Musicals have always been a source of joy for audiences who enjoy theatre and cinema, since it can tell stories through songs and dance, showcasing a completely different experience compared to more common genres such as comedy or horror Past and present directors like Rob Marshall, Baz Luhrmann, and Lin-Manuel Miranda have also contributed by making great musicals that relate strongly audiences of all ages and cultures.
The main audience for musicals is considerably wide and includes many different groups. The animated musical Frozen (2013), for example is very popular among children, while the film version of the classic novel Les Misérables (2012) mostly appeals to the grown-ups because of more mature themes and complicated storylines. The film The Greatest Showman (2017) tells a story while singing along and dancing with catchy music was a bit of all. The film collected $435m and more globally, so all theatre lovers, old and young came from many backgrounds to watch this awe-inspiring movie.
Musicals are characterised to present a story where all the singing and dancing is part of the plot, none of the music nor choreography should seem out of place. The love, dreams, and people's struggles are the most common themes that are displayed through the music. One of the best examples of this is Mamma Mia! (2008) where the story of a girl looking for her father uses popular ABBA songs, making the story even more comedic and enjoyable.
The methods of making musicals vary but one thing is common everywhere that is the songs, dances, lights, and all other aspects of a grand production. Dance is one of the most important activities in the movie, and the talent of the dancers is also one of the factors of the films' success. Bright and colourful sets are used for the performance, and the score and soundtrack are matched to the moods that the creators of the film want the audience to feel. For instance, in Mamma Mia!, the famous "Dancing Queen" scene evokes the fun and reminiscence of one's youth.
Musicals have the same approached in marketing, which is by inviting people in by showing them the music, with the trailers presenting the songs that are easy to be sung along with and the eye-catching colours.
Film Sample #1: West Side Story (1961)
This classic musical embodies the genre using the meaningful storyline and unique sound of music. The film is set in New York City, where there are two rival gangs and a forbidden love story between members of the opposing sides. The film shows memorable musical numbers like "Tonight" and "America," that helps continue the plot and displays the characters' emotions and hopes. The choreography is expressive and dramatic to show the performers' talents while showcasing the tensions present in the story.
Film Sample #2: La La Land (2016)
La La Land embodies the musical genre through its use of catchy tunes and dynamic choreography. The film follows aspiring actress Mia and jazz musician Sebastian as they try to achieve their dreams and relationship in Los Angeles, California. The musical numbers, such as "City of Stars" and "A Lovely Night," are uniquely designed and helps conveys emotions clearly. The film's vibrant use of colour enhances the storytelling, while the music shows the feelings of both joy and heartbreak, making it standout in modern day musicals.
Some other films and medias that are included in the musical genre include: The Sound of Music (1965), Chicago (2002), The Lion King (1994), Annie (1982), and Hamilton (2015).
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