Broadway Musicals: An Introduction

What are Musicals?Musicals are shows for entertainment!These shows combine dance, dialogue,

music and singing to tell a story.

The Book – 6 Key ElementsThe story line is

clearly outlined and easy to follow.

Characters are created in the musical book that are easily related to, straying from stereotypes.

Creates situations that calls characters into song

It allows smooth movement in and out of song numbers

Hands over much, or all, of the plot and character development to the songs and choreography

Most importantly, make the audience care at all times!

The ScoreTuneful melodies

that are catchy and accompany the actors singing and aid in telling the story

Song Types – Ballads, charm songs, comedy numbers, and musical scenes

Song placement – vitally important for the development of a musical

Who makes musicals successful?The actors cannot carry the show by

themselves! They need sound to dance to, lights to bring visual effects, sets to create the places they are, and people to come see the show! These jobs are fulfilled through different teams.

The two main groups that aid the show from the beginning to the end, the creative team and the production team.

Creative TeamGroup of people who

add artistic flair and flavor to the musical that is being produced.

Examples: Composer, lyricist, director, choreographers, set, costume, sound, and lighting designers, and musical director.

Production TeamThose responsible for supporting the

visions of the creative team and making the musical a successful Broadway production to yield as much profit as possible.

Examples include, producer, investor, general manager, stage manager, house manager, dance captain, casting director, advertising firm, press representatives, and actors.

MusicalsNow that you’ve learned about the

elements of a musical, can you spot them in the opening of the 2009 Tony Awards?

2009 Tony Awards Opening