| al can be in the form of a theatrical production or | | | | theater, and created the traveling musical troupe. |
| a movie, either of which uses songs and dancing | | | | By the Renaissance period, comedy drama was |
| as a means to tell the story. There are many | | | | increasing popular in Europe. These were quickly |
| types of musical theater, such as comedy drama, | | | | turned into comedic operas and ballad operas. |
| dramas, and others. | | | | Each of these two styles had their unique |
| They use music to tell their story. Musicals have | | | | features. |
| always had a stage presence, but it has made its | | | | It wasn't until the 1860s that the form of modern |
| way into movies as well. If you have never seen | | | | musical theater was considered to be created. |
| a musical theater production or drama comedy, | | | | This originated with the musical "The Black |
| then you are missing out on a cool treat. | | | | Crook," which was created in New York. Of |
| There are three main parts to musical theater; | | | | course, musical theater took off rapidly from |
| the music, the lyrics and the book. Music and lyrics | | | | there. During WWI, the operetta was very |
| are easy to understand, and the book is just an | | | | popular on Broadway. |
| expression for the real storyline. Musicals are | | | | However, by the late 1920s, films were providing |
| different from operas because there is talking in | | | | a serious challenge to the world of theater. By |
| the show, whereas operas incorporate only songs. | | | | the 1950s and 60s, the musical theater, as it is |
| Musical theater dates back as far as ancient | | | | known today, was going strong and has not |
| Greece, with their drama comedies. In the golden | | | | changed too much since. |
| age of the musical, musical movies were being | | | | So that is where musicals came from, and how |
| made all the time. An actor or actress could | | | | they developed to what they are today. You can |
| actually have several musical movies in their acting | | | | tell anyone about the basic musical form, and |
| career. Nearly all the hot movies back then were | | | | some of the history of the musical. Back in the |
| musical in nature. Now, however, that has faded | | | | hay-day of musical theater, many dramatic movie |
| and movie casting today has little to do with | | | | actors were involved as well, but that has faded |
| musical talent. | | | | away. |
| The history of musicals is quite interesting as well. | | | | If you want to know more about the theater, |
| The concept of musical theater started with the | | | | then check at your local library or online. You may |
| Greeks. Some have dated this as far back as the | | | | be surprised at what you can find out about the |
| 5th century B.C. Europe quickly stole this form of | | | | evolution of musicals! |