“In the development of musical theater for more than a hundred years, it has gone through different styles and forms, and it is difficult to give a complete and precise definition.”

——German Music Theater historian Deejay Berlin's "Musical"

"It is any element you can think of. Among them, there is only one element that musicals absolutely include, and that is music."

——Musical lyricist Oscar Hamstein Jr.

Musical is a musical theater style that was formed in Britain and the United States in the 19th century and flourished around the world in the 20th century. This musical drama style integrates comedy, music, dance and stage art and other artistic means, and pursues the creation of a modern, popular and exquisite musical and dance drama style, giving the audience visual, auditory, all-round aesthetic pleasure and maximum enjoyment. business value. (Liao Xianghong)

Musical comedy and narrative musical book musical both belong to the category of musicals and are a genre of musicals. Musicals were born out of the musical farce-comedy that was a combination of vaudeville shows, pop music, and comedy shows in the late 19th century. Later, in this kind of performance, the context of drama gradually strengthened, and it was called musical comedy to distinguish it from American musicals in the tradition of European opera and operetta, with comedic overtones. Narrative musicals are also called classical musicals. The works are full of realism and are good at drawing on the narrative techniques of traditional dramas and making innovations. It breaks away from the simple forms of gags, singing and dancing that are commonly used in musical dramas, and focuses on the coordinated development of music, dance and plot. The artistic quality of the work has been greatly improved.

In time and order, it can be divided into: classical genre musicals, operetta musicals, rock musicals, concept musicals, modern genre musicals, etc.