What is the title of your 1st song? PRE 1960
The black hills of Dakota
Who is the lyricist of this first song?
Paul Francis Webster
Who is the composer of this first song?
Sammy Fain
What is the name of the character who is singing and what is the show of this first song?
Calamity Jane
What is the context of the song? Why is this song being performed? First song
• Written to express Calamity Jane’s deep-seated love and connection to the region
• Sang twice, once at act 1 to build a finale with the cast and again at the end to emphasise the characters love for their home region
Can you write an introduction to
your 1st song choice?
• My first song is called ‘Black Hills Of Dakota’, written by Paul Webster and composed by Sammy Fain
• It is from the musical ‘Calamity Jane’ and is sung by the main character ‘Calamity Jane herself
• The song is sung twice, first at the end of Act I to build up a finale with the cast as well as to express their love for their home region of South Dakota
• Then it is sung as a reprise at the end of the musical to further emphasise their love for their hometown
Title of second song
As Long As He Needs Me
Lyricist of second song
Lionel Bart
Composer of second song
Lionel Bart
What is the name of the character who is singing and what is the show of this second song?
Nancy and Oliver!
What is the context of the song? Why is this song being performed? Second song
• Nancy sings this song after being hit by her gang member boyfriend Bill Sykes
• She performs it to express her enduring, yet problematic, love for Bill. • Despite his mistreatment, Nancy chooses to stay with him, showing her unwavering loyalty and self-sacrificing nature, even in the face of danger.
Intro for second song
• This song is called ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ written AND composed by Lionel Bart
• It’s from the musical Oliver! and is sung by the female character Nancy who is heavily involved in local gangs
• This song is sung after Nancy is hit by her gang member boyfriend Bill Sikes as a way of declaring her unwavering loyalty towards him despite his abusive nature and ultimately showing us her fear of being alone
Name of third song
Id Rather Be Me
Composer of last song
Jeff Richmond
What is the name of the character who is singing and what is the show of this last song?
Janis and Mean Girls the musical
What is the context of the song? Why is this song being performed? Last song
• This song is sung towards the end of Act II as an act of defiance by Janis who is fed up of the school social hierarchy and stereotypes put on women
• Through this song Janis makes a bold stand for self-acceptance and calling out social injustice - not just for herself, but for everyone who’s been hurt by the high school social hierarchy
Intro for last song
• This song is called ‘I’d Rather Be Me’ written by Nell Benjamin and composed by Jeff Richmond
• It is from the musical ‘Mean Girls’ and is sung by Janis who is a social outcast at her school
• She sings it towards the end of Act II as an act of defiance against the school social hierarchy and the stereotypes put on women
• Through the song she makes a bold statement of self acceptance not just for herself but for all those who have been wronged by their school and peers
Give an explanation of the processes
involved in developing ‘Black Hills Of Dakota’ for performance
(Calamity)
• Throughout Calamity is quite head-strong and tough however when she sings Black Hills we see more of a vulnerable side of her than usual as she expresses her admiration for her hometown and I want to get this across in my performance through the emotions I used to
• I interpret this song as having fond memories of Dakota and therefore wanted to show her happiness when remembering it
• With this song we start to see how Calamity is beginning to realise what truly matters to her, home and peace, as opposed to rather than constant action and desire for more
• The key was perfect for my range as it doesn’t stray too far from the same area and allows for focus on conveying emotions
Processes involved in developing the three songs for performance (Nancy)
•Researched Victorian London and Nancy’s background in poverty and abuse
•Focused on emotional conflict - love vs. self-preservation
•Used sustained breath support and chest resonance for depth and sincerity -> breath work for long notes particularly at the end
•Practised soft onsets and dynamic build to reflect vulnerability -> holding on notes
•Rehearsed emotional journey from dialogue into song to ensure smooth transition
Processes involved in developing the three songs for performance (Calamity)
• Researched the Wild West setting and Calamity’s real-life background.
• Focused on stillness and emotional warmth - contrast to her usual loud persona.
• Used a relaxed, head-dominant mix with gentle vibrato.
• Practised legato phrasing and emotional breath control.
• Refined physical stillness and facial expression to match nostalgic tone.
Processes involved in developing the three songs for performance (Janis)
• Chose a lower key to suit my range better -> reduce straining
• Explored Janis’s anger, sarcasm, and rejection of conformity.
• Practised speech-like, punchy delivery to suit pop-rock style.
• Belted with forward placement and twang for brightness.
• Emphasised clear articulation and rhythm to match fast-paced lyrics.
• Used confident gestures and strong physicality to match her bold personality -> moving about a lot, using the middle finger
How spoken dialogue was selected and developed (Nancy)
• Chose scene where Nancy defends Bill but reveals inner turmoil.
• Shows her trying to justify her love despite abuse.
• Used controlled Cockney accent with emotional shifts.
• Developed pacing and pauses to show internal struggle.
• Dialogue transitions naturally into the emotional tone of the song.
How spoken dialogue was selected and developed (Calamity)
• Selected calm, reflective lines where she misses the Black Hills.
• Shows rare vulnerability and depth.
• Used gentle tone and slowed pacing to contrast her usual energy.
• Helped set emotional foundation for the song’s nostalgia.
• Dialogue smoothly leads into the song’s melodic serenity.
How spoken dialogue was selected and developed (Janis)
• Chose lines based on her confrontation with the Plastics.
• Dialogue shows betrayal, anger, and decision to be authentic.
• Delivered with sarcastic, sharp tone to match Janis’s style.
• Used quick tempo and expressive physicality to build energy into song.
• Helped establish the rebellious attitude that carries through the piece.
