Musical Theater | OtterKnow Kids Encyclopedia

What Is Musical Theater?

Musical theater is a form of performance that combines three arts into one exciting show: singing, dancing, and acting. Unlike a regular play where characters only speak, musical theater characters burst into song and dance to express their biggest emotions and move the story forward. The two most famous places for musical theater are Broadway in New York City and the West End in London, England. Musicals can be funny, dramatic, thrilling, or all three at once, and they have been entertaining audiences for well over a century.

How Musicals Tell Stories

In the early days of musicals, songs were often just fun entertainment dropped into the middle of a story without much connection to the plot. That changed with Oklahoma! in 1943, which is considered the first truly integrated musical because every song and dance number helped advance the story and develop the characters. A musical’s script is called the libretto, and it includes both the spoken dialogue and the lyrics to the songs. Great musicals make the shift from speaking to singing feel completely natural, as if the characters’ emotions are simply too big for ordinary words.

Famous Musicals

The Broadway Theatre lit up at night in New York City’s Theater District

The Phantom of the Opera held the record as the longest-running show in Broadway history, performing for an astounding 35 years before closing in 2023. Hamilton, created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, broke new ground by using hip-hop music to tell the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton. Other beloved musicals include The Lion King, Wicked, Les Miserables, and Annie, each offering unforgettable songs and stories. Many popular musicals have been adapted into movies, bringing live theater to audiences around the world.

Behind the Scenes

Putting on a musical requires a huge team of talented people working together. Composers write the music, lyricists craft the words to the songs, and choreographers create the dance numbers. The orchestra plays live in a sunken area in front of the stage called the pit, providing the music that the performers sing and dance to. Rehearsals for a major musical can take months, with the cast and crew working long hours to make sure every note, step, and line is perfect for opening night.

Musicals for Young Performers

School musicals give students the chance to experience the thrill of performing on stage, whether they are acting, singing, dancing, or working behind the scenes. Many professional actors, singers, and dancers got their start performing in school and community theater productions. Shows like Annie, Matilda, and Newsies feature young characters, making them popular choices for school performances. Whether you end up on Broadway or simply enjoy singing along with your favorite cast recording, musical theater has a way of bringing people together through song and story.