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Many may disagree with this, but there really isn't any such thing as British musical theatre.
The Musical is an American invention, and to be honest only they know how to do it properly. They also protect and celebrate their heritage with revivals and re-worked modern versions of shows by Gershwin, Porter, Berlin, Rodgers etc. In the UK there is no sense of nostalgia or celebration for past musicals.
I don't see any producers in the UK queing up to revive Vivian Ellis or any other British composers. There have been few exceptions; "Me and My Girl" is an obvious one.
Post the Rogers and Hammerstein period there were some successful British shows that followed their tradition: Half a Sixpence, Charlie Girl, Oliver, Stop the world I want to get Off! Producers are hardly clamouring to revive any of these, with the exception of the perenial cash cow Oliver!
When Rock and Roll took over from B'way in the 1960's as the source of popular music, Broadway seemed to get lost, and loose its footing. Sondheim came along and showed us the true potential of musical theatre, what the genre was capable of. However, the Musical is a commercial art form, and cutting edge sledom makes money; note that in 1971 Sondheim's "Follies" opened; as did a smash hit revival of "No No Nanette". The revival made the money. But Follies was a watershed. I drew a line under everything that had come before it, and was brave enough to point away forward. It was time the musical darn well grew up.
Broadway, which always finds looking back easier than forward, was slow to learn. This opened the door for a new genre of pop Opera/musical which could only have originated outside of Broadway. The 1970/ 80's were doninated by imports from London mostly by Lloyd Webber, Boubil and Schoenberg.
"Superstar" and "Evita" are essentially the same show. Protagonist, antagonist and ensemble. Only the subject matter was audacious. The form was basically an MTV video, with no dialogue.
"Cats" and "Starlight" are possibly the most expensive and profitable revues ever staged. NO stories, just themes. However, they are the first truly brand led shows. Regardless of the language you speak, "Cats" will be cats in every country it plays in. The same way Nike trainers, are Nike trainers.
"Les Mis" no doubt has more qudos, and is at least about people and human themes. it is alos a lot closer to the operatic genre Lloyd webber wishes to lean towards.
However, with Phantom he stuck true gold. A branded show with TRUE operatic pretentions. It is after all set in an opera house. Although why there is a rock number 100 years before it time remains a question.
It should also be noted that the best constructed for the LLoyd Webber shows; Evita and Phantom were both Directed by Harold Prince: Broadway's greatest asset.
Post the milenium, the sung-through show is out of favour. Boubil & Schenberg, and Lloyd Webber have had serious flops with Martin Guerre, Beatutifull Game, Woman in White and Marguritte. Broadway has regained ground with Rent, Wicked, Light on the Piazza etc.
However, the expense of the musical has created the "Juke Box" musical. Pop songs lashed together with thin dialogue; We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia. et al. where the audience enter the theatre knowing the score, and the story, such as it is, is unimportant.
This genre originated in London where the musical has no true heritage or respect. Whilst Broadway is still home to the commercial art form knows as Musical Theatre, there is still a desire, and more importantly, the artistry, to give the world stories told through original scores.
So British Musical theatre? "Musicals" possibly, but NOT Musical theatre. Thye are not the same.
What else can I help you with?
How has musical theatre changed over the years?
It Hasnt
How has musical theatre changed over time?
Yes.
What is the longest running musical in Canada?
The longest-running musical in Canada is "The Phantom of the Opera." Since its premiere in 1989 at the Pantages Theatre in Toronto, it has captivated audiences with its haunting score and elaborate production. The show has become a cultural landmark in Canadian theatre, contributing significantly to the popularity of musical theatre in the country. Its enduring success is marked by numerous performances over the decades.
When did musical theatre begin to evolve as a specific genre of its own?
over the past 150 years of western dramatic history
Is melodrama a musical?
No. A musical has songs and music. A melodrama doesn't. Melodrama has changed over time in that it now doesn't have music but it did at around the 1900's.
Who built the origional Globe Theatre?
The original owner/leaser was James Burbage. James obtained permission from his landlord to build the theatre. Originally called "The Theatre", over the years after the 21 year lease was up, the name changed.
How has the British diet changed over the last 50 years?
we eat nice food
How did the modernization of Egypt leads to british rule?
The modernization of Egypt lead to British rule because the British actually just took over. They changed the way that the people traded with other countries and even affected their religious beliefs.
Why is musical notation necessary?
That's like asking why written language is necessary- without it, the music would be lost or changed over time. Musical notation is almost a way of recording music without technological needs...
Which year did pizza time theatre close?
it did not close. it was renamed chuck e. cheese’s pizza, later it changed to chuck e. cheese’s. the cyberamics (robots) just changed over time, though i love the old ones.
How has physical theatre developed over the years?
it has develpoed because new people have come along and changed it beause they all liked and cared about it, just like we all do.
What was the first Paul Simon solo hit?
First Broadway ShowNo one knows for sure. According to John Kendrick's History of the Musical Stage 1700-1865 Theatres began to appear on Broadway in the "early 1800's". He also says this,"Every known American theatre company of the post-Revolutionary era presented a wide range of musical works. For example, in 1796, New York City's prestigious American Company staged 91 performances of 46 different musical works --" New York city was a frenzy of Musical theatre productions staged in New York, then shipped all over the country, so in the few years it took Broadway to become THE theatre district, probably well over 1,000 shows were put on. Therefore, the answer is this: "Your guess is as good as mine".However, we do know what was quite likely the first musical in New York"According to the best contemporary scholarship, the first full length musical play performed in America was Flora (or The Hob on the Wall), a ballad opera presented in Charleston as early as 1735. New York's first-known professional musical production was a five performance run of John Gay's satirical British ballad opera The Beggar's Opera, offered by Walter Murray and Thomas Kean's traveling theatrical troupe at the Nassau Street Theatre on Dec.3, 1750."
