Overall, it is evident to see that through involving musical devices as opposed to producing an entire scene the narrative of a musical is moved forward.
It is apparent to see so far that there are numerous ways in which a musical successfully moves forward the narrative. An audience becomes aware of characters intentions in musicals through the use of song, this technique successfully delivers to the audience what the characters want to achieve, or what they hope will occur in the future. This technique is apparent in the film ‘The Lion King’, when the evil lion ‘Scar’ sings the frightening and somewhat chilling song – ‘Be Prepared’. At this stage of the film the audience is unaware of the bitterness behind Muffassa’s reign as king, and are unaware of the murderous themes that are about to occur in the film, until this song is sung. We learn Scar’s envy towards his brother Muffassa, combined with his hatred towards his nephew Simba – the next inline for king. Without the existence of his brother and nephew, Scar would be king. Therefore, in an exceptionally tense scene, whereby the audience must be prepared for the death of the king as well as innocent Simba, the narrative of the story is moved forward.
I am now going to discuss how a song can provide information about a character’s past. This is a very effective device that is used to bring in the audience and due to the fun and entertaining way that it is put across, it entices the audience to listen and therefore adds to their enjoyment of the musical. The first example of this type of method is from the musical “Grease” in the song of “summer loving”. This song tells the story of how Sandy and Danny met on the beach and fell in love. This song is very clever as it not only tells the audience of the story but also tells the other characters in the musical. This in turn moves the narrative forward as now that the ‘Pink Ladies’ know of Sandy’s romance with Danny, and they can now begin their plan to let the couple meet at the school pep rally.
Another demonstration of this type of theatrical device is in the musical of “Chicago” in the song of the “Cell block tango”. This song takes place in the prison of Chicago, in a cell block called “Murderess Row”. There are six women who all tell Roxie and the audience of their past convictions which in turn sent them to prison. The audience learn of the gruesome ways in which each woman has killed her partner through song, in an exciting and compelling manner. During this song we find out about the past of Chicago as well as this, we are told that no woman has ever been a subject of execution in the city. The audience is now left wondering as to whether their favourite ‘innocent’ character will survive the torment of the pressurising jury in the trial, and they consider the for what seems the forever unanswered question of, whether or not she will be hung.
This progresses the story as it sets the scene for the rest of the musical and shows the ladies plea to be released, especially Velma Kelly’s as her plea plays a big part in the remainder of the story. There is however irony in this part of the musical as towards the end of the film, the only innocent murderess is found guilty and in turn is the first woman in the state of Illinois to be hung, thus creating history and again telling the audience about the past, to a certain extent.
A last example of songs which tell the audience about the past is in the musical of “Blood brothers” where the main character, Mrs Johnston, speaks of her past. She tells of how she met her husband and of how her seven children came about. “Then the baby came along, we called him Darren Wayne, then three months later I found out I was in the sack again”. She then later in the song states, “By the time I was twenty-five I looked like forty two. With seven hungry mouths to feed and one more nearly due.” This song sets the scene for the rest of the play and therefore brings it forward as we now see the struggle that Mrs. Johnston has to face without her husband and with seven children to take care of.
These scenes show that ultimately a song can replace what would be a tedious conversation, and therefore, brings the audience in closer and makes them feel more involved with the characters as they have learned more about their past.
The last device which successfully shows how the use of song can enhance the knowledge of the audience is the device of revelations. This is where the audience learn something about a character, through song, that had not been made apparent in any other part of the story. The first example of this is in “Blood brothers” in the “Chamber song” when Mickey is going to shoot Eddie, but Mrs Johnston, their mother, tells them that they are brothers and explains how she had to give one of them up. This develops the story further as it is new information for the brothers and it leaves the audience in suspense as to whether Mickey will still shoot Eddie, even though now he knows that he is his real brother.
In conclusion, it can be seen that there are six main fascinating areas in which a musical can successfully move forward the narrative. Due to the long length of a musical, the audience member must be kept compelled to watch; therefore, what they are viewing must be exciting and exhilarating throughout, in order for the audience member not to become uninterested. Through thoroughly researching the above musicals and carefully analysing my chosen 6 points, it is evident to see that in order for the narrative to progress in a musical, the use of song is a vital element.