MUSICAL THEATRE

(1)

INTRODUCTION

Acting, dancing, and singing. The dream of so many little children around the world. Who hasn’t at least at one point dreamt about being a famous singer, or actor? Maybe a rock star? It takes great talent and perseverance to get to that big stage. That big stage of the spotlight where many a dream has come true. And what better way to convey their success stories than through musicals?

Musicals are shows combining elements of straight play with elements associated with music. Every musical is made up of the book (libretto) and the score, which consists of music and lyrics. They tell a story and involve a wide variety of different roles from performers, musicians, lighting and sound engineers, choreographers, and directors to producers.

There are key elements to every musical. We will take a quick look at them and also of tips and steps to writing musicals.

WHAT IS A MUSICAL?

Musical theatre, also known as a musical, is a show combining elements typically associated with straight play (acting, scriptwriting, performance, emotional exploration, etc.) with the elements typically associated with music (compositions, lyrics, dancing, accompaniment, etc.). (2,3)

Its origins date back to the 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century developments of the opera. (2)

The two most common types are:

Book musicals – driven by a clear plot and original songs (e.g. Les Miserables).
Jukebox musical – more focused on songs by one band or artist, linked by a plot (e.g. We Will Rock You). (4)

ELEMENTS TO A MUSICAL

Musicals usually tell a story covering a range of emotions, from humor and love to anger and sadness, and involve a wide variety of different roles from performers, musicians, lighting and sound engineers, choreographers, and directors to producers. (3)

For a musical to be as great as Mamma Mia!, La La Land, Wizard of Oz, Singin’ in the Rain, they require a whole symphony of different elements coming together: an original storyline, compelling characters, powerful songs performed at the well-timed moments and captivating choreography to fill the stage. (4)

Every musical is made up of the following key elements:

the book (libretto)
and the score, which consists of
music
lyrics (2, 5).

THE SCORE

A musical score is a written version of music for a particular show, in which the parts for instruments rest on different staves across the page. (6) It contains the songs, instrumental pieces, and orchestration.

SONGS

Songs in musicals are often comprised of

Verse, where a character explores what’s going on around them
Chorus, where the thesis of a song is stated explicitly
Bridge, where a different perspective is presented. (2)

They tend to follow an AABA form, where A is the main melody line, repeated twice. B is the release or bridge and should be very different than A. Finally, A is then repeated a third time, usually with a melodic twist to give the final bars more interest. (5)

We can find different song types in a musical score. The most common are:

The opening number establishes the setting, introduces the main character/s, and sets the overall tone for the show.
The ‘I want’ song – usually performed by the protagonist. Expresses their dreams, desires and goals.
Ballads - usually love songs, but they can also philosophize about any strong emotion.
The villain’s song – expresses the desires and goals of the antagonist.
Charm Song - a character beguiles an audience
Comedy Numbers - aim for laughs
The apology song – performed by a character who’s done wrong, and expresses remorse.
Musical Scenes - seamlessly blend dialogue and song, usually with two or more characters
The showstopper – this is a big, memorable and typically highly choreographed song. The center of the show.
The Finale – a powerful and emotionally charged song that occurs right at the end of the show leaving lasting impressions. (4,5)

SONG PLACEMENT

Placement is everything in musical writing. Songs need to be placed at emotional high points for maximum effect. This is especially important for 4 major songs:

The Opening Number at the beginning sets the tone for the rest of the show.
The Main "I Want" Song. It comes early in the first act. One or more of the main characters sing about their key motivating desire.
The Eleven O'clock Number takes place about midway through Act Two. This show tune needs to be strong enough to energize the audience and propel the show toward its climax.
The Finale at the end needs to establish a powerful last impression with a satisfying emotional wallop. (5)

THE BOOK (LIBRETTO)

The book (or libretto) is the script, the narrative structure, the drama at the heart of every musical. (5)

Key Book Elements are

clear and compelling story line.
believable characters
situations that call characters into song.
smooth transitions (5)

Musicals are usually in either a 3-act form or a more modern 2-act form.

It is important to keep the audience expectant and eager to find out what happens next. Acts and scenes are usually brought to a close through songs and the usage of cliffhangers. (5)

STEPS AND TIPS TO WRITING A MUSICAL

Here are some tips and steps to follow when you embark on your writing musicals journey.

