I am a theater nerd. I love theater and everything it brings to the world. I enjoy the complex stories, the dynamic characters, and the crazy cool lighting and costumes. I especially love musical theater. There is just something that draws me in each time I watch one of these kinds of shows, whether that be the music, the choreography, or just the full package. There is something I about musicals that keeps people wanting more, and this is why musicals have taken the Broadway stage by storm. Here are some reasons why musicals are so popular.
1. Musicals Immerse You in the Story
Musicals have a secret power that no other theatrical performance has; they can immerse you in a story like no other performance can. The combination of music, lyrics, choreography, dialogue, lighting, sets, and costumes can make someone transport from their seat in the theater right into the story the actors are telling onstage. Straight plays can accomplish this task. However, there is a way that musicals tackle this task that keeps me engaged throughout an entire show. With a musical, I actually feel like I am a student at Crunchem Hall while watching Matilda, or I am a part of a mission trip in Uganda while watching Book of Mormon. Musicals have a special way in which they can suspend a person’s disbelief for a couple of hours and transport them to someplace different.
2. Musicals Teach You History
There are plenty of popular musicals out there that are based on historical events and figures, and they all stay pretty true to the original story. This means that an audience member can learn history by watching certain musicals. Whether you are learning about the Newsboy Strike of 1899 through Newsies, the deadly tale of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow through Bonnie and Clyde, or the life story of Alexander Hamilton in Hamilton, you are bound to learn something educational by watching a musical. I can say with the upmost confidence that I learned a lot of my facts about the writing of the Declaration of Independence from watching 1776, and I learned everything that I know about the life of Eva Perón from viewing Evita.
3. Musicals Make People Think Of The Good Old Days
Musicals became prominent in popular culture during the 19th century, which is a point in American history when times were simpler. There wasn’t as many political strife and social injustice in the world. Musicals are well known for their happy undertones and overall cheerful vibes. Older musicals also bring people back to era of the likes of Gene Kelly and Ginger Rogers, and this was a time when things were easier; there wasn’t so much drama in the world. Musicals have the power to transport times back to when people were happier in general, and musicals tend to make people feel cheerier because of this.
4. Musicals Can Tackle Political and Social Issues In A Lighthearted Way
Musicals became more prominent after 9/11 because it was a smart way to tackle political issues and social issues without being too controversial. People expected musicals to be unbiased and happy, so it was easy to subliminally present political issues without being condemned for being too insensitive. Avenue Q and Wicked are both great examples of shows that are able to tackle these types of issues. Avenue Q tackles the controversial problems of porn addiction and the Bush administration through its light-hearted, comedic songs like “The Internet is for Porn” and “For Now.” Normally, these issues would be difficult for people to talk about it. Wicked also tackles the issue of xenophobia through its portrayal of the “Animals.”
5. Musicals Have The Best Song and Dance Numbers
These wonderfully choreographed musical numbers in these musicals just make you want to jump up from your seat and start dancing.
