[Sandra]

Hi, I'm writing a paper about why do people (especially in England) like musicals so much. Many of the musicals are played many many times. Can someone please tell me, why is it so?? What is so special about musicals, that they are so popular??

[The Very Angry Woman]

Sex.

[TheWitch]

I second that.

[Salome]

seriously though..a musical theatre piece speaks to you on a gut level. a character pouringo ut their emotions in a song..be it comical,angst ridden, forlorn or otherwise is quite intimite.

[music is my life!!!]

well, musicals are a combination of 2 of my fave things - music and theatre. Need i say more?

x x x

[KBecks]

its music and emotion -- and I think people enjoy singing and in their hearts want to sing.... and the music and lyrics can convey mood and feeling so well

[what_the_heck013]

Most of the old classic have a happy "warm and fuzzy" feeling. People like these types of musicals to give them an escape from their lives. Musicals can also help people to look at themselves and the world around them.

[allieoop]

Emotional, whether joyful or depressing.
Addicting.

[happyguava]

I think music is one of the most amazing ways of expressing emotion - it has this fantastic power. Musical theatre is able to draw you in, and the music is so meaningful because you know the characters; you know who they are, their past and what they are going through, so you feel for them through the music.

[EponinesRain]

I guess musicals are like any other medium, in that they can reflect the culture and history of a certain time and place. People may relate to the narratives they tell in that way. Or, it’s just another medium that can mobilize different schools of thought so that people can experience something foreign. It lets spectators live vicariously. What's even better is that the spectator can buy/participate in extra items related to the show (cds, posters, websites, forums!) once it's over, so he can relive it whenever he wants to!

The medium of film is so successful b/c it’s not afraid to be provocative or experimental, either. Hollywood is so daring b/c it’s as far as the American spirit could go (in the West), so it naturally became a cultural, creative dumping ground! But, you’re asking about England so…

With any type of theatre, it’s always a spectacle to watch something live right in front of you. This is b/c the performers and the audience form a reciprocal relationship. Though actors need to stay in character and run through the same story, there is never a show that is exactly the same just b/c it is live! When asked how live theatre differs from film, Laurence Fishburne said, “You never know what’s going to happen. It’s like hopping on a train, and you don’t get off until it’s over.” This keeps things interesting and unpredictable for both the performers and the audience. That’s why people don’t mind watching musicals that “are played many many times.” I’m sure people also go to see the same shows b/c they wonder if actor X can keep his performance up to par every single night. Or, they’re fascinated that he/she can belt out those notes eight shows a week! I’m sure that the performers on this forum can also attest to the rush and adrenaline they get from being on a live stage. So, the audience feeds off the actors as much as the other way around.

As for the music part…I did a report about this, too…But the others are right about it expressing a world of emotions that words can't really do. I’ll see what I can dig up later. Sorry for the long post, but I hope it helps you out!

[christinadaae]

I hate to say something so lame after such a great post but...


Theater can be compared to television, except it is live and more emotional.
And musical theater songs can be compared to "everyday music". They are just personalized to a specific event, emotion, etc...


Why do people like television and music?

[Dvarg]

Personally I like musical theatre because characters expressing themselves through song that exists on the same diegetic level as the rest of the action creates a special sort of authenticity that suits my habitus.

I'm also fond of musicals because of other cultural codes inherent to the genre, like singability combined with actability (which ideally results in a particular form of dramaturgy), the emphasis on text (instead of an emphasis on for example orchestrations or the voice "as an instrument") which in particularly includes an emphasis on correct rhymes.

Preferably a musical expands and nuances my intellectual and/or emotional horizon and perspective, but I can also enjoy fluff if it takes the genre and it's audience seriously.

I can't say why other people like musicals. My cousin enjoys them because of the tight lycra suits some performers wear.

[Dvarg]

While I was deciding whether or not buying Scott Miller's book From Assassins To West Side Story, I came over this wonderful quote from the book, that I think is a great answer to the question:

[EponinesRain]

Great quote, Dvarg. Still, this leaves the question of why musicals, specifically, are so appealing, and not just theatre; because you can cross boundaries and experience those things that Miller speaks of from film, too.

Here's what I've learned in class. I hope that this doesn't sound pedantic. I'm just really interested in music and media in general.

What I’ve learned is that any narrative must keep its artificiality no matter what. That is to say, it’s the job of the cast/crew to keep the spectator immersed within the diegesis of the narrative, to never see the smoke and mirrors behind it all, so that it’s believable. (Of course this collapses with the star system and other things, but…) I think musicals are unique b/c the spectator consciously knows that all the music is being sung by the characters within the story yet they can still be “seduced” by the narrative plot. Meaning, nobody sings every single word in real life, so that’s to be unbelievable and the spectator can see its artificiality; but somehow, it works with musicals.

Characters in musicals also sing based on the action/circumstance, which is called the “Myth of Spontaneity”. For example, in Singin’ in the Rain, Don Lockwood spontaneously starts singing (and dancing >.>) in the rain b/c he is joyful about his new romance. So, musicals make it simpler, if you will, to let spectators see that people sing because they are happy, sad for cathartic purposes, or when an event is important enough to make a song. And since characters sing in natural response to life, this makes the performance (an act of culture), actually an act of nature. Thus, what is natural is understandable to everyone = universal/relatable. Hence, the argument that music is Esperanto.

