8 Types of Musicals and the Best Examples
Musicals have been a popular form of entertainment for over a century, with their mix of music, dance, and drama captivating audiences around the world. While musicals may have their roots in traditional Broadway-style productions, they have evolved into many different forms and styles over the years. In this article, we will explore the 8 different types of musicals and examine the best examples of each.
1. Book Musicals
Book musicals are perhaps the most traditional form of musical theatre, featuring a clear narrative structure with the songs and dances advancing the plot and character development. Examples of book musicals include classics such as “West Side Story” and “The Sound of Music,” as well as more recent hits like “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”
2. Jukebox Musicals
Jukebox musicals are built around pre-existing songs, often from a particular artist or era. Examples of jukebox musicals include “Mamma Mia!” which features the music of ABBA, and “Jersey Boys,” which tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The best of this type of musical is “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” which tells the story of the legendary singer-songwriter and features many of her hit songs.
3. Revue Musicals
Revue musicals are collections of loosely connected musical numbers, often with a specific theme. The best example of this type of musical is “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” which celebrates the music of Fats Waller and the Harlem Renaissance.
4. Rock Musicals
Rock musicals feature a rock music score, often with edgier themes and subject matter. Examples of rock musicals include “Rent,” which explores the lives of struggling artists in New York City, and “Spring Awakening,” which deals with adolescent sexuality and rebellion. The best of this type of musical is “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which tells the story of the last week of Jesus’ life and features a classic rock score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
5. Concept Musicals
Concept musicals are built around a central idea or concept, often with a more experimental structure. The best example of this type of musical is “Company,” which explores the complexities of modern relationships through a series of vignettes.
6. Operettas
Operettas are lighter, more comedic musicals with a focus on music and dancing. The best example of this type of musical is “The Pirates of Penzance,” which tells the story of a young pirate apprentice and features catchy tunes and witty lyrics.
7. Pastiche Musicals
Pastiche musicals borrow from different styles and genres, often with a more tongue-in-cheek tone. Examples of pastiche musicals include “The Drowsy Chaperone,” which pokes fun at traditional musical theatre tropes, and “Spamalot,” which parodies the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The best of this type of musical is “Crazy For You,” which pays homage to the classic Broadway musicals of the 1930s with its toe-tapping tunes and dazzling choreography.
8. Disney-style Musicals
Disney-style musicals are family-friendly and often based on animated films. Examples of Disney-style musicals include “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and “Frozen.” The best of this type of musical is “Beauty and the Beast,” which brings the beloved animated film to life with its stunning sets, memorable songs, and enchanting story.
From the classic book musicals to the experimental concept musicals, there is something to suit every taste and preference. Whether you are a die-hard theatre buff or a casual fan, there is no denying the power of a well-crafted musical to transport and uplift an audience.
