Modern musical theatre is a form of entertainment that has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that it began to take the shape we recognize today. The beginnings of modern musical theatre can be traced back to the late 19th century when Broadway plays began to incorporate songs and music. This fusion of singing and dancing with storytelling was known as “musical comedy”, and it quickly became popular with audiences of all ages.
The first musical to hit Broadway was The Black Crook in 1866. It was a melodrama that featured elaborate costumes, elaborate sets and special effects, as well as singing and dancing. This show is widely regarded as being the first true musical, but it was not until the early 1900s that musicals became more popular on Broadway.
The early 20th century saw the emergence of some of the most influential composers in musical theatre history. George Gershwin wrote Rhapsody in Blue in 1924; Jerome Kern wrote Show Boat in 1927; Rodgers & Hammerstein wrote Oklahoma! in 1943; Leonard Bernstein wrote West Side Story in 1957; and Stephen Sondheim wrote Sweeney Todd in 1979.
The shows these composers wrote were revolutionary for their time, blending together stories, music and dance into one complete package. They also introduced groundbreaking ideas about how stories could be told through song and dance. These shows helped pave the way for future composers to create more ambitious works.
Musical theatre has come a long way since its inception in the late 19th century. The genre has evolved from simple stories with singing and dancing to complex narratives featuring intricate choreography and powerful music.
It has become an integral part of American culture, with millions of people around the world enjoying its unique blend of artistry every year. Modern musical theatre began in the early 20th century when composers began to combine elements of storytelling with music and dance to create something truly unique.
When Did Modern Musical Theatre Begin? Modern musical theatre can trace its roots back to the late 19th century when Broadway plays started incorporating songs and music into their productions. However, it wasn’t until composers such as George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Leonard Bernstein started writing groundbreaking works that modern musical theatre truly began.