Musical Theatre

Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines music, songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance, and is usually performed in a theatre. Musicals aim to entertain through a combination of:

• catchy, popular music;
• solo song;
• duets, choruses; and ensembles band or orchestral accompaniment;
• spoken dialogue; and
• colourful dance sequences, stage spectacles and magnificent costumes.

These elements are all held together by a plot. The story and emotional content are communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment such as lighting. Musical theatre has many aspects in common with other theatrical forms, such as opera and dance, but is perhaps best differentiated by the importance given to music. Since the early twentieth century, musical theatre stage works have generally been known simply as musicals.

Modern Western musical theatre emerged during the nineteenth century. Many structural elements were influenced or established by the works of Gilbert and Sullivan in Britain and those of Harrigan and Hart in America. These were later followed by those of Edwardian musical comedies and the musical theatre works of America. The Princess Theatre musicals were generally an artistic steps forward beyond the revues and other frivolous entertainments of the early twentieth century.

Musicals are now performed all around the world. They are sometimes presented in large venues, such as those of Broadway, London's West End or Las Vegas. However, they may also be staged in smaller venues, such as fringe theatres, community theatres, or even on tour. Others may be presented by amateur and school groups in churches, schools and other suitable venues. They are now accepted as useful training schools for the professional stage. Many present-day favourites have their roots in the volunteer ranks.