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Write A Play And Get It Performed: Musicals

by Lesley Bown and Ann Gawthorpe

Musicals combine drama with songs and dance routines. However, the latter two should not just be tacked onto a drama, but should be integral to it and enhance it. Musicals generally move at a faster pace than conventional dramas, and the plot lines are usually simpler to allow space for the musical element.

Musicals consist of three parts: the music, the lyrics and the book (or story line). All are important and all can be written by the same person. However, it is more normal for different people to be responsible for each element. Which comes first will vary from partnership to partnership. Musicals can have their scores specially written for them or can use existing music. Story lines can be written from scratch or be based on existing stories.

The same rules of dramatic construction will apply, with the plot being driven by conflict, crises, twists and finally a climax and resolution. Whether it is a happy or sad ending will depend on the musical. The songs should spring naturally from the dialogue and can heighten emotion as well as move the story forward. Most musicals consist of two acts and each act generally ends with one of the more spectacular or showstopping numbers.

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