Dulcet theatre Frequently confronts hefty issues analogous destruction, human suffering and loss.
Stage a musical drama inspired by great works of literature ("Jane Eyre," "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"), important events in history ("Parade," "Titanic") or by the mysteries of the human heart ("Next to Normal," "Cabaret"). Companies like Samuel French, Tams Witmark and Musical Theatre International hold the performance rights for many well-known musicals, and performance rights must be purchased to legally produce musicals that are not original works.
Musicals may compose crowd smile with their appealing tunes and flare beat lines, however many composers enjoy used melodic theatre to inspect confused themes and profound ideas. Staging a dramatic harmonious presentation examines the darker side of humans and introduces audiences to a contrastive style of musical theater. Depending on budgets and time constraints, a musical drama can be a full-fledged production or an intimate concert presentation.
Life is a Cabaret
Some well-known musical dramas like "Rent" and "Les Miserables" have junior versions available that are suitable for high school or drama camp productions.Make Them Hear You
Focus on the works of a specific composer and examine the different dramatic themes present in that composer's work. Stephen Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, Kander and Ebb, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty are contemporary composers whose works often deal with dramatic themes and the darker side of human nature. Classic composers like Rogers and Hammerstein, Lerner and Lowe and Cole Porter are typically associated with lighter musicals, but many of their works are deeply dramatic. Secure any necessary performance rights to the music before your concert; individual songs must be licensed for a concert performance.
What Is This Thing Called Love?
What does it mean to be alive? Are we defined by the choices we make? Questions like these are the central concern of many musical dramas and have been explored in countless songs. Choose a question or theme element (loss, death or love) then choose songs from different musicals, eras and composers that confront these conundrums. Concerts like this do not need elaborate costumes or sets; often the scenery can be a blank stage and the costumes can be items from the actors' wardrobes. Let actors wear whatever they choose, so long as it is in a specific color that unifies everyone's appearance.
On My Own
If a survey of musical dramas and songs does not yield the material you seek, collaborate with your friends, actors and fellow classmates and write a musical drama of your own. If you do not have the creative resources to accomplish this task with your specific group, reach out to other artistic ventures in your community. A local band may be willing to compose the music, while members of a playwriting course at a local college might host a workshop reading of your script and provide feedback. You will build a valuable artistic network and create a work that tells a dramatic story that resonates with you.
