MUSICALS THAT CREATED THE FORMULA
Many of the musicals that created the formula and culturally impacted musicals today were created decades ago. For instance, before The Sound of Music, many musicals had songs that could serve as standalone performances; they didn’t add to the plot, and were put in as entertainment and to maintain audience retention. However, with The Sound of Music, musicals advanced to creating songs that told audiences the plot!
Similarly, West Side Story put the importance of choreography in musicals on a whole new scale, using dance to express the characters’ emotions, and highlighted societal issues and racism. Meanwhile, Grease helped popularize youth-driven musicals, implementing pop-esque music, rather than traditional theatre music.
And these are just a few!
EMOTION THROUGH SONG AND ACT 1 FINALES
One of the most important elements of a musical is the story. Not every story can be turned into a musical. Oftentimes, challenges, aspirations and emotions faced by characters on stage and on screen can be overwhelming to comprehend through regular dialogue. This is where song plays an important role in making everything feel dramatic (which is precisely what audiences yearn for!).
A good musical makes the most out of this, often showcasing the emotional climax in Act 1 finales. By the end of the first act, the story has reached a turning point; whether it be conflicts, secrets, vulnerability, character progression or characters making life-altering decisions. It is vital to get this moment just right, so audiences are left on a high emotional peak right before intermission.
In Les Misérables, the end of Act 1 brings together all characters to express their fears and motivations for the coming French Revolution. ‘One Day More’ combines the various melodies audiences have heard throughout the first act, crafting a beautiful overlap. Similarly, Hamilton’s Act 1 finale, ‘Non-Stop’, also uses overlapping melodies and harmonies, marking the start of Alexander Hamilton’s career downfall.
WORLD-BUILDING
World-building isn’t exclusive to films, but it’s also necessary in musicals. Through costumes, set designs and choreography, many musicals create an immersive space that transports audiences to their respective worlds.
One of the most obvious examples of world-building in musicals is Wicked. Both the film and stage musical effortlessly draw audiences into the land of Oz, filled with magic and political tension.
Musicals can also add depth to pre-existing fictional worlds. Disney has a tendency to create stage adaptations of their animated films, using the opportunity to expand the lore to their original stories. Productions such as Frozen, The Lion King and Aladdin introduced new songs, cultural spotlight, additional plot points and character stories, creating an identity exclusive to the theatre.
Even the more unconventional forms of media have been adapted into musicals. Shrek the Musical introduces more fairy tale creatures, Lord Farquaad’s backstory, and adds depth to Shrek’s character by showcasing his insecurities and vulnerability.
Shrek the Musical (Stage Debut: 2008)
CONCEPT ALBUMS AND EXPERIMENTAL STORYTELLING
Not all musicals follow a straightforward narrative structure; many are experimental! For example, Six is a modern musical presented in the form of a competitive concert, following King Henry VIII’s six wives. Each wife steps forward to prove who had the worst experience with their shared ex-husband. Similarly, Cats is centered around character introductions rather than a standard plot.
Musicals don’t necessarily need a full stage production to gain recognition from fans. EPIC: The Musical is an adaptation of The Odyssey, released through 9 album sagas. EPIC follows King Odysseus of Ithaca, and his long journey home to his wife and son in Ancient Greece after the Trojan War. Unique concept albums like this, especially stemming from mythology, effortlessly draw fans in, building strong fan communities even before a traditional stage production exists.
Six the Musical (Stage Debut: 2017)
Nine album sagas of EPIC: The Musical
JUKEBOX MUSICALS
While jukebox musicals have received mixed reactions from fans over the years, some undoubtedly pull off the genre better than others. A jukebox musical features mainstream songs from popular music groups or genres. Admittedly, jukebox musicals are rather difficult to do right, as the music wasn’t composed to fit a specific storyline. Therefore, writers must ensure the chosen songs feel natural when inserted into the plot, so it doesn’t feel forced.
Mamma Mia! serves as the epitome of a jukebox musical done perfectly well. Featuring ABBA songs, Mamma Mia! follows Sophie, daughter of single mother Donna, on an island in Greece, as she attempts to find her real father before her wedding day. Besides Mamma Mia!, Moulin Rouge! implements various popular songs over the last few decades, adding to the tragic love story between Christian and Satine.
IN CONCLUSION
At the end of the day, musicals are all about transformation. They transform dialogues into melodies, walking into choreography, and ‘regular’ emotions into something that leaves entire theatres in awe. Musicals take our feelings, whether it be love, grief, yearning, joy or ambition, and further amplify them into something extraordinary!
The stagecraft of musicals is truly magical and will undoubtedly continue to stay magical for decades to come. Through musicals, we are not simply watching a story; we are feeling it!
Written By: Ashley
Edited By: Sherman
