Pick a show to watch then write your Critique
- Format: Double-spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, 1200+ words; using college-level writing skills at all times.
- You can rearrange the form here, as long as all points are covered fully.
- This paper is a critique IN YOUR OWN ORIGINAL WORDS of your experience, the theatrical elements involved, and what those elements communicate to you as an audience member and scholar.
Be sure to give reasons, details, and descriptions to support your opinions.
Spelling and grammar do count.
Remember that play, book, and song titles should be either italicized or underlined (do NOT put ” ” around major titles).
NOTES: See Critique FormLinks to an external site. and Sample Critique Download Sample Critique for an example and the outline for what is required for this assignment. [Attached to this order is the Critique Form and an example of a Critique]
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Full Length Shows for Critiques:
Click title to open and stream in a new window
42nd StreetLinks to an external site. – Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_oplxpwmd
Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes gets her big break on Broadway.Directors: Mark Bramble, Ross MacGibbon Writer: Mark Bramble Stars: Philip Bertioli, Billie-Kay, Emma Caffrey
Allegiance (2016) – MusicalLinks to an external site.
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_2qqinzyf
Allegiance is a musical with music and lyrics by Jay Kuo and a book by Marc Acito, Kuo and Lorenzo Thione. The story, set during the Japanese American internment of World War II (with a framing story set in the present day), was inspired by the personal experiences of George Takei, who stars in the musical with Lea Salonga. It follows the Kimura family in the years following the attack on Pearl Harbor, as they are forced to leave their farm in Salinas, California and are sent to the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in the rural plains of Wyoming. The musical began development in 2008 and premiered in September 2012 in San Diego, California. It played on Broadway from October 2015 to February 2016.
Amadeus (National Theatre Live)Links to an external site. – Non-Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_b9k2opqs
Vienna: the music capital of the world. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a rowdy young prodigy, arrives determined to make a splash. Awestruck by his genius, court composer Antonio Salieri has the power to promote his talent or destroy it. Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music and, ultimately, with God.
Angels in America—Part 1 Millennium ApproachesLinks to an external site. – Non-Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_b6dx99g2
National Theatre Live: Angels in America Part One – Millennium Approaches (original title) 3h 40min | Drama | 20 July 2017 (UK) The National Theatre’s live theatrical production of Tony Kushner’s play ‘Angels in America’ about New Yorkers grappling with the AIDS crisis during the mid-1980s.
Angels in America—Part II PerestroikaLinks to an external site. – Non-Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_yacvnool
America in the mid-1980s. In the midst of the AIDS crisis and a conservative Reagan administration, New Yorkers grapple with life and death, love and sex, heaven and hell. Indeed Part Two is subtitled Perestroika with a certain reverence for its chief architect Gorbachov in evidence. One of the lead characters (a gay nurse, Belize) former lover of both Prior (Garfield) and Luois (McArdle) and an ex drag queen is black and proud of it.
Billy Elliot the Musical – MusicalLinks to an external site.
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_7iviaj7i
Billy Elliot: The Musical is a musical based on the 2000 film of the same name. The music is by Elton John, and the book and lyrics are by Lee Hall, who wrote the film’s screenplay. The plot revolves around Billy, a motherless British boy who begins taking ballet lessons. The story of his personal struggle and fulfillment are balanced against a counter-story of family and community strife caused by the 1984–85 UK miners’ strike in County Durham, in North East England.
Come From AwayLinks to an external site.
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Come+From+Away/1_kmbvfdyd
Come from Away is a 2021 American-Canadian musical filmLinks to an external site. comprising a live stage recording of Irene SankoffLinks to an external site. and David HeinLinks to an external site.‘s 2017 musical of the same nameLinks to an external site., which tells the true story of 7,000 airline passengers who were stranded in a small town in NewfoundlandLinks to an external site., where they were housed and welcomed, after the 9/11 terrorist attacksLinks to an external site..
Company 2011Links to an external site. – Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_pfw1xv6m
Following five couples and their friend Robert (Neil Patrick Harris), the perpetual bachelor, Company explores the true meaning of being in a relationship through a series of vignettes. Winner of the 1971 Tony Award for Best Musical, Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother, Rent) led an all-star cast in a sold-out event at the New York Philharmonic. A series of vignettes about five couples and their friend, a perpetual bachelor, examines what it means to be in a relationship.
Driving Miss DaisyLinks to an external site. – Non-Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_dvglbrbx
Driving Miss Daisy is a filmed performance of the 2013 Australian theatrical production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Alfred Uhry starring Angela Lansbury, James Earl Jones and Boyd Gaines which was produced as a 2014 film by Broadway Near You (United States) in association with Umbrella Entertainment (Australia). Miss Daisy Werthan (Angela Lansbury) is a widowed, 72-year-old Jewish woman living in mid-century Atlanta who is deemed too old to drive by her son Boolie (Boyd Gaines). He then hires Hoke, an African-American man (James Earl Jones) to serve as her chauffeur, and what begins as a troubled and hostile pairing soon blossoms into a profound, life-altering friendship that transcends all the societal boundaries placed between them.
