Musical Theatre Script and Song Analysis Through the Ages

This book provides students of musical theatre with the tools they need to understand and articulate how musicals work, focusing on the libretto, music, and lyrics. It offers a structured approach to analysis, from classroom analysis to practical application, and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in theatre.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Musical theatre is a captivating art form that has the power to transport audiences to different worlds and evoke a range of emotions. Whether it's a fabulous musical that leaves you breathless or a musical that doesn't quite work, it's often difficult to articulate why. In this essay, we will explore how to differentiate between a flaw in the performance portrayal of a character and a structural flaw in the musical itself. We will also examine how to analyze musical theatre songs that are subjective in nature and explore whether there is a common link of analysis between musicals from the Golden Age and musicals from the present day.

At the heart of any musical lie its music and lyrics, yet it is this area that is least understood. This book offers a brand new terminology of analysis that gets to the core of what holds a musical together: the libretto, music, and lyrics. Through identifying methods of lyric and musical analysis and applying these to ten different musicals throughout history, students are able to ask questions such as: why does this song sound this way?; what is this lyric doing to identify character purpose?; and how is a character communicating this feeling to an audience?

From classroom analysis through to practical application, this text guides readers through a structured approach to understanding, disseminating, and more importantly, articulating how a musical works. A perfect tool for students of musical theatre, its practical benefits of understanding the form and realizing that it can be applied to any age musical will benefit any theatre person in helping articulate all of those abstract feelings that are inherent in this art form. It offers a roadmap to the musicals innermost DNA.

One of the key challenges in analyzing musical theatre is distinguishing between a flaw in the performance portrayal of a character and a structural flaw in the musical itself. A flaw in the performance can be attributed to the actor's interpretation, the director's vision, or the design of the production. For example, an actor may struggle with a particular song or scene, which can impact the overall performance of the musical. On the other hand, a structural flaw in the musical can be attributed to the script, the score, or the direction of the production. For example, a weak plot or a lack of character development can make a musical feel flat or unengaging.

To analyze musical theatre songs that are subjective in nature, it's important to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to explore different interpretations. One approach is to consider the lyrics and music as a reflection of the character's emotions and experiences. For example, a song that expresses a character's vulnerability or fear can be interpreted as a reflection of their inner struggles. Another approach is to consider the context of the song within the musical. For example, a song that is performed during a pivotal scene of conflict can be interpreted as a reflection of the character's emotional state and the tension between the characters.

Another challenge in analyzing musical theatre is exploring whether there is a common link of analysis between musicals from the Golden Age and musicals from the present day. While there are certainly similarities between musicals from different eras, there are also significant differences. For example, musicals from the Golden Age were often more focused on the story and the characters, while musicals from the present day are more focused on the music and the spectacle. Additionally, musicals from the Golden Age were often more experimental and innovative, while musicals from the present day are more conservative and traditional.

In conclusion, musical theatre is a complex and multifaceted art form that requires a deep understanding of its music, lyrics, and structure. By analyzing musicals through a structured approach and considering the subjective nature of the songs, students of musical theatre can gain a deeper appreciation for the art form and articulate their thoughts and feelings about it more effectively. Whether it's a flaw in the performance portrayal of a character or a structural flaw in the musical itself, it's important to approach musical theatre analysis with an open mind and a willingness to explore different interpretations. Additionally, by exploring the common link of analysis between musicals from the Golden Age and musicals from the present day, students can gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of the art form and its impact on society.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 156 x 310 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350199323