What Is the Purpose of Musical Theatre?

Musical Theatre|Theater

Musical theatre is a form of storytelling in which singers and dancers use song, dialogue, acting and dance to tell a story. The purpose of musical theatre is to entertain and express emotions through music, lyrics, choreography and staging.

Musical theatre has been around for centuries with the earliest surviving musical being ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ written by John Gay in 1728. It was a popular form of entertainment in the 19th century when travelling troupes would bring their shows to small towns across America. In the 20th century, musical theatre became increasingly popular in larger cities with productions such as ‘Oklahoma!’ by Rodgers and Hammerstein becoming hits on Broadway.

Musical theatre also has roots in opera, operetta and other forms of classical music such as oratorios. These genres have been adapted over time to create something new that combines elements of all these influences. Musical theatre usually follows a traditional format where there is a beginning, middle and end with songs that move the story forward.

In addition to being entertaining, musical theatre can be used as a tool for social change. It can be used to bring attention to issues such as racism or sexism or can be used to educate audiences about certain topics such as history or science. Musical theatre is also used as a form of escapism – it can transport audiences into different worlds filled with adventure, romance and humour – allowing them to forget their troubles for a few hours and just enjoy the show.

At its core, musical theatre is intended to evoke emotion from its audience whether it be laughter, sorrow or excitement – it’s an art form that allows us to experience life through music and dance in ways we could never do in reality. It’s no wonder that this genre continues to captivate audiences all around the world even after centuries of evolution!

Conclusion: What is the purpose of musical theatre? The purpose of musical theatre is to entertain and express emotions through music, lyrics, choreography and staging while also bringing attention to important social issues such as racism or sexism or educating people about certain topics such as history or science. Furthermore, it’s an art form that allows us to experience life through music and dance in ways we could never do in reality – making it an enduringly popular form of entertainment!