What's so great about Musical Theatre?

The musical theatre genre has been around for a long time, having its roots ground out of the traditions of burlesque, vaudeville and even opera. The earliest performances showed no real distinction between drama, song and dance so it was not uncommon to see very early theatrical works (like those of Shakespeare, for example) include everything from dancers to clowns. Even ballet did not hold its own category in the earliest days of live theatre.

But what makes the musical remain a popular genre today?

Musical theatre has evolved into a diverse mixture of everything from the light-hearted, unrealistic comedy to the dance spectacular to the intense character driven drama. In many ways, musical theatre parallels its classical counterpart, Opera, with its comedies and tragedies.

But why do we keep going back for more?

In simplest terms, musical theatre satisfies the audience in ways no other genre can. With its mix of theatrics (as found in regular stage plays), songs (often music is the best way to represent the emotions of a character or situation) and dance (production spectacles at their very best), musical theatre productions truly do have something for virtually anyone.

The jury is out on whether or not those who gravitate to live theatre for the stage play enjoy musicals equally. To some, the music takes away from the gravity of the dramatic performances but, to others, it is the music that creates that extra texture which heightens the whole experience.

So those who enjoy stage plays don’t necessarily enjoy musicals. But what about those who throng to the theatres year after year in search of the next great musical theatre experience? Why do they keep coming back?

To this musical theatre patron the answer is quite simple: There is nothing else like a musical…period! Whether it is the intensity of the characters and story as found in a musical like “Phantom of the Opera” or the light-hearted romance of one such as “The Music Man”, musicals treat us to a unique theatrical experience.

Live theatre is wonderful no matter what the genre. Nothing can replace the energy of actors engaging in passionate dialogue and riveting emotion. The raucous laughter invoked by a classic Neil Simon comedy invites the audience to be part of the journey. But the musical has more.

The tortured doctor in Jekyll and Hyde, singing of his plight, or the breakdown of a secure reality as sung by aging silent film star, Desmond, in Sunset Boulevard engage us in the intense emotional turmoil of these characters by using music. To me, it is the added element of music that draws me further into the story ;making the whole performance more enjoyable and more memorable.

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