What Influenced Musical Theatre?

Musical Theatre|Theater

Musical theatre has become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world, and it has been around for centuries. It is a combination of music, drama, and dance that tells a story and entertains an audience. Musical theatre has been influenced by many different sources over the years, and these influences have shaped the way it is performed today.

Classical Music. Classical music has been the foundation for musical theatre since its inception. Classical composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach have all had an impact on musical theatre with their compositions. These composers wrote pieces that were structured and melodic, which allowed musical theatre to be more accessible to a wider audience.

Jazz. Jazz was another major influence on musical theatre in the early 20th century. Jazz music was more improvisational than classical music and allowed more freedom in terms of composition.

This style of music added a freshness to musical theatre that audiences had not seen before. Songs such as “Minnie the Moocher” by Cab Calloway helped shape the sound of modern musicals.

Broadway. Broadway was where many of these influences came together to create some iconic shows that are still performed today. Broadway is known for its large-scale productions with high-energy performances, lavish costumes, and elaborate sets. The success of shows like “Oklahoma!” and “The Sound Of Music” made Broadway a destination for those who wanted to experience high-quality entertainment.

Film. Film also had an influence on musical theatre as it provided new opportunities for writers to tell stories in a different way. Movies such as “Singin’ in The Rain” showcased how film could be used to create dynamic performances with elaborate choreography and set pieces. This type of storytelling became more popular with audiences and allowed writers to create larger-than-life stories on stage that had previously only been seen in movies.

Conclusion: Musical theatre has evolved over the years thanks to its various influences from classical music to Broadway shows to films. Each influence has shaped musical theatre into what it is today – an art form that entertains millions around the world every year with its unique blend of music, drama, and dance.