THE MAGIC OF MUSICALS

WHAT MAKES A MUSICAL SO MAGICAL 

Although we may never get to spontaneously burst into song and dance ourselves, watching a musical always brings joy and wonder into our everyday life. Whether on a screen or live in person, musicals have a unique style of storytelling that is captivating and enjoyable to a wide variety of audiences. 

The Tune

Singing on a stage may sound silly to most, yet a memorable song can stay with you after long after the show. A good show tune is undoubtedly catchy. We've all had a melody so stuck in our head that we have started to feel a little loopy at one point or another. This is part of what makes the feelings associated with watching so intense. Listeners hear the same main message repeated multiple times through a chorus (possibly more if the song has a reprise!). The repetition of a message pinpoints specific feelings, motivations, and obstacles for characters. These songs often are expressions of overwhelming emotion, and by listening to a character’s deepest feelings we witness a vulnerability that pulls you into empathizing and brings you into the world. 

Accessibility 

A musical with a quality sound track attracts audiences of all backgrounds, and with modern streaming services, it is easily accessible for people of all backgrounds to be able to listen to original cast performance soundtracks. This was practically unheard of until recently. The fact that you no longer have to be able to afford tickets to a broadway show in order to still consume quality performances, gives people with less resources the opportunity to enjoy theatre. 

Connection

Musicals have a unique way of displaying vulnerability in their characters. Unlike movies and TV, a musical lets a character speak their mind in a very literal sense.  Because songs allow us to hear the inner thoughts of the cast, we get to peer into their minds and know their deepest desires and motives. There is rarely the need for narration or exposition since audiences are told what the characters are thinking and feeling. This sort of performance creates a deep connection between the viewer and the characters. Most songs in musicals build up from a spoken scene, the melodies reflect a build up of emotion and feeling. We can easily feel a deep understanding and empathy with the characters because of the vulnerability that is shown when singing about their biggest emotions. 

Building a World 

A musical can bring a world to life in a way many other mediums aspire to. Being able to watch something knowing that what you are seeing couldn’t exist in real life, immediately creates a level of fantasy. A musical may look and act as though it is set in our world, but while watching we are transported to a mirrored reflection of reality where people can express themselves in a completely new way. The spectacle of the set and costumes curates a polished environment. In this way, watching becomes pure escapism and very enjoyable to watch. Immersing ourselves into this world allows audiences to indulge in their fantasies while watching a performance that has built in structure in the dances and songs. Experiencing this new world is what makes musicals magical and what allows them to keep a special spot in our hearts for years and years.

Written by Shannen Sulpizio