Musical theatre can elicit strong reactions due to the tension between the genre and other types of music, impacting how people perceive and connect with it.
Different musical styles in shows like 'Spring Awakening', 'Les Misérables', and Sondheim's musicals evoke varied preferences and reactions in listeners.
Deep dives
Different reactions to musicals
The podcast explores the strong reactions people have towards musicals, which can range from love and appreciation to discomfort and dislike. It suggests that there may be a tension between the genre of musical theatre and other types of music, such as pop and rock, which affects how people perceive and connect with musicals.
Variety of musical styles
The podcast discusses different musical styles showcased in various musicals. It mentions examples like the pop rock style of 'Spring Awakening', the operatic style of 'Les Misérables', the old-fashioned charm of 'Oklahoma', and the unique lyricism of Sondheim's musicals. It highlights how each style evokes different reactions and preferences in listeners.
Theatricality and authenticity
The podcast delves into the impact of theatricality and authenticity in musicals. It suggests that musical theatre allows for the expression of emotions and stories in a way that may feel uncomfortable or unnatural to some listeners. It also examines how the degree of authenticity, whether a musical embraces its earnestness or strives to be edgy, can greatly influence personal enjoyment and connection with the genre.
The power of storytelling through music
The podcast emphasizes that the essence of musical theatre lies in its ability to merge music and storytelling, exploring how the combination of music and drama can create powerful emotional experiences. It demonstrates how the lyrics, melodies, and harmonies in musicals serve the purpose of conveying narratives, character emotions, and thematic elements, unlike other forms of music where lyrics can be less prominent or have different functions.
When it comes to musical theater, everyone has an opinion. And Bridger Winegar, host of the very funny podcast I Said No Gifts!, is no exception. In the paradoxical tradition of Bridger's podcast, Charlie and Nate have brought a series of gifts in the form of a sonic smorgasbord: a tour through musical theater's finest offerings, from Les Miserables to Spring Awakening.
Brian Johnson, Gideon Glick, John Gallagher Jr., Jonathan B. Wright, Jonathan Groff, Skylar Astin – The Bitch Of Living – Original Broadway Cast Recording/2006
Duncan Sheik – Barely Breathing
Thee Oh Sees – The Dream
Liars – Mr Your On Fire Mr
The Electric Prunes – I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)
Ariana Grande – yes, and?
Robyn – Call Your Girlfriend
Randy Graff – I Dreamed a Dream
Ali Stroker – I Cain't Say No
Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford, Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd 2023 Broadway Company – My Friends
