Musical Theatre and Sexuality

Musical Theatre constantly touches upon the idea of sexuality. In this post, I will take you on a "timeline" of musical theatre and how it has explicitly referenced and involved sexuality through its generations.

The first musical ever was called "The Black Crook" (1866).  This show was a book musical (or a musical that has a full story line with songs integrated into the plotline.) One song in particular, "You Naughty, Naughty Men" reflects sexuality and gender roles of the era.

"We've no wish to distress you, we would sooner far caress you,
And when kind we'll say, oh, bless you, oh! you naughty, dear, delightful men."
http://pdmusic.org/1800s/66ynnm.txt

In the 1890's, a new era of musical theatre began. "A Trip to Chinatown" was the first ever musical comedy (featuring songs like "Bowery" and "Push Dem Clouds Away").  Even in the 1890's, sexuality was present in the songs. Here is an except from "Bowery" about the nightlife of New York,

"The Bow'ry, the Bow'ry! They say such things, And they do strange things"

With the arrival of WWI, another generation of musical theatre began. "The Merry Widow" is an operetta centered around the psychological battle of a widow as she finds new love. This piece defines gender stereotypes of the time and reflects feminine sexuality.

Musicals became even more popular in the roaring twenties. A show called "Oklahoma" took the scene. Here the west was represented passionately and comically. "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top" helped to define the conservative sexuality of the time.

With the end of the great depression, an explosion of musicals rocketed around the country. Famous titles like: "Anything Goes" "West Side Story" and "Sweeney Todd" became popular. In "West Side Story", a great deal of emphasis focuses on sexuality.  The central plot revolves around two lovers separated by a family feud and how their hate killed love.

From here, musical theatre was revolutionized by Rodgers and Hammerstien.  Together they wrote, “The King and I”, “South Pacific”, “Carousel” and much more.  These are often still performed in high schools today.  “South Pacific” was particularly radical with it’s musical number “Honey Bun”.  Two characters cross-dressed and danced for a group of military soldiers.

In the 1950’s, musicals dived even deeper into sexuality.  “Gypsy” premiered and expressed the wild spirit of vagabonds and thieves.

With the 1960’s, theatre once again morphed into an even different creation.  Shows like “Hello Dolly”, “Cabaret”, and “Hair” took the scene.  “Hair” represent the hippie movement and it is full of a diversity of sexuality.

In the 1970’s, theatre became even more radical and sexual.  “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Godspell”, and “The Rocky Horror Show” immerged.

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s theatre began to partner with iconic pop artists of the time to produce upbeat feel good shows like “The Lion King”.  Also in this era, “Rent” began to rock throughout America.  “Rent” expresses a very diverse range of sexualities and passions from bisexuality to homosexuality and everything in between.

This brings us to the modern scene.  Theatre is just as radical today (if not more) than it was in its early years.  Shows like “Spring Awakening”, “The Producers” and “Urinetown” are trying to break convention and draw attention to themselves through controversy.

-Written by Michael Herman