Musicals Compared to Plays

[broadwaybound]

I have noticed that there are quite a few more posts on the musical forum than the play forum. Is this proof that people prefer musicals? I believe musicals do hold peoples' attention longer due to the music, but I can often times be even more enthralled with a performance of a mere straight play. I am a musical person, but i also love performing in plays. I am interested in hearing your thoughts about why people, if they do, prefer musicals.

[Annie]

Personally as an actress I prefer plays to most musicals because they tend to involve deeper characters and better story lines. I'm not saying that all musicals are fluff, but a lot of the ones they do around where I live tend to be. I love singing, but I am old enough that I can just go to karaoke if I want to sing.

As for why there is more musical related talk going on I can only answer for myself and that is... there are more aspects that go into auditioning for a musical. It's not just about acting ability, but dancing and singing as well. With plays you simply read for the part you want, whereas with musicals you have to find a song and (sometimes, but not where I live) a monologue that fits the role you want. A lot of directors for musicals that I have worked with tend to look for strong singers first, actors second. Plus, at least in my area, there are a lot more musical theatres than there are regular theatres auditioning and putting on shows. Even all of the shows that tour through this area are musicals only.

~Annie