Musical Plays: Elements and Examples

Musical Play

• A theatrical performance art form is formed by combining songs, acting, spoken dialogue, and dance
• In the Philippines, they usually revolve around biographies of important figures
• Novels are rewritten into musicals

Elements of a Musical

• Music is a core element that distinguishes musicals from plays
• Dialogue tells a story through a spoken word
• Acting is the theatrical performance of portraying characters
• Dance can be symbolic and visual, which can be categorized by its choreography, age, history, and place of origin
• A sequence of events tells a story through the plot
• Costumes refer to what the actors wear on stage

Notable Musicals

• Andres Bonifacio, Ang Dakilang Anak-Pawis is a five-act musical play commissioned by Alfonso Puyat that was performed at UP and Andres Bonifacio Concert Choir
• Daragang Magayon first staged in 1991 at CCP, and restaged in 2013, and it uses technology and multimedia, with music by Ramon Santos
• Noli Me Tangere, The Musical was presented in 1996 at CCP Theater produced by Tanghalang Pilipino, Musical Director: Ryan Cayabyab, Libretto: Bienvenido Lumbera (NAL) with modernistic style in the music
• Florante at Laura, The Musical was presented by Tanghalang Pilipino at the CCP Theater in 1988 with Music by Nonong Buencamino

Film Prodution

• Motion pictures consist of a series of still pictures called frames shown continuously and sequentially, creating the illusion of movement

History of Film

• In 1895, the first public screening used Cinematography made by the Lumiere Brothers
• In 1920, sound was recorded along with the movie leading the start of Soundtracks
• In 1927, the first "Talkie" was released with synchronized sound
• In 1930, color was first introduced with cartoons
• In 1940, Television started working in households, and filmmakers began making shows
• In 1980, Sony developed Digital Cinematography

Stages in Film Production

• Development involves discussing ideas for the film
• The producer hires a screenwriter to then present to possible investors to generate funds
• Pre-production involves hiring the director along with the cast and crew
• The Director controls the storytelling, creative decisions, and performances of actors
• Production- When the movie is getting captured
• Post-production involves adding the visual effects and musical scores
• Distribution involves releasing the film to cinemas or digital platforms

Film Roles

• Director deals with the interpretation and analysis of the story, script, and the characters
• The director is also in charge of auditioning and hiring appropriate actors and the rehearsal and performance of the actors
• Actors portray a character, who should have an audible voice, understand human behaviour, and be physically fit
• Stage Manager is the director's right-hand person who keeps track of scheduling and communicating the director's decision to the rest of the cast
• They are also the person to go when there are parts needed in other parts of production
• Light designer is in charge of deciding the appropriate lights for the scene
• Set designer creates the setting of the play and a creative shift from one scene to another

Contemporary Dance

• A combination of strong technique of footwork with the characteristics of modern dance is present
• Choreography refers to the sequence or pattern of steps in a performance with Time, Space and Energy
• TIME refers to the duration and rhythm
• SPACE refers to direction and dimension
• ENERGY refers to force of movement

Techniques and Movements

• Contemporary Ballet has elements of classical ballet and modern dance, allowing a greater range of Upper body movements
• Dance improvisation creates movements spontaneously
• Modern dance creates movements using emotion and moods

Non-Dance Related Practices

• Pilates incorporates breathing and movements to achieve body awareness and is also used for Dance Injuries
• Yoga soothes the spirit and provides a peaceful mind
• Acting practice enhances the dancer's emotion to interpret movement with precision

Health Trends, Issues and Concerns

• The Responsible Parenthood And Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (r.a 10354) promotes universal access to maternal care, sexual education, and fertility control
• The Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 (r.a 9211) prohibits smoking in all public spaces
• The Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 (r.a 7394) ensures the safety of the citizens, especially the youth, from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs
• The Consumer Act of the Philippines (R.A. 7394) protects the consumer's interest, promotes the general welfare, and establishes standards for business and industry
• Provides protection from hazard to health, protection from unfair sale acts, and information about the rights of the customer
• National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008(r.a 9512) increases awareness of everyone of the preservation of the environment
• Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 (R.A. 8504) promulgates policies and measures to prevent and control HIV/AIDS in the country
• National Blood Services Act of 1994 (R.A. 7719) promotes voluntary donation to provide an adequate supply of safe blood
• Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (R.A. 10175) defines cybercrime, elaborates on its forms, and provides guidelines for prevention
• Anti – Child Pornography Act of 2009 (R.A. 9775) will promote and protect the Youth's physical, moral, intellectual, emotional, psychological, and social well-being

Explore the elements of Musical Plays, including the importance of music, acting and dance. Learn about notable musicals such as 'Andres Bonifacio, Ang Dakilang Anak-Pawis' and 'Daragang Magayon.' Discover how novels are rewritten into musicals.