Types of Musicals: Pop Musicals
In the ever-evolving realm of musical theatre, one subgenre has emerged, capturing the hearts of a younger, more contemporary audience: the pop musical. Seamlessly blending the rhythms and beats of today’s chart-toppers with the narrative power of theatre, pop musicals have become a force to be reckoned with.
Defining the Pop Musical
A pop musical is a stage production that either integrates modern pop music into its score or adopts the stylistic and thematic elements of pop culture. Unlike jukebox musicals, which leverage existing songs, pop musicals often feature original compositions that could easily find their way onto the Billboard charts.
The Appeal of the Genre
Modern & Relevant: Pop musicals resonate with younger audiences because of their contemporary sound. They often tackle themes and issues relevant to today’s society, making them feel fresh and relatable.
Broad Audience Base: With their catchy tunes and modern themes, these musicals appeal not just to theatre enthusiasts but also to mainstream music fans.
A Few Pop Musical Standouts
- “Dear Evan Hansen” – With a score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, this musical delves into the complexities of social media, mental health, and teenage angst. Its song “Waving Through a Window” became a pop culture anthem.
- “Be More Chill” – Featuring a score by Joe Iconis, this musical captures the essence of high school life and the desire to fit in, all set to a vibrant pop-rock soundtrack.
- “Six” – Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss brought the six wives of Henry VIII to life in this pop concert-style musical, giving each queen a chance to share her story in the style of modern pop divas.
Challenges in the Genre
Despite their appeal, pop musicals aren’t without challenges:
Balancing Act: Striking the right balance between pop authenticity and theatrical storytelling can be tricky. There’s a risk of the music overshadowing the narrative or vice versa.
Critical Perception: Traditionalists may view pop musicals as “less than” classical musical theatre, leading to mixed critical reviews.
The Future of Pop Musicals
The trajectory for pop musicals looks promising. As new generations seek representation and relevance in the arts, the blending of pop culture and theatre will continue to flourish. Moreover, with the success of shows like “Hamilton” (a blend of hip-hop and musical theatre), the boundaries of what defines a “pop” musical are expanding.
In wrapping up, pop musicals are more than just a fleeting trend. They’re a reflection of our evolving musical tastes and the ever-blurring lines between popular music and theatre. As long as there’s a beat to dance to and a story to tell, pop musicals will continue to grace our stages and our playlists.
