Elements of Musical Theater

Lyrics

A theater lyric is a compact pattern of words that when set

to music communicates information vital to the dramatic life of a show.

“Lyrics put language to the task of expressing thoughts and emotions through the

denotative and connotative meanings of words, patterns of

literary development and form.”

Denotative vs. Connotative Meaning

• An explicit factual definition found in the dictionary.

• Marks out boundaries and specific limitations.

• A more emotional meaning that comes from personal experience.

• Conveys association and overtones

Good lyricists use both types of meaning

Elaborating

Description Carefully re-creating the impression of each experience.

Exposition Begins the motion of the plot, pushes it forward and records its conclusion.

Narration Relates a connected sequence of events that tell us what happened to whom, when, where and how.a

Persuasion Exploiting a situation in order to convince another to accept an idea.

Types of Songs• Ballad – love songs. How to say I love you, without actually saying it.• Charm Song- gives a vision of a world where every thing turns out well in the end.• Comedy Song – turns the frustrations of life into laughter• Musical Scene- all dramatic action is set to music.• “I am” Song• “I want” Song