THE WISECRACKING SIDEKICK


The sidekick takes many forms, sometimes showing up in a cameo role and sometimes playing a more substantial part in the lead character’s journey. The sidekick often provides wisdom, reality-checks, and a dose of good humor. At times they act as an instigator, but more frequently they stay a step removed, offering commentary on the lead character’s choices that resonates with the audience. Usually, this culminates in a funny stand-alone song that offers a comedic respite from the drama of the primary plot-line.


EXAMPLES OF THIS TYPE: • Jigger in Carousel (1945), sings “Blow High, Blow Low” • Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls (1950), sings “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat”


• Cosmo Brown in Singin’ in the Rain (1952), sings “Make ‘Em Laugh"


The poster for MGM’s famous 1952 film, Singin’ in the Rain, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds


THE "BACKSTAGE" MUSICAL


Popularized by the earliest films of the genre, the “backstage musical” is a musical that sets its backdrop in and around the rehearsals and performances of a show. This type of movie musical helped to sensationalize and build the reputation of Broadway, as it introduced moviegoers across the nation to the Broadway musical without them ever having to travel to New York. Backstage musicals have spawned such well-known hits as “The Lullaby of Broadway” and “Forty-Second Street” that celebrate the excitement and glamor of show business while allowing for the writers to engage in some fun digs and references that industry professionals in the audience will catch.


• The Jazz Singer (1927) • The Producers (1968) • Kiss Me, Kate (1948)


The New York City skyline from the “Top of the Rock” at Rockefeller Center Photo by Daniel Schwen


The company of Kiss Me, Kate in Roundabout's 2019 revival Photo by Joan Marcus


As the setting for many of these narratives, New York City sometimes becomes its own character in these shows. Musicals such as Annie, On the Town, Hello, Dolly!, and even the much more recent hit Hamilton all include songs that celebrate and pay homage to New York City. Characters explore many different corners of the city, appreciate its nightlife, and lament its wild energy, all while confidently proclaiming that they could never imagine living anywhere else.


MUSICALS THAT PROMINENTLY FEATURE NEW YORK CITY INCLUDE:


• The Broadway Melody (1929) • 42nd Street (1933) • On the Town (1944)


DARLING GRENADINE UPSTAGE GUIDE


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