| In this article we're going to try to explain just | | | | As a matter of fact, Tommy is actually |
| what it is that makes a musical a musical and go | | | | considered a rock opera more than it is |
| over the more technical aspects of the form. | | | | considered a musical. |
| By technical definition, musical theater is a form of | | | | Usually the highlights and most dramatic moments |
| theater that combines music, songs, dancing and | | | | of a musical are done in song. The reason is |
| spoken dialogue. It is actually closely related to | | | | because these are the moments that the |
| opera, while purposely avoiding many of the | | | | creators want you to remember the most and it |
| conventions of opera in order to have a more | | | | is much easier to remember a well done three or |
| general appeal. | | | | four minute song than it is to remember three or |
| The musical components of a musical is called the | | | | four minutes of spoken dialogue. If the emotion |
| score. The sung lines are called lyrics as opposed | | | | that needs to be conveyed is too strong even |
| to plain spoken dialogue which is simply called | | | | for song then in those cases dance is added to or |
| dialogue. Usually the person writing the lyrics to | | | | even put in place of singing. A perfect example of |
| the musical is not the same person who has | | | | this is the fight scene in "West Side Story" which |
| written the actual story. An example of this would | | | | was done entirely in dance. |
| be "Wicked" where the songs were written by | | | | Finding a balance between spoken dialogue and |
| Stephen Schwartz, the script by Winnie Holzman | | | | song is not easy. On top of that the writers must |
| and the book that it came from by Gregory | | | | be careful to write songs for each character that |
| Maguire. This is not uncommon in musical theater. | | | | actually fits the character. For example, a |
| A musical can be anywhere from a few minutes | | | | character who is an evil villain is not going to sing |
| to a few hours long. The average running time for | | | | songs about being happy and in love. |
| a modern musical is about two and a half hours | | | | Also, it is difficult to establish the drama in a |
| with an intermission about half way through the | | | | musical because a five minute song has fewer |
| play. Some musicals however do run straight | | | | words in it than five minutes of spoken dialogue. |
| through if they aren't too long. The intermissions, | | | | When an hour and a half of your musical is actual |
| when they are present, are about ten to fifteen | | | | music, this makes it very important that the |
| minutes long. An average musical will have about | | | | writers make very good use of the lyrics for |
| twenty to thirty songs. Some will be very short | | | | each song as this will be the vehicle for telling |
| pieces and others can be quite long. Most musicals | | | | most of the story. |
| usually start with an overture which highlights | | | | Musical theater is a truly unique and wonderful |
| several of the songs that will be heard throughout | | | | form of entertainment. If you haven't had the |
| the play and set the mood for what is about to | | | | pleasure of going to see a modern day musical or |
| come. Some musicals, like "Tommy" can be sung | | | | even a revival of an old musical, you owe it to |
| through from beginning to end, which can really | | | | yourself to do so. It is an experience you will not |
| blur the fine line between a musical and an opera. | | | | soon forget. |