Musiikkinäytelmä

Musiikkinäytelmä, often translated as musical play or simply musical, is a form of theatrical performance that combines spoken dialogue, music, song, and dance. The songs and dances are often integral to the plot and character development, advancing the story and conveying emotions that dialogue alone might not achieve. Musicals can encompass a wide range of genres, from lighthearted comedies to serious dramas, and their subject matter is equally diverse, drawing inspiration from historical events, literature, biographies, and original stories.

The origins of the musical theatre can be traced back to various theatrical traditions, including operetta, vaudeville, and melodrama. Modern musical theatre as it is understood today began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with notable developments in London and New York. Key elements that distinguish a musical from other forms of theatre include the emphasis on the integration of music and drama, often with elaborate staging and choreography. The roles of composers, lyricists, librettists, directors, choreographers, and actors are all crucial to the success of a musical production. Awards like the Tony Awards in the United States recognize outstanding achievements in musical theatre.