What Is a Prop Song in Musical Theatre?

Musical Theatre|Theater

A prop song is a type of musical theatre number that is used to move the story forward or to show character development. Prop songs are usually upbeat and fast-paced, and they are often used in large group numbers.

They can range from solos to full-cast numbers, but the main purpose of a prop song is to help the story move along and add another layer of emotion or depth.

Prop songs are often used in big production numbers such as opening numbers, finales, and Act I closers. A good example of a prop song is “You Can’t Stop The Beat” from the musical Hairspray.

This number is used as an opener for Act II, and it serves to re-energize the audience after the intermission. It also serves as a reminder that despite all the struggles that have been faced in Act I, you can still succeed in your goals.

Prop songs can also be used to show character development. For example, in Wicked, “Defying Gravity” is sung by Elphaba when she finally decides to go against her fate and take control of her own destiny.

This prop song helps portray her journey from being an outcast to becoming a powerful leader.

Prop songs can be found throughout musical theatre history and continue to play an important role in storytelling today. They provide excitement, energy, emotion, and color that help bring stories alive on stage. Without these numbers, musical theatre would be much less vibrant.

Conclusion:

In summary, a prop song in musical theatre is an upbeat number used to move the story along or show character development. Prop songs range from solos to full-cast numbers, and they can be found throughout musical theatre history. These types of songs provide energy and emotion that help make stories come alive on stage.