Musicals have definitely evolved over time.
From stage to screen, with more effects possible than ever, a musical’s basic definition would be “a play or film in which singing and dancing play an essential part. Musicals developed from light opera in the early 20th century” (Oxford University Press, 2010, Definition of Musicals section).
Kenrick (2003, What is A Musical?) believed that there are 3 essential qualities for a musical to be successful:
1. Brains – intelligence and style
2. Heart – genuine and believable emotion
3.Courage – the guts to do something creative and exciting
Ancient greeks have been using music and dance in their story telling since the 5th century in open air amphitheatres. In the third century BC, Plautus used music with orchestra in his Roman comedies (Place, 2002-2010, The history of Musical Theatre).
In fact, Roman actors were made to wear “sabilia” which are metal chips attached to their sandals to make the dance routines more audible. This invented the first ever tap shoes (Place, 2002-2010, The history of Musical Theatre).
The topics included “sexual humour, politics, social satire and juggles to further entertain the audience” (Kenrick , 2003, What is A Musical?). Songs were often used to comment on the actions which indicate that showtunes have been around for twenty five hundred years.
Later, it was adapted by the Romans right into the Middle ages and the Renaissance age. But by the 1700s, 2 kinds of musicals evolved: Comic Opera and Ballad Opera e.g. The Beggar’s Opera (Kenrick , 2003, What is A Musical).
But have musicals decended from opera?
Kenrick (2003, What is A Musical) believes that contempory music and film are not direct decendants of grand opera. In the 1800s, musicals have done spoofs of opera but traces its roots to other sources like Vauderville and Burlesque but not opera.
In 1857, Broadway hit it first long run musical – The Elves (Place, 2002-2010, The history of Musical Theatre). By then, broadway musicals were widespread bringing many successful shows to the silver screen.