Black musical theater has changed tremendously since the beginning of the 20th century. Specifically, events taking place in the 1960’s and 1970’s served as a turning point in Black musical theater. In addition, World War II had cultural importance to the creation of rhythm and blues, the style of music used in Dreamgirls. Blacks started exercising Black pride and freedom of expression through musical theater. There were certain events the triggered these ideas. World War II, The Civil Rights Movement, and the Black Power Movement were the major historical events that triggered a change in Black musical theater.
The Black Power Movement took place in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. This was a movement that emphasized Black unity, Black pride, and self determination (Burnim and Maultsby 204). The Civil Rights Movement also stressed these values. Boycotts and sit-ins took place to fight against segregation. Blacks wanted their freedom; they wanted to be treated the same as whites. In the entertainment business, Blacks were beginning to have professional careers (Burnim and Maultsby 204). Their music started being recorded and played on the radio. This meant that everyone could hear Black music, not just Black audiences. It also meant that there were now white consumers of Black music. The racial boundaries were becoming blurred.
Rhythm and Blues was created by Black musicians. After World War II, southern Blacks were in search of better economic and educational opportunities. They also wanted to escape the racial oppression and inequalities created by the Jim Crow laws. Several southern Blacks moved to northern and western cities. Even though the Black communities were isolated, they created a “vibrant entertainment district in every major city” (Burnim and Maultsby 248). New musical styles were introduced to white performers. Rhythm and Blues was created as a way of Blacks to be creative and express their emotions. They could be musicians that were just as talented as whites and they were not afraid the show it.
Dreamgirls was one of three award-winning shows in the late 20th century that emphasized “the point that legendary figures from African American popular musical history were more apt than other subjects in this era to inspire dynamic products with substantial box office appeal” (Burnim and Maultsby 207). Now, Broadway accepted Black aesthetics in popular music. There had always been Black aesthetics, but it is not until the emergence of popular Black-cast musicals such as Dreamgirls, that these Black aesthetics are recognized (Burnim and Maultsby 207).
Since Dreamgirls is a Black-cast musical and the three main characters are female, race and sex are key issues. These issues are reflected in the characters and the music in the show. For example, all of the characters that have the most authority in the show are males. Curtis is the manager for The Dreams. Furthermore, C.C., Effie’s brother, is already an R&B star and helps the female trio become famous. The three main characters are women and the whole musical is about them working their way to the top. They start as just three women entering a talent show and by the end of the musical, they are famous pop stars. Whereas the women are working to get to the top, the men are already there. The men in the show are already successful with their high paying jobs in the music industry. Since Curtis is the manager, the girls listen to him. He tells them what to do; all they do is perform the songs, but they are under his direction. This gender difference is significant because it reflects the idea that men have the power. They have higher paying jobs. Furthermore, the values emphasized in the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement are reflected in the songs that The Dreams sing. For example, they express their Black pride and self determination in “Dreamgirls” and “One Night Only.” They are singing about how they are proud to be who they are. They are telling the audience that they are Dreamgirls and they will “make you happy” and “make your dreams come true.” “One Night Only” is about putting your best foot forward. Both of these songs were hit singles. This is an indication that the ideas of Black pride and self-determination were accepted by the public since they were themes in the songs.
Historical events, specifically World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Black Power Movement, promote ideas that are reflected in the characters and in the music of Dreamgirls. As the 20th century progressed, Blacks gained more recognition for their achievements. Their music was heard on the radio for the first time; this meant that everyone could hear their music. Blacks, as well as whites, could have professional career paths. The racial barrier separating whites from Blacks is beginning to merge. Blacks wanted to be equal to whites. They wanted to show their talent and express their emotion. These ideas were apparent in Dreamgirls. The Dreams worked hard and became successful pop stars. The fact that Black women became successful pop starts is significant because they were the minority. The two songs that they performed, about self determination and Black Pride, became hit singles. This is also significant because it shows that those ideas were widely accepted. These are all reasons why Dreamgirls reflects the success of Black musical theater in the 1980’s.
Works Cited:
Burnim, Mellonee V. and Portia K. Maultsby. African American Music. New York: Taylor and Francis Group, 2006.
