What Is a Standard in Musical Theatre?

Musical Theatre|Theater

Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines music, dance, and dialogue to tell a story. It has been a popular form of entertainment since the early 1900s, and continues to draw audiences around the world today.

A standard in musical theatre is a song that is widely known and performed on many stages. These songs have become iconic in the industry, and are often referred to as “showstoppers” due to their crowd-pleasing nature.

The most famous standards in musical theatre come from Broadway shows, such as “Oklahoma!” which features the classic showtune “Oh What A Beautiful Morning”. Other well-known classics include “Cabaret” with its iconic title song, “The Phantom of the Opera” with its haunting melody, and “Annie Get Your Gun” with its beloved anthem “There’s No Business Like Show Business”. All of these songs are instantly recognizable to anyone who has seen the show or even heard it just once.

In addition to Broadway standards, there are also musical theatre standards from Hollywood films. For instance, the classic film The Sound of Music features some of the most beloved musical theatre songs of all time, including “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things”. Similarly, Grease, which was adapted from a stage musical for the big screen in 1978, includes timeless classics like “Summer Nights” and “You’re The One That I Want”.

Musical theatre standards can also be found in popular albums released by various artists. These albums typically feature covers of classic show tunes such as “Send In The Clowns” (made famous by Judy Collins), or renditions of modern hits like Idina Menzel’s version of “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen. Some collections even feature versions of both old and new favourites.

Overall, there is no one definition for what constitutes a standard in musical theatre; rather it is a collection of timeless classics that have become beloved favorites over time. Whether they are heard on stage or on the radio, these songs will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.

Conclusion:

A standard in musical theatre is a song that has become widely known and performed on many stages over time. These songs have become iconic in the industry due to their crowd-pleasing nature and timeless appeal.

They range from Broadway classics such as those found in shows like “Oklahoma!” and “The Phantom Of The Opera” to more modern favourites like “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen”. Regardless of their origins however, all these songs share one thing in common; they will remain popular for many years to come.