america-why-rita-moreno-objected-to-west-side-storys-original-lyrics/18671/ Ethan Mordden, Anything Goes: A History of American Musical Theater (Mordden's other volumes are also excellent resources for more in-depth discussion) Broadway: The American Musical