Instructions
Welcome to the Broadway stage! This activity will help you explore the stories, songs, and creativity behind some of today's biggest hit musicals.
- Read the directions for each section carefully.
- Complete each part to the best of your ability. There are no wrong answers for the creative sections!
- Try the optional Challenge Question at the end if you finish early or want an extra creative task.
- Check your work with the Answer Key at the end.
Part 1: Match the Musical!
Every great musical has a powerful main idea or theme at its core. Draw a line to match the musical in Column A with its central theme in Column B.
Column A: Musical
- Wicked
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Six: The Musical
- & Juliet
Column B: Central Theme
- Exploring what might happen if a famous story had a different, happier beginning.
- Telling a well-known story from a new perspective to show who the real villain was.
- The struggle to connect with others and the importance of telling the truth.
- Taking back control of history by powerfully retelling your own story.
Part 2: A Recipe for a Hit Song
Jenna, the main character in Waitress, turns her feelings and experiences into creative pies. Songwriters do the same thing, but with songs!
Your task is to analyze a powerful song by breaking it down into a “recipe.” First, look at the example below for "Waving Through a Window" from Dear Evan Hansen. Then, choose one song from the list below and create your own recipe in the blank chart.
Song Choices:
- "Defying Gravity" (Wicked)
- "Ex-Wives" (Six: The Musical)
- "Roar" (& Juliet)
Example Recipe: "Waving Through a Window"
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It's in the Song |
|---|---|---|
| Loneliness | 2 big cups of | This is the main feeling. He feels invisible and disconnected. |
| A specific image | 1 whole | The image of being on the outside looking in through a window. |
| A question | A handful of | He asks, "Does anybody have a map?" showing he feels lost. |
| Hope | Just a pinch of | He hopes someone will see him, but he doesn't really believe it. |
Your Recipe for: (Write Song Title Here)
| Ingredient | Amount | Why It's in the Song |
|---|---|---|
Part 3: A Note for a Character
In Dear Evan Hansen, Evan feels very alone and makes a big mistake because he just wants to connect with people. If you could give him some friendly advice before he gets too deep into his lie, what would you say?
Write a short, kind note to Evan. Suggest one thing he could do to try and make a real friend without pretending to be someone he's not.
Dear Evan,
Challenge Question: Modern Costume Redesign!
Shows like Six and & Juliet are famous for their amazing modern costumes that mix history with pop-star style.
Choose a character from a more traditional musical and redesign their signature costume for today. You can either describe your design in detail below or sketch it on a separate piece of paper.
Character Choice: Elphaba from Wicked (the "Wicked Witch of the West")
My Modern Design Idea:
Answer Key
Part 1: Match the Musical!
- Wicked → Telling a well-known story from a new perspective to show who the real villain was.
- Dear Evan Hansen → The struggle to connect with others and the importance of telling the truth.
- Six: The Musical → Taking back control of history by powerfully retelling your own story.
- & Juliet → Exploring what might happen if a famous story had a different, happier beginning.
Part 2: A Recipe for a Hit Song Answers will vary based on the song chosen. A good answer will identify the main emotions and key story elements of the song.
- Example for "Defying Gravity": Ingredients could include a big dose of defiance, a cup of realizing your own power, a sprinkle of sadness (for leaving a friend behind), and a key image (flying high above everyone).
Part 3: A Note for a Character Answers will vary. A strong answer will be empathetic and offer specific, kind advice.
- Example: "Dear Evan, I know it feels hard to talk to people, but you are not invisible. Instead of making up a story, maybe you could find someone who likes the same things you do, like trees, and just ask them one question about it. It’s scary, but it’s a real start."
Challenge Question: Modern Costume Redesign! Answers will vary. Look for creativity and a clear connection between the design and the character's personality and story.
- Example: "My modern Elphaba would wear a cool, dark green asymmetrical jacket with silver zippers, black combat boots to show she's strong and a fighter, and maybe some subtle glitter on her clothes to represent her magic."