The Six Types Of Musical Theatre Songs
1. Songs that only really make sense in context. Maybe the lyrics are unusual, maybe it’s just to get through a plot point, or maybe it’s just a bit weird. Either way, you have to explain before you play it for a friend. (Examples: “March of the Falsettos” from Falsettos, “Gay Or European?” from Legally Blonde, or “Freak Flag” from Shrek. Actually, pretty much every song from any musical.)Â
2. Songs that are happier without context. There could be an underlying meaning to the lyrics, maybe it’s a facade or a fantasy scene, or it could be just taken the wrong way and it sounds happy. Don’t tell the person you’re playing it for what it’s REALLY about. (Examples: “Sincerely Me” from Dear Evan Hansen, “Dancing Through Life” from Wicked, or “Take Me Or Leave Me” from Rent.)
3. Songs that are happier WITH context. This one’s definitely fucked up. Maybe the lyrics are off-putting. Maybe the actual subject matter is weird. Maybe it’s just really easy to take the wrong way. Either way, you can’t play this for anyone without a LOT of explanation as to why you’re laughing. Tell your friend “it’s really funny, I swear.” (Examples: “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist” from Avenue Q, “Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee” from Grease, or “Agony” from Into The Woods.)
4. Songs that work with or without context. You could probably play this without someone going, “what IS this?!” It’s fun, it’s probably got pretty standard lyrics, and it’s definitely good. It makes sense in the show, but you can play it in public without wanting to actively perform it. Think of this as your friend’s gateway drug to the show. (Examples: “Teacher’s Pet” from School Of Rock, “Seasons Of Love” from Rent, or “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from Funny Girl.)
5. Songs that are better with context, but don’t need it. The lyrics of this one DEFINITELY have some underlying meaning or double entendre. It’s probably even better once you really get to know the character. But again, you could probably play it for someone who’s not into musicals and they might like it. This one sort of falls under #4. (Examples: “Popular” from Wicked, “Corner Of The Sky” from Pippin, or “Waving Through A Window” from Dear Evan Hansen.)
6. Songs that don’t make sense, with or without context. Don’t even try to explain this one. Just turn it up loud, sing at top volume, and just accept that it makes absolutely no sense at all. (Examples: “Time Warp” from Rocky Horror, “Hold Me, Bat Boy” from Bat Boy, and “Four Jews In A Room Bitching” from Falsettos.
(@everydayatleast​, this is kinda based on your posts. also, hey! it’s me! milla from newsies!)
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