musicaltheatre

Musical theatre (often written musicaltheatre) is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance to tell a story. It developed from operetta, vaudeville and music hall traditions in the 19th and early 20th centuries and became a distinct commercial and artistic form in the United States and United Kingdom with the rise of Broadway and the West End.

Core components of musical theatre include the book (script), music, lyrics, choreography and orchestration, supported by set, costume and lighting design. The creative team typically features composers, lyricists, directors, choreographers and musical directors who collaborate with performers and production staff to shape pacing, tone and emotional arc.

Styles and formats range from classic book musicals and operetta to revue, jukebox musicals, concept musicals and rock or pop-influenced shows. Notable practitioners who shaped the form include Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber, among many others.

Musical theatre addresses a wide range of themes, from light entertainment to complex social and psychological issues, and can be presented in small venues, regional theatres and large commercial houses. Its commercial model often combines ticket revenue, touring productions and cast recordings. The genre has a global reach and continues to evolve through cross-cultural collaborations, contemporary musical styles and new technologies in staging and sound design.