History That Doesn't Suck – Episode 163: The Show (Boat) Must Go On: Broadway and the American Musical

Host: Prof. Greg Jackson
Release Date: August 26, 2024
Podcast Description: History That Doesn't Suck is a bi-weekly podcast that delivers a thoroughly researched and engaging exploration of American history through captivating stories. Follow along on htdspodcast.com or on social media @Historythatdoesntsuck.

Introduction to Showboat’s Premiere

The episode opens on the evening of December 27, 1927, at the iconic Ziegfeld Theater in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Prof. Greg Jackson paints a vivid picture of the theater’s stunning Art Deco architecture and the palpable excitement of the crowd gathered for the opening night of Showboat. Jackson notes, “We don’t really know what we’re in for just yet, but apparently it’s a musical adaptation of Edna Ferber’s recent novel” (01:50).

Broadway Before Showboat

Jackson delves into the evolution of Broadway prior to Showboat, highlighting three predominant forms of live theater:

1. Minstrel Shows: Originating from antebellum America, these shows featured white performers in blackface, mocking black Americans and plantation life. The legacy of minstrel shows is marred by their reinforcement of racial stereotypes, evidenced by the term “Jim Crow” emerging from this genre.

2. Vaudeville: Rising in popularity from the 1890s to the 1920s, vaudeville consisted of variety acts, including comedy, music, and dance. Jackson emphasizes its broad appeal, stating, “Vaudeville shows are fun for the whole American family” (26:30).

3. Burlesque: Positioned as the more risqué counterpart to vaudeville, burlesque featured dirty jokes, suggestive dancing, and scantily clad performers. Florence “Flo” Ziegfeld Jr. emerged as a leading figure in this genre, pioneering the Ziegfeld Follies.

Key Figures Shaping Broadway

Florence Ziegfeld Jr.: Born in 1867, Ziegfeld became a titan of Broadway, renowned for his lavish productions and the creation of the Ziegfeld Follies. Jackson recounts how Ziegfeld’s Follies distinguished themselves by blending comedy, dance, and music, laying the groundwork for modern musical theater.

Irving Berlin: A Russian Jewish immigrant who anglicized his name, Berlin became a monumental figure in American music. Known for hits like "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Rhapsody in Blue," Berlin’s contributions helped define the American sound, particularly through his work during and after World War I.

Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II: Kern, a New York-born composer, sought to revolutionize musical theater by integrating music that advanced the plot. Collaborating with lyricist and director Hammerstein, the duo aimed to create musicals where songs were integral to storytelling rather than mere interludes.

The Genesis of Showboat

The pivotal moment comes when Jerome Kern, inspired by Edna Ferber’s novel Showboat, seeks to adapt it into a musical. Jackson narrates the serendipitous meeting between Kern and Ferber facilitated by theater critic Alexander Woolcott (28:45). Kern’s passionate performance of "Old Man River" convinces Ferber of the musical’s potential, and with the backing of Flo Ziegfeld, the project gains momentum despite Kern’s initial resistance to toning down its serious themes.

Showboat’s Innovations and Impact

Integrated Storytelling: Showboat broke new ground by ensuring that every song and dance number directly contributed to character development and plot progression. As Jackson explains, “Jerome Kern wanted the music to move the plot itself along, and that happens left and right because he has the good sense to bring Oscar Hammerstein II on board” (32:10).

Racial Integration: Diverging from the norms of minstrel shows and vaudeville, Showboat featured complex black and white characters without resorting to stereotypes. Characters like Joe, who poignantly sings “Old Man River,” address the harsh realities of black life under Jim Crow laws. Jackson highlights the significance, stating, “Showboat dares to give us complex black, white, and mixed race characters and to feature a white chorus onstage right next to a black chorus” (40:20).

Audience Reception: Initially, the premiere’s reception was muted due to a lack of a proper curtain call, but ensuing reviews hailed Showboat as a transformative success. Jackson notes, “Nearly everyone here loved it, as the mostly rave reviews published tomorrow will make clear” (26:50).

Cultural and Historical Context

Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, Showboat emerged during a period of significant cultural and social upheaval. The Great War had just concluded, and Broadway was experiencing a surge of innovation driven by figures like Irving Berlin and Jerome Kern. The era also saw the rise of the Harlem Renaissance, which began to influence Broadway’s artistic directions, infusing performances with more authentic representations of African American culture.

Jackson elaborates on the broader cultural shifts, explaining how the 1920s fostered an environment ripe for theatrical experimentation and social commentary. He connects this to the future trajectory of Broadway, noting how Showboat would influence countless revivals and set the stage for future masterpieces like Oklahoma! (61:45).

Legacy of Showboat and Broadway’s Evolution

Showboat not only succeeded commercially but also established a new standard for what Broadway musicals could achieve. Its emphasis on narrative depth and social issues paved the way for more serious, integrated storytelling in musical theater. Jackson emphasizes, “Showboat will become the third most revived show in Broadway history” (40:50).

Furthermore, the episode touches on the interconnectedness of Broadway and Hollywood. The Great Depression led many Broadway talents to migrate to Hollywood, significantly contributing to the Golden Age of American cinema. However, Broadway itself endured a quiet period until the revival of Oklahoma! in 1943, marking the beginning of a new era in musical theater.

Conclusion

Prof. Greg Jackson wraps up the episode by underscoring the pivotal role of the 1920s in shaping modern American musical theater. He reflects on how Showboat encapsulated the decade’s spirit of innovation and social consciousness, leaving an indelible mark on Broadway and American culture. Jackson hints at future episodes, promising to explore the Harlem Renaissance and its profound impact on history and the arts.

Notable Quotes

• “We don't really know what we're in for just yet, but apparently it's a musical adaptation of Edna Ferber's recent novel.” – Greg Jackson (01:50)

• “Vaudeville shows are fun for the whole American family.” – Greg Jackson (26:30)

• “Jerome Kern wanted the music to move the plot itself along, and that happens left and right because he has the good sense to bring Oscar Hammerstein II on board.” – Greg Jackson (32:10)

• “Showboat dares to give us complex black, white, and mixed race characters and to feature a white chorus onstage right next to a black chorus.” – Greg Jackson (40:20)

• “Nearly everyone here loved it, as the mostly rave reviews published tomorrow will make clear.” – Greg Jackson (26:50)

• “Showboat will become the third most revived show in Broadway history.” – Greg Jackson (40:50)

Key Takeaways

• Showboat’s Groundbreaking Nature: Showboat was a pioneering production that integrated music and narrative to address complex social issues, particularly racism and miscegenation, setting a new benchmark for Broadway musicals.

• Cultural Integration: The musical featured a racially diverse cast, portraying black characters with depth and sensitivity, a stark departure from the minstrel and vaudeville traditions of the time.

• Influential Figures: The collaboration of Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II, and Florence Ziegfeld Jr. was instrumental in crafting a musical that would leave a lasting legacy on American theater.

• Historical Context: Emerging in the Roaring Twenties, Showboat mirrored the decade’s spirit of innovation and societal change, influencing subsequent generations of musical productions.

• Legacy and Influence: Showboat’s success demonstrated Broadway audiences’ readiness for more serious and socially relevant performances, influencing future works and contributing to the evolution of the American musical theater landscape.

Follow History That Doesn't Suck on htdspodcast.com or on social media @Historythatdoesntsuck to stay updated with more engaging historical explorations!