The main difference between musicals and opera is the style of singing. In musicals, the singing is more contemporary and often includes spoken dialogue, while in opera, the singing is more classical and continuous throughout the performance. Additionally, musicals typically have a more modern storyline and are often performed in theaters, while opera tends to focus on classical stories and is performed in opera houses.
In general, opera is entirely sung, while operettas and musicals include spoken dialog.
George Gershwin
Cats Wicked Company Phantom of the Opera A Little Night Music
Here are the names of some of the best known musicals of all time.... Cats Grease The Phantom of the Opera Fame
The phantom of the opera has quite a few ballet scenes incorporated into it but it is not solely ballet.
Some popular examples of rock opera musicals include "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Rent," and "Tommy." These musicals combine rock music with a dramatic storyline to create a unique and engaging theatrical experience.
Opera buffa was about real people. The music acompanying it was light and humerous.
Here are my favs: Blood brothers Wicked Mamma Mia Cats Phantom of the opera
Some popular examples of book musicals include "Les Misrables," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Hamilton." What sets book musicals apart from other types of musicals is that they have a well-developed storyline with a clear beginning, middle, and end, often based on a pre-existing book or play. The songs and dances in book musicals are integrated into the narrative to advance the plot and develop the characters.
Some of the highest grossing musicals on Broadway include The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Mamma Mia and Beauty and the Beast. They all had long and lucrative runs.
Opera, Schmopera!