Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance. It has been around for centuries and has its origins in ancient Greek theatre. It has evolved over time to include various genres of music, from classical to pop, rock and rap.
Classical Music
Classical music is one of the most influential genres in musical theatre. Classical music provided the foundation for many musicals throughout the 19th century, with composers like Gilbert & Sullivan and Richard Rodgers writing music for some of the most famous musicals ever written. Classical music was also used in some more modern musicals such as Cats and Phantom of the Opera.
Jazz
Jazz is another genre that has had a significant influence on musical theatre. Jazz was popularized in the 1920s and early 1930s by composers such as George Gershwin and Cole Porter, who wrote songs for musicals such as Porgy & Bess and Anything Goes. Jazz was used extensively in musicals throughout the 20th century, with composers like Leonard Bernstein using it to great effect in West Side Story.
Rock ‘n’ Roll
Rock ‘n’ roll has been a major influence on musical theatre since its emergence in the 1950s. Rock ‘n’ roll was used extensively in Broadway shows such as Grease and Hair, which featured iconic songs like “You’re The One That I Want” and “Aquarius”. More recently, rock ‘n’ roll has been used by composers such as Andrew Lloyd Webber in his shows Jesus Christ Superstar and School Of Rock: The Musical.
Pop Music
Pop music has been used extensively in modern musicals such as Mamma Mia!, which features ABBA classics like “Dancing Queen” and “Take A Chance On Me”. Pop music is often used to create catchy tunes that audiences can sing along to, making it a popular choice for many modern musicals.
Rap/Hip-Hop
Rap and hip-hop have become increasingly popular genres within musical theatre over recent years. Hamilton is one example of a show which draws heavily on rap/hip-hop influences – with songs like “My Shot” becoming hugely popular amongst audiences worldwide. Other shows such as In The Heights also use rap/hip-hop influences to great effect.
Conclusion
Musical theatre has evolved over time to include a variety of different genres of music, from classical to jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, pop music and rap/hip-hop. Each genre offers something unique to the artform – whether it be catchy tunes that audiences can sing along too or more thought provoking lyrics that challenge social conventions – making it an incredibly diverse artform that continues to evolve with each passing year.