FalsettosLinks to an external site. – Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_7z2p5rd1
Falsettos is a musical with a book by William Finn and James Lapine, and music and lyrics by Finn. The musical consists of March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland, the last two installments in one trio of one-act Off-Broadway musicals (the first was In Trousers). The story involves Marvin, his ex-wife Trina, his psychiatrist Mendel, his son Jason, his lover Whizzer Brown, and his neighbors Cordelia and Dr. Charlotte. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1992 and was nominated for seven Tony Awards, of which it won Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. It was revived on Broadway in 2016, and the revival performance was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical.
Frankenstein (2011) National Theatre Live –Links to an external site. Non-Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_j7qi7z86
Frankenstein is a stage adaptation by Nick Dear of the novel of the same name. Its world premiere was at the Royal National Theatre on 5 February 2011, where it officially opened on 22 February. This production was directed by Danny Boyle with a cast including Benedict Cumberbatch (Creature) and Jonny Lee Miller Victor).
Fun Home – 2017 – MusicalLinks to an external site.
Hailed as one of Broadway’s most original musicals and the winner of 5 Tony Awards,Fun Home is a groundbreaking story inspired by Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir. In this intimate musical, Alison sets out to unravel the many mysteries of her childhood through a series of memories and conversations – from her coming out to her moving journey to acceptance. Gary Griffin (Hand to God, Never the Sinner) directs this emotionally charged family drama that The New York Times calls “extraordinary,” and “a rare beauty.”
Heroes of the Fourth Turning (2020)Links to an external site.
Heroes of the Fourth Turning. By Will Arbery, directed by Blanka Zizka. Filmed in 2020 at the Wilma Theatre, Heroes of the Fourth Turning is a 2019 play by Will Arbery. It focuses on a group of young Catholic intellectuals who reunited at their college in Wyoming. It premiered off-Broadway. It was received positively by both theatrical critics and conservative media and was a finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in drama. Four Catholic conservative friends gather at a late-night backyard party in Wyoming, shortly before the 2017 eclipse. As they wait for the arrival of their mentor and newly appointed college president, secret passions and fears surface, revealing their troubled place in a divided country.
The Importance of Being Earnest (2011) – Non-MusicalLinks to an external site.
The Importance of Being Earnest is a filmed version of the 2011 Broadway revival production of Oscar Wilde’s 1895 play of the same name. The film is directed by and stars Brian Bedford. The 2011 Broadway revival of Earnest opened on January 13, 2011, at the Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre. The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People is a play by Oscar Wilde. First performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James’s Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personae to escape burdensome social obligations. Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London, the play’s major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage and the resulting satire of Victorian ways. Some contemporary reviews praised the play’s humor and the culmination of Wilde’s artistic career, while others were cautious about its lack of social messages. Its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make The Importance of Being Earnest Wilde’s most enduringly popular play.
Into the Woods (1991)Links to an external site. – Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_52hs24qc
In this Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim, several fairy tale characters learn the hard way that the ‘Happily Ever After’ they sought isn’t necessarily so happy after all. Director: James Lapine Writer: James Lapine (book)Stars: Bernadette Peters, Joanna Gleason, Chip Zien
Jesus Christ Superstar Live Arena Tour 2012Links to an external site. – Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_lsyzkv5j
This theatrical release offers a striking performance of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar, recorded during the show’s Live Arena Tour of the UK in 2012 Genres Musical Drama Religious Performance Cast Tim Minchin Melanie Chisholm Chris Moyles Ben Forster Alexander Hanson Director Laurence Connor Nick Morris Writer Tim Rice Andrew Lloyd Webber Producer Brett Sullivan Dione Orrom
Kiss Me Kate (2003)Links to an external site. – Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_p82dzsuz
A live performance of the 1999 revival, taped in London in the theatre in which it was staged, and in front of a live audience. Director: Chris Hunt Writers: Sam Spewack, Bella Spewack (book) | 2 more credits »Stars: Brent Barrett, Rachel York, Nancy Kathryn Anderson
Long Day’s Journey Into Night (2014) – Non MusicalLinks to an external site.
With Laurie Metcalf, Kyle Soller, and David Suchet. Long Day’s Journey into NightLinks to an external site. focuses on one day in the life of the Tyrone family. Their youngest son Edmund is ill, and the family is worried about mother Mary’s nerves.
Memphis the MusicalLinks to an external site.
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_yy6lw9pm
Memphis: Direct from Broadway is a film of the original Broadway production of the musical Memphis as captured live in performance on Broadway. The show was captured at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre in New York City utilizing multiple high definition cameras and 96 tracks of sound recording.
Merry WivesLinks to an external site.