Music and sound also accompany visual action so that spectators get a more complete perceptual experience. It shapes how a scene is interpreted, it gives a new value to silence, and directs attention to specific things within the scene. Plus, abstract ideas are always associated to different musical rhythms, melodies, instruments, etc. (trumpets= makes you think of something regal; church bells = peace, refuge, reverence). These are all ways that the producer/director can control how the spectator interprets the musical performance and how a spectator can relate to it. Music triggers memory, as well. Memory is another private instance that can be evoked from a public sphere (the musical performance) so that one naturally has a tie with what evoked it. But, I guess that's contingent on whether it is a good or bad memory…hrm…

There’s so much more to write, but I’m sure everybody is snoozing by now- heh! Sorry I’m so gung-ho about this. Obviously, I’m a film/media studies major, but I still have a lot to learn, too!

[Dvarg]

[Pounce]

Yes EponinesRain, I was thinking the same thing about Scott's comments. He wasn't pointing out what makes the musical so special.

It is interesting that between the musical and straight play, the musical is by far more popular. I can't think of any blockbuster straight plays off-hand (there might be some or even many but I think they pale compared to the success of the musical). Just as touring concerts attract large audiences, I think the musical has proven to be the most commercially viable of the touring forms of theater. Musicals successes in film have been uneven, but even a large majority of film rely on musical background to help evoke the desired emotion from the audience. From my experience, straight plays usually doesn't use background music to enhance the mood. The theatrical musical gives a story with the excitement of a live concert. A musical is more of a sensual experience than the straight play.

[Dvarg]

[Cake_in_Song]

I don't. I'm only here because somebody said there would be free cookies.

[EponinesRain]

[Dvarg]

[Sandra]

Thank you very much, you are really helping me a lot!! Thanks.

[EponinesRain]

[Dvarg]

[Milleh]

Why do people like musicals?

Hmmmm...some would say theatre, others would say the music themselves.

Personally...I think alot of musicals reflect things in people's lives. They can relate to them;

Miss Saigon: War, giving your child away
Blood Brothers: Finding out you have another brother/sister, being in poverty
Oliver: Again, being in poverty, but managing to look on the bright side of life
Les Mis: War, hardship, love
Avenue Q: Alot of the songs relate to real life
Grease: School, friendships, growing up

^^ See. Alot of musicals do relate to real life and people can look at them and reflect back and think "they're going thru the same thing as me, they know my emotions"

Also, alot of it is mebbe the music itself. They hear one song and think "Wow" and find out about the show and the music and like the rest of it.

Or for some it maybe because they are just interested in theatre anyway and musicals is/can be part of it.

This is probably the worst thing you read lol but tis how I feel

[Eponine93]

Milly, I like your idea but I think I'd find some of those things hard to relate to. Specifically your reasoning on Blood Brothers. How many people do you know that found out they had another, long-lost brother/sister?

Anyway, I think people like musicals either because they're entertaining or they have an emotional effect on them. Additionally, a lot of musicals produce a "warm and fuzzy" feeling. For the entertaining example, let's think along the lines of Spamalot. Is it deep? No. Funny? Yes.

Milly, I'm going to take your examples of Les Mis and Miss Saigon. Very few of us can relate to giving your child away, but we find inspiration in Kim's strengh. Additionally, it manipulates us emotionally in a way that makes us sad. I don't know why people like shows, movies, or books that make them cry (and I'm the biggest fan of depressing art) but it makes people like it.

Finally, a lot of people were introduced to more traditional musicals at an early age. We saw the movies with our parents, grandparents, or someone else we were close to. Seeing the musicals or listening to the music produces a warm and fuzzy feeling. Good feelings.

I know I wasn't being very articulate but hopefully people will get what I'm tryng to say. Next time I'll be more intellectual, I don't feel like it now.

[Milleh]

I just meant in General hun, like older people can relate to some of the issues but I can see where your coming from spesh about Kim's strength.

[EponinesRain]

[Jordan]

[Pounce]

[Dvarg]

[Jordan]

[Ulla Dance Again!]

There are certain musicals that I can relate to, in one way or another. Sometimes, I sort of categorize musicals - like if I'm in a silly mood, I'll watch Reefer Madness. If I want to be easily entertained, I'll watch The Producers.

Most of the time, I enjoy a [specific] musical because of its setting, or characters. Take my interest in Cabaret, for instance. The setting fascinates me - pre-war Berlin, rise of fascism and Hitler. If you look at it at face value, you might think there's nothing all too intriguing. Dig a little deeper, and you see how the world outside the Kit Kat Klub slowly makes its way in, and in the end, no one is safe.

[nickhutson]

The American Musical (whether it's pre R&H or post) has usually focused on celebrating life - or/and The American Dream. This is one of the main reasons why musicals make it in America. ALL the popular musicals look at growth of pride, growth of money and making it in the world.


