Musicals are a form of theatre that combines music, dance, and dialogue to tell a story. The genre has evolved over the years and has encompassed different styles and sub-genres. From operas to more contemporary shows like Hamilton, musicals have stayed relevant by adapting to new styles and themes.
Operas are considered the oldest form of musicals. They feature grandiose orchestral pieces and vocal performances that tell stories of love, betrayal and heroism. The structure is quite different from modern musicals, as the dialogue is mainly sung and the songs often take centre stage rather than acting. Examples of operas include The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
Next came operettas, which are shorter than operas and were characterized by waltzes, sung dialogue, and humorous themes. They often had elaborate plots revolving around royalty or the aristocracy. Gilbert and Sullivan’s works like The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado were some of the most successful operettas.
In the early 20th century, musicals became more popular, with shows like Showboat and Oklahoma!, which blended elements of operetta and folk music. They also featured scripted dialogue that advanced the plot while the show’s songs lent to the mood and tone. Broadway quickly emerged as the epicentre of musicals, with shows such as West Side Story and Grease that transformed the musical genre again by putting more emphasis on pop, rock and roll and jazz styles.
Today, contemporary musicals such as Hamilton and Rent employs hip hop, rap and electronic music to reach new audiences. These shows deal with pressing social issues and often challenge traditional musical theatre norms. Hamilton’s focus on the life of American founding fathers combined with modern music styles created an unusual, yet compelling concept. Hamilton’s success lies in reimagining what musicals can be.
Overall, there have been a lot of changes to musical theatre over the years, as creators find new ways to tell stories. From operas to modern-day musicals such as Hamilton, musical theatre has reflected society’s growth and shifts over time. However, despite these changes, the magic of live performance thrives as theatregoers continue to be captivated by the genre.
