How are plot and meaning conveyed differently in music theatre than straight theatre?

Answer 1

In straight theatre the plot and the meaning are conveyed with movement cues, emotional connections and only conversation. For the plot this means that the story is usually moved along at a realistic pace, with verbal cues ranging from '5 years later' to characters discussing the passage of time. For the meaning, this is often conveyed through the emotional changes a character goes through.

In Musical Theatre the plot can move along more 'sporadically'. It's easier to introduce large concepts and jumps in time through song. Many musicals convey plot through the song, and are able to be more direct in the ideas of the play. The meaning of a musical can be much more directly conveyed through song.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

With music theatre the subtle nuances are many. People are reached through the soul with music. Interpretation is key when your in the audience. You can sit there, close your eyes and dream with musical theatre.
Regular theatre also wonderful but you must follow the verbal plot. If you miss the visual clues accompanied by wordage you can lose some of the meaning. Both require attention to detail. Either way you can't go wrong.

Answer 3

Uhhhhm, singing and dancing maybe?