Musical theatre is a form of theatre (generally spelled "theater" in the USA, though often spelled "theatre" by people involved in theatre) combining music, songs, dance, and spoken dialogue. It is closely related to opera, frequently being distinguished by the use of popular music of various forms (or at least popular singing styles), the use of unaccompanied dialogue (though some musicals are entirely accompanied, such as Les Misérables, and some operas have spoken dialogue, such as Carmen), often a greater emphasis on dance by the principal performers and chorus, and the avoidance of many operatic conventions (though some operas avoid these, too). Amplification of the singers is usually approved of in larger theatres where musicals are played, while it is generally disapproved of in opera houses.

Introduction

---

The three main components of a musical are the music, the lyrics, and the book. The book of a musical refers to the spoken (not sung) lines in the play; however, "book" can also refer to the overall dramaticness of a show. The music and lyrics together form the score of the musical; the lyrics and book together are often printed as the libretto (Italian for “little book”). Other components are the direction, choreography, and technical aspects, such as set, costumes, lighting, etc., that generally change from production to production.

Musical theatre works are performed around the world. The big budget Broadway and West End theatre productions in New York City and London have often been creatively matched by Off-Broadway or regional productions, such as The Fantasticks or The Musical, and by the recent development of musical theatre scenes in Germany, Austria, France, Japan, Eastern Europe, and other places.

More on [ Musical theatre ]

Musicals - Twitter Search

Plays, musicals, concerts highlight holiday shows http://bit.ly/4OnFRI
primoseats (Todd R.) Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:30:57 -0000
Plays, musicals, concerts highlight holiday shows http://bit.ly/4OnFRI
"I ddidnnt know there was musicals in chino, or even laughter"haha!
seanfenton (Sean Fenton) Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:28:41 -0000
"I ddidnnt know there was musicals in chino, or even laughter"haha!
Have chosen to save up money to visit Broadway late next year. Will need companions as I am sure b/f will not want to see 10 musicals...
cubanfox (The Nick) Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:15:46 -0000
Have chosen to save up money to visit Broadway late next year. Will need companions as I am sure b/f will not want to see 10 musicals...
This is a good free report - Disney Musicals http://76k.com/m/nw8hra
LinksElite (LinksElite) Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:15:16 -0000
This is a good free report - Disney Musicals http://76k.com/m/nw8hra
my friends have awesome musical taste. folk tales, epic musicals, death metal fast classical guitar. thanks to you all.
glsnrwy (Giles Norway) Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:04:55 -0000
my friends have awesome musical taste. folk tales, epic musicals, death metal fast classical guitar. thanks to you all.
Just have to tell myself over and over again: this is where the money for the UK travels & JB's musicals and shows and concerts comes from.
cinderblock42 (Denise) Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:58:31 -0000
Just have to tell myself over and over again: this is where the money for the UK travels & JB's musicals and shows and concerts comes from.

Subscribe to Musicals RSS feed