American Musical: the Process of Formation and Issue of Genre Creation

Abstract

Purpose of Article. The aim of the study is to give reasons for the American musical's process of formation as a special variety of show forms, the historical aspect of this form, the definition of genre signs of musical and their features. Methodology. Research methodology consists in applying analytical, functional, comparative and art studying, systematic research methods of the American musical's role in stage art, the study of these show forms origins and their importance in modern theatre. Scentific novelty. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the assertion that the general trend of theatrical forms since the late 80s of the last century gave reasons for increasing of the theatricality role in the socio-cultural reality. Conclusion. As a result of the research it can be concluded the following: firstly, the Broadway musical with its brilliance, imagination, rhythmic tact became a special commodity, recognized and admired throughout the world, although its forms were borrowed from many sources; secondly, since the late 80s of the last century an idea of a fancy, carnival nature of social life and the means of its reproduction became popular among Western theorists; thirdly, "Black crook" paved the way for musical to the American scene, launching tradition of luxury entertainment spectacles with various stage effects and dance numbers; fourthly – the most attention was paid to the creation of bright numbers in the structure of the musical comedy score, they were inserted on the advice of artists and kept a strong impression on the audience. According to this the role of the composer-songwriter was growing; fifthly, at the beginning of the XIX century the USA became a centre of musical comedies instead of the Old World. Broadway turned to the capital of the world show business, and gradually musical was turning into a leading genre; and finally – the question of the current state of the classic American genre of the musical theatre periodically rises for producers and critics. It causes debates, generates various predictions about the continued existence of traditional Broadway show, including pessimistic ones.