The Musical Western is exclusive to the mediums of film, stage, and television because their distinguishing characteristic is their music. These narratives place music at the forefront and can use the same settings, characters, and narratives found within traditional Westerns. The musical numbers from this subgenre may be large, over-the-top, carefully orchestrated, and musically complex. These narratives take more influence from the Musical genre. While other times, the musical numbers are more grounded in reality. These narratives will have the music performed in the tradition of the Old West with perhaps only a guitar or piano for accompaniment.
Whoopee!
A musical sparked by Cantor's performance as a hyper-hypochondriac come West for a cure. He offers to give a ride to Sally, a woman in love with a Native American of mixed descent, who is running from an unwanted wedding with another man. But everyone thinks that they have eloped, and they pursue the couple. Features some of Busby Berkeley's most fanciful choreography.
Rose Marie
Marie de Flor, a glamorous Canadian prima donna, is renowned for her beauty, exquisite voice and fierce temperament. When news arrives that her brother Jack has been wounded in a prison escape, Marie realizes she must go to him despite the danger. Lured into the wilderness, she encounters Sgt. Bruce, who is hunting the fugitive. Sgt. Bruce is soon hot on Marie's trail as well!
Can't Help Singing
Spirited Caroline leaves Washington to pursue a handsome cavalry officer despite the wishes of her father. After learning of her California destination, her outraged father posts a substantial reward for her return.
The Harvey Girls
Susan meets a cheery group of young women traveling out to open a 'Harvey House' restaurant at a remote whistle stop to provide good cooking and wholesome company for railway travelers.
Annie Get Your Gun
Frank Butler, handsome star of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, bags clay pigeons and ladies' hearts. He's the best marksman in the world--until a backwoods hoyden challenges him. Her name? Annie Oakley.
Calamity Jane
The story of Calamity Jane, her saloon, and her romance with Wild Bill Hickok.
Red Garters
Vivacious Rosemary Clooney heads up a gaggle of high-kicking, red-gartered girls at the Red Dog Saloon in this amusingly tuneful spoof of the Western film. Rosie plays Calaveras Kate, a saloon owner who has her eye on the town's big shot.
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
When the new bride of a roughneck Oregon pioneer finds she has to keep house for her husband's six rowdy brothers, she decides to groom them so that they can find brides of their own.
Oklahoma!
In Oklahoma, several farmers, cowboys and a traveling salesman compete for the romantic favors of various local ladies.
Paint Your Wagon
The story of a goldmining boom town centers on the work-and-play partnership of two miners and the wife they share.
Oklahoma!
Set in the early 20th century, Oklahoma centers on singing cowboy Curly Mclain who tries to woo and win the heart of his childhood friend, Laurey William.
Oklahoma!
Stripped down to reveal the darker psychological truths at its core, Daniel Fish's production tells a story of a community circling its wagons against an outsider, and the violence of the frontier that shaped America. Upending the sunny romance of a farmer and a cowpoke, this production allows the classic musical and our country to be seen in a whole new light.
