History of Musical Theatre

Musical vs. Opera Musicals generally have a greater focus on spoken dialogue and dancing. Musicals use the various genres of popular music. Musicals is almost always performed in the language of its audience.

Types of Musicals

Revue Types of Musicals Multi act form of entertainment that included music, sketches, and other acts. Very rarely did it include original music, but rather popular songs from other shows of venues.

Operetta Types of Musicals Operettas are light opera’s with acting, as opposed to the musical which is a play that tends to include singing and dancing. Gilbert and Sullivan are the most famous examples of modern operettas.

Book Musical Types of Musicals Defined as a musical play where songs and dances are fully integrated into a well-made story with serious dramatic goals. Moments of greatest dramatic intensity in a book musical are often performed in song.

Concept musical Types of Musicals emphasis is placed upon style, message, and thematic metaphor rather than on the plot itself show's structure is rarely cohesive or linear

Book Musical Types of Musicals Three Main Components Music – Written by the Composer Lyrics – Music and lyrics together score the musical Book – or script. Refers to the story, character development, and dramatic structure, including the spoken dialogue and stage directions, but it can also refer to the dialogue and lyrics together, which are sometimes referred to as the libretto (Italian for “little book”)

Jukebox Musicals Types of Musicals A minimal plot to fit a collection of songs that already been hits.

Types of Musical Numbers

Types of Musical Numbers Opening Number Sets the tone for the rest of the show. It is not unusual for this song to be written after the rest of the show is in place. Show that open with extended dialogue still set the tone for the evening with their first songs.

Types of Musical Numbers “I Am” Songs Any song that explains a character, or group of characters or a situation. Characters may introduce themselves directly to the audience. Defining oneself and provided moments of self-revelation Characters express freely how they feel at the moment. Sometimes Characters discover something about themselves.

Types of Musical Numbers “I Want” Songs Comes early in the first act One or more of the main characters singing about the key motivating desires that will propel everyone (including the audience) through the remainder of the show. Where “I am” songs describe a present state, “I want” songs suggest a course of action for the future.

Types of Musical Numbers “I Want” Songs “If I Were a Rich Man” Fiddler on the Roof “Part of Your Word” Little Mermaid

Types of Musical Numbers Ballads Usually love songs, but they can also be philosophize about any strong emotion.

Types of Musical Numbers Ballads “On My Own” –Les Miserables

Types of Musical Numbers “Showstopper” A musical moment that makes the audience roar with approval. Often it is the number the show is best known for Showcases best of singing and dancing of the show Usually performed towards the end of Act 1.

Types of Musical Numbers “11 O’Clock Number” Takes place about midway through Act Two. So named because in the days when musicals would start at 8:30pm, this song would occur around 11pm. Can be basically any type of number, ballad, charm song, comedy number, ect. Energize the audience for the final scene. Offers audience members a catchy melody to hum as they leave the theatre.

Types of Musical Numbers “11 O’Clock Number” It often signifies a moment of revelation or change in heart of a lead character, although there are exceptions. Usually (but not always) the second to last song.

Types of Musical Numbers Character Songs Songs designed to define character. Song that fits the dramatic situation and cannot be full appreciated if taken out of context. Exposition Songs Inform the audience about what has happened prior to the play and what has brought the characters to this particular point in the action; they also may preview the themes of the play.

Types of Musical Numbers Narration Songs: Songs that describe events that we otherwise do not see. Comedy numbers aim for laughs Reprise When all or part of a song is repeated to make a dramatize point and (usually) to energize the end of a scene or the show as a whole. An effective reprise which functions dramatically reveals the development of character since the last time it was sung.

Types of Musical Numbers Villain Song: Sung by the villain about how great it is being a villain or to explain Their motivation Dance Numbers Used to highlight the dancing. May have a brief sung part to lead in But technically not a “song”

Types of Musical Numbers Finale Should carry an emotional wallop, leaving audiences with a powerful last impression. Usually done by reprising one of the score’s emotion packed numbers. Far less frequently used alternative approach is to introduce a rousing new songs