Oklahoma, for example, concentrates on a piece of land belonging to the frontier becoming part of the United States. Also covers the solving of the little "civil" war they have going on in OK - with the farmer and the cowman becoming friends.

The King and I...teaching western (American) values to another part of the world. Even though Anna is a British character, it might as well be a character from Manhattan.

The Sound of Music...teaching teaching western (American) values to another part of the world. Even though Maria is an Austrian character, it might as well be a character from Manhattan.

South Pacific...Americans interacting with the Pacific Islands

My Fair Lady, even though set in England, covers the American dream quite simply - a rags to riches story...

How to Succeed in Business...American Dream

Ragtime...goes without saying...



Of course - these are only classic musicals (apart from Ragtime), but they really are the most respected ones for scholars. This all went a bit topsy-turvy when the Brits took over Broadway (which a lot of Americans disliked) and we got songs like "The American Dream" which was a parody of what musicals had been about for many, many years.

But, mainly, musicals are about celebrating life. It's about the intergration of telling positive stories, singing and dancing.

[Dvarg]

[nickhutson]

Wwich is why Sondheim has never been a commerical success...

[Salome]

[Dvarg]

[Pounce]

[Eponine93]

Pounce, where can I find the list of top 25 film musicals? I'm really curious as to which ones are on top...

[Pounce]

[Dvarg]

[Pounce]

Well, this was the ballot

http://www.afi.com/Docs/tvevents/pdf/musicals_ballot.pdf

and it is titled Greatest Movie Musicals

and according to AFI's site the jury was "of over 500 film artists, composers, musicians, critics and historians".

[Pounce]

[Jordan]

[Pounce]

[Jordan]

[Dvarg]

[Pounce]

[Dvarg]

[feedetincelle]

I agree with Dvarg, not all musicals have to celebrate the American dream but I can see a lot of them that does.

I think most of the people before me have already said all the good points of why musicals are so popular; and each and every one deserves an applaud for their work and effort in delivering not only entertaining but beautiful performances. I sure remember every bit of all the musicals I've seen so far.

I personally love watching a broadway production because I seem to immerse in it more than being in a cinema. Most of it comes from respect to the performers, composer, writer and choreographer. I think music is a powerful mean of communication because it tends to stick to your head and forms a strong memory (may it be bad or good).

I'm not going to bore you with all the points that I want to say since it's all been conveyed eloquently by some of you on this thread.

Lovely!

[Big_Dave]

Well the reason why i think musicals are soooooo great!! in the old classic musicals they all have somewot of a happy ending!! they are just feel gd things no matter how crap you feel stick a decent musical on and all your troubles seem to go!! lol. there are exceptions to the rule of course....les mis now thats jus depressin.....ace but depressin!!

Big Dave

[Dvarg]

[theonetowatch]

I hate musicals.

[Dvarg]

[Yip1982]

I have a funny feeling that people like musicals for a combination of the above reasons discussed before. Musicals are an avenue for people to unite and meld the emotions of theatre with the emotions of music. Apart from that, musicals help them make sense of such a layered, complicated world. I know that not many people will warm to musicals that create a fuzzy feeling (i.e. in the manner of the R&Hs and the L&Ls), but these shows would lend us a sincerity that encourages us that all will be well.

[Dvarg]

This morning I found yet another aspect of why I like musicals. I thinkm it might have to do with multidimentionality in a way.

A lot of music lacks a dimention of time. Instead of moving from one point to another (like when a musical song works as a dramaturgical scene), many songs (like rock songs, disco songs and even songs of classical music) work structurally like a circle or without a time dimention. Instead they describe an emotion, or return to a previous lyric without necessarily developping during its duration.

Also a lot of non musical theatre songs do work with a time dimention, for example when they tell a story. But often they lack a space dimention. I think ths can be parallelled with what Sondheim learned from Robbins when working with WSS. When presenting Robbins for Something's Coming (I think), Robbins asked 'But what does he do?' In musicals there are a space diimention I think perhaps lacks in other sorts of music because when composing the song, the composer/lyricist also have to consider what the performer is to do while performing the song (in another way than making a non telling choreography like disco, for example).

[Pounce]

[LaGataNegra]

Music is something people respond to on a visceral level. The theatrical experience gives a feeling of community; everyone in the audience is being affected at the same time. The actors are feeling what they're singing. The audience can absorb this emotion more strongly than they can when they're watching a movie. Live performance forms a stronger bond than a celluloid performance.

We also like being told stories, and being sung to. It's a throwback to our childhoods.

[mozurkz]

The reason musicals are popular is because when you go to see a play, you have a greater immersion, and it's a lot more fun then simply seeing a movie, but the emotions can't be conveyed strongly enough in a strait play, something the closeups/sountrack/fake tears does in a movie. so it needs something that can convey the emotions of the characters, and music, being the language of emotions, is the perfect fit. The music in musicals speaks to your heart, and when you listen to the music, you truly feel for the characters. Musical music is better then popular music because it makes you feel emotions, connecting you to the characters.