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/t/1_w5o947c7
Recorded at The Public Theater’s beloved Free Shakespeare in the Park, Great Performances presents playwright Jocelyn Bioh’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedic spinoff “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” Directed by The Public’s Associate Artistic Director and Resident Director Saheem Ali, the production is set in South Harlem where immigrants of the West African diaspora are living side-by-side with their African American neighbors. A New York story about tricks of the heart, featuring the Bard’s most beloved comedic characters, this farce tells the story of the charlatan Falstaff and the wily wives who outwit him in a celebration of Black joy, laughter, and vitality. Stars Jacob Ming-Trent as Falstaff, Pascale Armand as Madam Ekua Page and Susan Kelechi Watson as Madam Nkechi Ford.
Newsies The Broadway MusicalLinks to an external site.
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_5dz7hls7
Newsboys go on strike in 1899 New York in this stage performance of the musical `Newsies’, filmed at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.Initial release: February 16, 2017Director: Brett Sullivan Music composed by: Alan Menken Costume design: Jess Goldstein Producers: Thomas Schumacher, Naomi Stevens, Paul Morphos, Anne Quart
Present Laughter (2017) –Links to an external site. Non-Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_85sw57cm
Present Laughter (2017) A self-obsessed actor in the midst of a mid-life crisis juggles a fawning ingenue, a crazed playwright, his ex-wife, and the personal lives of his friends.Director: David Horn Writer: Noël Coward
Pippin (His Life and Times) (1981Links to an external site.) – Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/Pippin%20(His%20Life%20and%20Times)%201981/1_wvpb820c
At the goading of the ominous and omnipresent Leading Player, Pippin, the eldest son of King Charlemagne, samples life’s pleasures to discover his place in the world and the meaning of his life.Director: David SheehanStars: Ben Vereen, William Katt,
Ruthless The Musical (2019)Links to an external site.
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_4c82sdnk
An insanely talented 8-year old kills a classmate to get the lead role in a school musical. A cross between THE BAD SEED and GYPSY with ALL ABOUT EVE tossed into the second act. Filmed live on stage before a small audience. Director: Richard Fitch IV Writer: Joel Paley II Stars: Tracie Bennett, Lara Denning, Lori Haley Fox
Sweeney ToddLinks to an external site. – Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_1lhup91h
Sweeney Todd (George Hearn) returns to London to uncover the past, along the way meeting Mrs. Nellie Lovett (Dame Angela Lansbury), and begins to start his life of crime. Directors: Terry Hughes, Harold Prince Writers: Hugh Wheeler (book), Christopher Bond (based upon the play by)Stars: Angela Lansbury, George Hearn
Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes 2021 – Non MusicalLinks to an external site.
Award-winning Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch has set the international theatre scene alight with her fiery wit and incisive ability to tackle complex subjects with humour and intelligence. In this Australian premiere production, Dan Spielman (Photograph 51) and Izabella Yena (Home, I’m Darling) embody Moscovitch’s whipsmart #MeToo-era take on the archetypal student–teacher romance. Jon is a prize-winning novelist who wants more out of life. His third marriage is going about as well as his first two, and he’s stuck at university teaching creative writing to lazy undergraduates. He’s a good teacher, but believes there’s really only one student worth his time. Annie is clever, imaginative, and a huge fan of Jon’s work. One afternoon, Jon catches himself admiring Annie in her red coat, and very soon it feels like their affair was destined from the start. But when the embers have cooled and the affair is over, who will control their narrative. Helmed by MTC Associate Director Petra Kalive (Hungry Ghosts), this captivating drama is a timely exploration of power, truth and desire.
The King and I – 2018Links to an external site. – Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_r5hcs2dw
Set in 1860s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna, a British school teacher whom the King brings to teach his many wives and children. Director: Gary Halvorson Writer: Oscar Hammerstein II (book)Stars: Kelli O’Hara, Ken Watanabe, Ruthie Ann Miles
Twelfth Night (2013) – Non-MusicalLinks to an external site.
Filled with a cast of unforgettable characters, Twelfth Night combines cruelty with high comedy and the pangs of unrequited love with some of the subtlest poetry and most exquisite songs Shakespeare ever wrote. The Globe’s award-winning Twelfth Night with an all-male Original Practices production, exploring clothing, music, dance, and settings possible in the Globe of around 1601.
The Man Who Came to Dinner (2000) –Links to an external site. Non-Musical
https://palmbeachstate-elearning.mediaspace.kaltura.com/media/1_kr6klk9d
An eccentric, cantankerous theatre critic gets stranded at the home of a Midwestern factory owner and turns the lives of everyone in the vicinity upside-down.Directors: Jay Sandrich, Judy Kinberg – credit »Writers: Moss Hart (play), George S. Kaufman (play) | 1 more credit »Stars: Nathan Lane, Jean Smart, Harriet Sansom Harris