FIND A STORY THAT ANSWERS A COMPELLING NEED

Successful musicals have characters who need or want something desperately. That need comes up against an equally powerful obstacle. The conflict forces the heroes to give their all. (5)

If you have found an idea that fits that profile you also need to ask yourself if you believe it would be best told through musical theatre. Will it stand out from other musicals out there? If you believe it has potential, it is worth pursuing. (4)

FLESH OUT YOUR CHARACTERS

Create characters with distinct personalities, differing goals, and clashing motives.

Here are the typical story character types you should develop:

the hero: strives to help others and usually tries to solve a problem by embarking on a journey.
the lover: a passionate and loyal character, led by their heart rather than their head.
the antagonist: the chief enemy of our protagonist, can also be the villain.
the mentor: someone who guides the protagonist a part of the way
the sidekick: a loyal companion who remains beside our hero down whatever path they choose to venture. (4)

SHOW, DON’T TELL

Make sure you showcase the true nature of your characters through their actions. Let their actions speak loud and clear. (5)

BUILD A LOOSE STRUCTURE

Once you have developed your characters start plotting your story on a timeline. Ask yourself when you want to introduce your characters. When should the confrontation occur? (4)

STUDY AND PRACTICE THE BASICS OF GOOD STORY TELLING

Musicals are all about telling stories. Practicing your storytelling will enrich you and your stories. (5)

NEVER TEACH OR PREACH

Put your story and character first. Any preaching and teaching should come secondary so e do not lose the interest of the audience. (5)

WRITE THE SONGS

It is time to write all the songs you will need. A good musical at the end of the day strikes the right balance between dialogue, songs, and dance numbers. Draw your inspiration from the characters and their motives, their dreams, and goals. What are they feeling at the moment? (4)

FIND THE SONG PLACEMENTS

Find those places in the story where the characters have an emotional justification for singing. Those places demand for a song! (5)

OPEN WITH A KICK-ASS SONG

The opening song sets the stage for everything that follows. By the end of the opening number, audiences should know where the story is set, what sort of people are in it, and what the basic tone of the show (comic, satiric, serious, etc.) will be. (5)

EVERY ELEMENT MUST SPEAK AS ONE

The dialogue, lyrics, and staging must form a single fabric. The characters should move seamlessly between spoken word, dance, and song. (5)

SONGS ARE NOT ENOUGH

When transforming an existing story into a musical you need a new vision. Adding new characters, and changing scenery should all contribute. With the addition of songs, we must re-ignite the original. (5)

SING IT OR SAY IT, NEVER BOTH

There should be no repeating of scenes in singing. If it has already been said, let it not be repeated in a song.

Maurice Zoltow had the following to say in “Mamoulian Directs a Musical” published in the NY Times; “... a song must lift the spoken scene to greater heights than it was before, or the song must be cut no matter how beautiful the melody. The song must not merely repeat in musical terms what has already been put across by the dialogue and actions." (Maurice Zoltow, NY Times, 1/29/1950, "Mamoulian Directs a Musical," section 2, p.1). (5)

CALL UPON COLLABORATORS

Writing musicals is a group project. At one point we will be required to collaborate with others from musicians, choreographers, composers, actors, producers, and so forth. It will make the musical even better. (4)

CONCLUSION

Musicals are shows combining elements of straight play with elements associated with music. Their purpose is to tell a certain story that captures the audience, which they achieve through key elements: an original storyline, compelling characters, powerful songs performed at well-timed moments, and captivating choreography to fill the stage. Writing musicals is a group project consisting of musicians, choreographers, composers, actors, producers, and so forth.

SOURCES

Image created via canva.com
Gregory Lawrence. How to write a musical. April 2, 2024. Available at https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-to-write-a-musical-76690/
Bitesize. Musicals and musical theater. Available at https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zbhqjhv
BBC Maestro. How to write a musical. June 7, 2023. Available at https://www.bbcmaestro.com/blog/how-to-write-a-musical
Musicals 101: The Cyber Encyclopedia of Musical Theatre, Film, and Television. Elements of a Musical. Available at https://www.musicals101.com/score.htm
Alec Chillingworth. What is a musical score? Feb 22, 2024. Available at https://www.epidemicsound.com/blog/what-is-a-musical-score/

Until next time!