Composer

:

Kurt Weill

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

Jun 1936 - Nov 1936

Publication Date

:

1936

First Performance

:

Nov 19, 1936

Average_duration

:

74:04

Movement_count

:

27

Movement ....

"Johnny Johnson" is a musical composed by Kurt Weill with a libretto by Paul Green. The musical was composed in 1936 and premiered on November 19, 1936, at the New York City Center. The musical is set during World War I and follows the story of Johnny Johnson, a young American soldier who becomes disillusioned with the war and its senseless violence. The plot of the musical revolves around Johnny Johnson, a young man from a small town in America who is drafted into the army during World War I. Johnny is initially excited about the prospect of serving his country and fighting for freedom, but as he witnesses the horrors of war, he becomes disillusioned with the conflict and its senseless violence. Johnny's experiences in the war lead him to question the very nature of war and the reasons why people fight. The musical is divided into two acts, with each act consisting of several movements. The first act focuses on Johnny's experiences in the army, including his training, his deployment to Europe, and his encounters with other soldiers. The second act focuses on Johnny's return home and his attempts to readjust to civilian life. One of the key characteristics of "Johnny Johnson" is its use of music to convey the emotions and experiences of the characters. Weill's music is a blend of various styles, including jazz, blues, and classical music. The music is often used to underscore the emotional intensity of the scenes, with the characters singing about their hopes, fears, and dreams. Another characteristic of the musical is its use of satire and humor to comment on the absurdity of war. The musical features a number of comedic scenes, including a sequence in which Johnny and his fellow soldiers stage a mock battle in order to impress a group of visiting dignitaries. Overall, "Johnny Johnson" is a powerful and thought-provoking musical that explores the themes of war, patriotism, and the human cost of conflict. Its use of music and satire make it a unique and memorable work that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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