The Book

    An outline of the drama - skeleton of  the play

    Should give plenty of opportunities for dance, songs, performance and design  therefore it is much less dense than a play.  It causes the musical to move provides the impetus for the action.

    Types:      Musical comedy - a book show with (Motivated - from the story) songs and dances that is comedic in nature - happy ending

                     "Annie get your gun" "Hello Dolly"

                    Musical play - ambitious content, character depth, bold form - dramatic production not necessarily happy ending.   "Fiddler on the Roof"

                    Play with Music - Can the play stand alone without the music - yes (1776)

                    Operetta - "A little night music"  uses much of the form of the old operetta

    Elements:    Character - introduce simple characters first who are principals, will have conflicts, who make the audience care

                        Plot -  the plot reveals the drama does not tell about it - dramatic imitation of action

                        Situation - must be a situation in which accept musical treatment

                        Dialogue - TALK - the characters must talk to each other

                        Theme - the main idea!!!

Lyrics

        The words that are set to music.

        Forms:

            Ballads - love songs

            Charm song - song that makes you feel good - affirms the good things

            Comedy song - put a sincere and likeable character in a difficult situation and - comedy

            I am song

            I want song

            Special material

            Musical scene - Entire dramatic action set to music - example - Maria & Anita, Tony, Jets & Sharks all singing together

The Score (music)

    1.    Can reinforce the emotion in a drama

    2.    Can Reinforce dramatic action

    3.    Can establish and maintain a tone appropriate to the dramatic atmosphere of a work.

    4.    Can personify, prefigure, and predict

    5.    Can set and sustain a dramatic mood

    6.    Can provide a transition between parts of the drama

    7.    DANCE

    Overture - sets the stage - tells us what to expect and gives snippets of what we will hear

    Opening number - introduce main characters, establish time and place, style

    Chorus number - for chorus

    Songs - duets etc.

Dance

    Language (statement of images)

    Origins

    Carry plot

    Set mood

    replace dialogue

    embody theme or idea

    spectacle

    comedy

    extend dramatic moment