23 Incredible Musical Theater Facts That You Must Know About

Have you enacted a musical back in your school days?

In 2012, Broadway shows accounted for around 12 million ticket sales. Broadway is undoubtedly the most popular go-to place for most Americans!

Back in ancient history, musical theater was the ultimate source of entertainment. In the modern world, musicals are common across the globe. Musicals have traversed a long way to reach the Broadway theatres in New York. Read through these musical theater facts to learn about the treasured cultural heritage.

Characteristics And Features Of Musical Theatre

Now, what is musical theater, and what are the characteristics that define it? Time to find out!

Musical theater is a theatrical production genre that narrates a story through a series of musical performances, dance sequences, and playacting.

The production of a musical theater is regarded as a musical. It isn't a one-person show since it requires the involvement of different characters at several junctures of the plot.

Musicals draw similarities with other theatrical productions like dance and operas. However, unlike the latter, musicals attach immense importance to the music.

The music is regarded as a score. Scores include the songs, lyrics, as well as instrumental interludes.

Music plays a vital role in the entire production as it is used to render expressions to the characters and create dramatic tensions. Chorus is also used to put forth characters' points of view or emotions.

The dance sequences add a visual delight to the score as graceful choreographed movements help to create a rhythmic impact in the spectators' minds.

Dialogues and the plotline forms an integral part of the performance.

Musical theater is incomplete without its stage sets for generating the required effects. Also, stage lighting is very important in setting the performance's mood.

Initially, musicals were produced to offer pure entertainment to the audiences, but with changing times, musicals started addressing political and social causes in American history.

History Of Musical Theatre

The history of musical theater is intriguing as it marks the evolution of theater production and performances. Here are some significant events from the pages of history.

It all started in the fifth century in ancient Greece. Back in that time, music and dance accompanied the comedies and tragedies that were staged. The earliest examples are the plays produced by Sophocles and Aeschylus.

In the third century, songs and dance numbers were incorporated along with the orchestra, particularly in Plautus' Roman comedies.

During the '00s, musical theater mainly comprised two variations - comic operas and ballad operas.

In 1752, New York received its first theater with the aid of William Hallam and his company. The first theater established in Williamsburg kicked off with the production of 'The Merchant of Venice.'

In 1933, 'As Thousands Cheer' was produced on Broadway. It was the first to feature Ethel Waters. Some other all-time favorite Broadway shows include 'Lion King,' 'Wicked,' 'Jersey Boys,' 'Miss Saigon,' 'Les Miserables', and many others.

In 1994, 'The Jeweler's Shop' by Pope John Paul II was played at Off-Broadway.

In the 20th century, the first American musicals were written and produced by George M. Cohan.

Elements Of Musical Theatre

Certain technical and emotional elements add to the charm of musical theater. The basic elements have been retained, while some elements have been introduced with gradual modifications. Some of these prominent elements have been listed.

Musicals are interspersed with emotions of love, anger, pathos, and humor. These emotions are expressed via songs, narratives, body movements, dance, and technical aspects.

The plot, characters, and scores are the essential elements of any musical. A lucid admixture of these elements helps to bring out the play's underlying theme.

Musicals include elements like lyrics, libretto, character songs, action songs, ballads, rhythm songs, comedy songs, and production numbers.

All the elements of musical performance were aimed at pulling considerable crowds to make musical theater commercially viable. Do you know that the Palace Theatre is popularly believed to be haunted? Two of the seats are reserved for the spirits.

Broadway theaters have 500 seats, while Off-Broadway contains 100-499 seats.

Contrary to popular belief, there are only four broadway theatres located on Broadway road in New York, The Roundabout, The Winter Garden, The Broadway Theater, and The Marquis.

There are 40 musical theatres in all over New York, including Times Square.

FAQs

Q: Who invented musical theater?

A: Although no one has been specifically credited for inventing the musical theater, the versatile entertainer George M. Cohan is considered one of the pioneers who introduced the separate genre of musical theater to the Americans in the '00s.

Q: What is a fact about Broadway?

A: The musical named 'The Phantom of the Opera' qualifies as the longest-running among all Broadway shows to date. On February 11, 2012, it successfully accomplished its 10,000th performance.

Q: When did musical theater begin?

A: The origins of musical theater can be traced back to the fifth century B.C. when the ancient Greeks enthusiastically participated in stage comedies and tragedies.

Q: What are the four elements of musical theater?

A: The four elements of musical theater are spoken dialogues, catchy music, dance, and acting.

Q: What are the key features of musical theater?

A: Musical theater is characterized by music, songs, dance sequences, spoken dialogues, stage spectacles, and spectacular costumes.

Q: How has musical theater changed over time?

A: Over time, several aspects of musical theater have changed, but one of the most significant changes in the theme currently addresses socially relevant issues like suicide, depression, anxiety, and others.