Experience how 'Blast!' mesmerizes theater audiences

Overview: "Blast!," in the tradition of the musical theater genre, combines music, movement and mood. Have students analyze the various components of "Blast!'s" production and the characteristics of its performers. Challenge students to use the color theme approach to prepare a performance in the "Blast!" mode.

Curriculum Connections: Music, Media

Have students read the story, "Crash! Boom! Blast!," and answer the following questions:

1. What is "Blast!"? How do the various interviewees describe the nature and role of music as performed in "Blast!"? How did the show evolve from a youth drum and bugle corps to musical theater? What genres of music and dance comprise "Blast!'s" repertoire? What stage elements and instruments make up the components of "Blast!'s" performance? According to the performers, what musical, persona, psychological and physical attributes must they possess that prepares them to perform for two hours straight, night-after-night and "never miss a beat"?

ON TV For a video version of this story, please use the CNN Student News' April 19 broadcast on CNN TV (4:30 a.m. ET). Click here  for more information on the show

2. Music, movement and mood are integral elements of a "Blast!" production and performance. One performer identified the overriding theme as color, since once the color is selected, the ensemble will select and perform different musical pieces based on the various colors of the color wheel. Ask: How might choosing different colors from the color wheel impact the selection of a piece of music and determine the production elements designed to perform it? In preparation for their group assignment, have students discuss how the color purple might influence the kind of musical theatre piece that the "Blast!" team could design and perform. Then, group students and have each group select one color and perform an audiovisual presentation that communicates a thematic approach with the following production components:

After the groups have shared their performances, ask: In what ways did the color-based theme of each of the presentations evoke different emotions? Explain.

3. Have students research the Web sites below to learn more about "Blast!" and the reviews it has received throughout its national and international tours. After students have shared their findings, ask: Do you think that "Blast!" would appeal to audiences of all ages? Why or why not?

4. Inform students that other shows have been performed in the same musical theater genre, such as "Riverdance" and "Stomp." Have students research productions in the musical theater genre, and write essays in which they describe the theatrical effect of interrelating various art forms.

Materials on this site are reproducible for classroom use.