Musical theatre is a form of theatre that combines music, spoken dialogue, and dance in order to tell a story. It is one of the oldest forms of entertainment and has been popular for centuries. The first example of musical theatre can be traced back to ancient Greece, where music and drama were combined to create what was known as “dithyrambs”.
The first recorded performance of a musical theatre piece was in 14th century Italy. This piece was called “Il Trovatore” and it combined singing, dancing, and dialogue in order to tell the story of two rival families who are eventually reconciled through the power of music. This performance is considered to be the earliest example of musical theatre as we know it today.
The 19th century saw the rise of operettas in Europe, which were lighthearted musical plays that often featured popular songs or melodies from operas. Operettas quickly became one of the most popular forms of entertainment at the time and many famous composers such as Gilbert & Sullivan wrote some of their best-known works in this style.
In America, minstrel shows were popular during this era and these performances showcased skits that featured singing, dancing, and jokes about African-Americans. Minstrel shows eventually evolved into vaudeville which featured more elaborate sets and costumes. It was during this time that musicals began to take shape with shows like George M. Cohan’s “Little Johnny Jones” (1904) becoming popular.
The first true example of musical theatre, however, can be attributed to composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Lorenz Hart’s “The Garrick Gaieties”. This show opened on Broadway in 1925 and featured some iconic songs such as “Manhattan” and “Mountain Greenery”. It was also the first show to feature a fully integrated score with songs that were seamlessly woven into the plot.
Since then, there have been countless examples of musicals that have captivated audiences around the world with their stories and music. From “West Side Story”, “Cabaret”, “Hamilton”, “Wicked”, “Les Misérables”, to modern hits like “Dear Evan Hansen”, musical theatre continues to evolve and entertain audiences everywhere.
In conclusion, it can be said that the earliest example of musical theatre is Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart’s “The Garrick Gaieties”, which opened on Broadway in 1925. Although there are many other examples of musicals that have come before it, this show is widely considered to be one of the most important contributions to modern musical theatre.