The Importance of Musical Theater by Lomaani Ranasinghe

For a majority of my life I’ve been used to hearing Broadway musicals being played in the car. The way the music is expressed and performed is truly special and makes Broadway unique compared to other types of music. Whether it be classical musicals such as Les Miserables, or modern musicals like Hamilton, the way the story is seamlessly portrayed brings light to how important musical theater is and how amazing an entertainment source it is.

From early civilization, plays and theater were always an important part of society. As we learned in class while reading The Iliad, theater was often the only source of entertainment within early civilization. Unfortunately, throughout the rise of new technologies, theater has been of less importance in modern society compared to the movie/tv industries. However, following the opening of Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, modern Broadway shows have made quite a buzz on social media.

There are multiple reasons as to why musical theater is important to not only society but to any individual who decides to indulge in the journey a show will take them. Musicals have the ability to bring light to difficult topics. Many shows also take place in different time periods and can help one to learn and understand different historical events. From personal experience, the amount of times I’ve been able to reference Hamilton during history class is perhaps a bit annoying, but the musical itself has helped me to enjoy (otherwise slightly boring) historical events. From the French Revolution to the Vietnam War, it’s hard to find a era not portrayed in a Broadway musical.

Going to see a live Broadway show is much different to watching a movie. When you watch something on a screen, there’s often a disconnect between the audience and the actors. Seeing actors perform in real time creates a special atmosphere and a bond that cannot be created inside a movie theater. Many are hesitant to go watch a show on Broadway because they may not like the "musical" aspect of it, but Broadways are so much more than musicals. They are stories and characters you can't help but fall in love with. They are time periods you feel like you're reliving, they are moments you experience with the characters. Broadways provide anybody with a great experience. So what are you waiting for? Sit back and enjoy a show. You won't regret it!