Musical theatre and musical comedy are two distinct art forms that are both considered to be part of the broader genre of musicals. Although both forms contain elements of music, singing, and dancing, there are some key differences between them.
Musical Theatre
Musical theatre is a form of theatre that combines elements of music, singing, and dancing with a dramatic story. It is usually performed in a professional setting such as on Broadway or in regional theaters.
The songs in musical theatre often advance the plot and are usually integrated into the story line. The performers must have strong acting skills as well as vocal and dance abilities to portray the characters accurately.
Musical Comedy
Musical comedy is a form of entertainment that combines music with comedy and often includes parody. Musical comedies are typically performed for a more casual audience than musical theatre, such as in nightclubs or cabarets.
The songs in musical comedies are often used to add humor to the performance, rather than advancing the plot. Performers need strong comedic skills as well as vocal and dancing abilities to bring out the comedic elements of the show.
Key Differences
The key difference between musical theatre and musical comedy lies in their focus: while musical theatre focuses on telling a dramatic story through song and dance, musical comedy focuses on creating comedic entertainment through parody. Musical theatre performances are typically held in more formal settings, while musical comedies tend to be put on for relaxed audiences in places like nightclubs or cabarets.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are many differences between musical theatre and musical comedy. While both forms incorporate music, singing, and dancing into their performances, their focus differs significantly: while one focuses on telling stories through song and dance, the other emphasizes creating comedic entertainment through parody.