You may not know it, but musical theatre has been around for centuries. The first-ever musical was staged back in 1717! It was called The Beggar’s Opera and it was a huge success. People adored it so much that they wanted to see more and more of these amazing productions. And since then, we’ve seen plenty of incredible shows come out of this form of art and entertainment! Today we’re going to talk about six interesting facts you might not have known about musical theatre – everything from its history to how it can be used as therapy for people with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Musical theatre has been around for centuries
Though it’s hard to believe, the first performance of a musical was done in 1767. Even before America was born, people were already enjoying this form of entertainment! Since its beginning, it impacted music and piano performance where, today, there is digital sheet music for musicals – software that allows musicians to access their favorite songs with just a few clicks on their computers or tablets. This system is so popular because not only does it allow you to play your favorite tune at any time but also offers an accurate way to learn how the song goes by showing you exactly what notes will be played when you click each key on your instrument. Musicians are playing their favorite songs on the spot without having to spend hours looking for them.
Musical theatre is a great form of art and entertainment that has been around for centuries, and it’s only getting better with time! You may not know this but over two hundred different musicals are being performed every single year. Each one is different from the last; the incredible talent that goes into putting on a show is mind-blowing. But did you know musical theatre has also been used to help treat people with disorders?
Therapy for some children with ASD
Musical theatre has been used as a form of therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and it has proven to be effective. By giving kids with ASD an opportunity to express themselves through the use of music and dance, teachers have been able to increase their students’ self-confidence. In a survey given by parents of children who took part in a musical theatre program, many of them reported that their child was calmer after participating in the classes. Let’s not forget that musical theatre is an incredible art form requiring participants to think on their feet and communicate with each other through movement and song! It’s a fantastic way to help children develop reasoning skills, improve memory, and even learn how to read.
The Black Crook from 1866
A great piece with on-stage magic tricks like Houdini performed, but a bit before his time. The play contains an entire scene dedicated to an amazing magic trick that involves a woman being placed inside a box and then changing into another person right before the audience’s eyes! It was created by musical theatre legend, composer Richard Wagner. He continued writing stage works for decades after his first performance went off without a hitch. Today, you can still find his work being performed throughout the world.
This show influenced the world of musical theatre in terms of theatrical design and direction. Mikhail Fokin, a producer and director, was influenced by The Black Crook which has led to some modern interpretations of the play. This includes the 1973 version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show which borrows a lot from this classic production.
Magic tricks in musicals
Speaking of magic tricks, many people don’t know that there are several different types of magic tricks used in musicals over the past century. One example is the transformation trick mentioned above where an actor will make themselves transform into someone else right before your eyes. This transformation can be done through the use of actors with similar body types. Other magical elements may include costumes that can be used to make characters appear or disappear on stage.
The Phantom of the Opera, one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most popular musicals, has special effects such as when a chandelier falls or when a character turns into a grotesque figure. This is done with help from projections and lighting design which makes it possible to show things on stage that are happening in the story!
Musicals are being brought to life through video games
It’s no secret that video games are quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Gaming has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and it keeps getting better every year. But did you know something like musical theatre is now being brought to life through video game form?
Song/Dance Revolution is the name of a Konami video game that was developed in Japan and is based around raising your own personal “idol” who can perform songs. It was adapted for American audiences and renamed to DanceEvolution which made use of the Xbox Kinect system. And if you like certain songs from musicals, then you’re in luck because there’s a video game out there that lets you play various songs from Wicked!
The game was not only the first of its kind, but it also had some awesome visuals that make use of theatrical design. Plus, you can get your heart pumping while playing this game because it’s thoroughly entertaining for both beginners and advanced players alike. No matter what role musical theatre plays in your life, it’s important to know that there are fun facts out there for everyone!
The Phantom of the Opera in popular culture
In case you haven’t noticed, The Phantom of the Opera has become one of the most popular musicals of all time. It’s so well known that even people who aren’t familiar with stage shows may know elements about the story that is unique to the musical version. For example, many people know that there is a character named Christine who sings one of the most famous songs in history called “Think of Me.”
There’s even an exhibit called Phantom: The Opera Exhibition in New York City which focuses on all things related to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s world of The Phantom of the Opera including costumes, masks, and much more.
Michael Crawford is a well-known actor who performed in London’s production of The Phantom of the Opera from its opening night in 1986 until he left in 2000. He made it possible to play this character on stage because his take on the role was so convincing that he received very positive responses from audiences.
Music in theatre can be used to emphasize the emotions of characters or create suspenseful moments by changing tempos and key signatures. There are also different types of magic tricks such as transformations where actors change into someone else right before your eyes. The idea of musical theater has evolved since its humble beginnings and today it shapes culture and art, and it transcends back to the stage with incorporated segments of media and culture as a true mimetic prism of the current time and society.