Article written by Breanna Smith.
Imagine for a moment, a show without music. I don't mean think of show without songs, I mean a production, big or small, without music. Imagine for a moment – the lights dim in the theatre, you hear the steps of the cast and crew running back and forth, and then the curtains open. The stage lights shine and the show begins. Each moment has music. The background music as you walk in to take your seats, a change in music as the lights dim for the show to begin, cast and crew moving into places with the music hiding the sound, music fading out as the show is about to begin, and music changing once more as the show begins. Each moment of a play is affected by music; background noise, a way to move the plot, a way to show emotion, a way to show skills and show off the talent on stage, and a way to entertain or a way to change scenes. Music is used in almost every play you see, handily adding to the show. So, let’s take a look at the music behind the show.
Let's not look at music as a clear part of the play, but as background music. Without it, a play is often at a loss. Music stops you from hearing small noises and hides small mistakes in a show, and allows the cast backstage to get away with props being bumped and questions being asked. While in a perfect world a cast backstage would be completely quiet, this is not the case. But at the same time, it hides murmurs of the audience and helps block out the noise of others watching the show, helping you see clearer by not being distanced by what is around you, allowing you to focus on what is in front of you.
Simple music not addressed directly does a lot to help a play besides hiding things; it adds to the play, but more importantly, it adds to the mood of the play. One of the simplest ways to change a scene, is to change the music in the scene. In many ways, the music of the play, most times the background music not noticed in the play, is what affects our view of what is going on stage the most. Think of a scene where two people on stage are walking past each, then one quickly turns back, recognising the other as an ex-lover before running off stage right as the other exits stage left. From the music, we can get a lot from this scene. If the music is light, it could be seen as a funny scene of someone not wanting to be seen so as not to be laughed at. Change the music and it changes the mood. A darker tone, something with string instruments, leaves an eerie feeling and a need to get away from danger. Music can change a mood, a setting and a meaning. And yes, some plays can do this without music, but often that difference is felt and it is noteworthy in the production.
If we take a step back and have a look at music in other forms, we can see the other uses of music in plays that are a bit clearer. In a musical, songs and music are used to move the plot along. The cast will sing a song, affecting the storyline and letting us explore and find out more about the characters, backstory and what is happing in their world. A song in a musical that is part of the story lets us build on what has been created in the world. But I think in many ways, it is more. Think for a moment about how hard it is to write a song. Sit down for a second and write a simple verse of 4 lines that make sense and the last words rhyme. Now, try a whole song. With words that match what the scene is about, and fits with the storyline and other songs in the show. Now, write the instrumental music. It takes a lot of talent to write music, something that is often overlooked and judged for this and that, but a lot of work is put in for something that is used maybe once a night, or sung day after day to yourself to remind you of a great show. It's something to think about.
Another use of songs more often used in smaller theatre companies is using songs for showing off the talents of the cast. From the clearest example of singing to a fun dance, number songs allow for a different way to present talents and skills while keeping the crowd entertained. It allows for talents that cannot always be incorporated into the story to be added into the show in a scene with little fuss, as the talent is on display and as the music allows for the transition into and out of the scene. It lets the performance fit.
Music is a powerful tool. It can change the whole world around us, help us get through a tough time and help us share ideas and skills. And that's just in the real world. Music has a powerful impact on both what we can see, and what we cannot. It can make us feel happy, put us on edge, or make us cry. All of it can have an impact, and in a play, it does even if it is not a musical. It helps spread the music and helps make the show great, whether it a small location play or a show that has been sold out on Broadway for months.
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