Everybody knows musical theatre songs have depth and dexterity, but did you know there are many different types of musical numbers? Here is a comprehensive list of the types of numbers you can expect in your favourite musicals! Action songs, which move the plot forward. Character songs, which enable a character to express their feelings.
Ballads, which are usually slow, romantic and reflective.
Production numbers, which involve the full company and are used to show major changes in location or plot, and often open and close acts. Stick to the Status Quo (High School Musical)
The Opening Number sets the tone for the rest of the show. These can also be known as: Exposition/Narration songs Musicals must move quickly to establish the dramatic situation, introduce the main characters, and give audiences some reason to care about them. Exposition songs inform the audience about what has happened prior to the play and what has brought the characters to this particular point in the action; they also may preview the themes of the play. Hard Knock Life (Annie); Alexander Hamilton (Hamilton)
The Main "I Want" Song comes early in the first act, with one or more of the main characters singing about the key motivating desire that will propel everyone (including the audience) through the remainder of the show. Journey to the Past (Anastasia)
The Eleven O'clock Number takes place about midway through Act Two. It does not necessarily have to mark a climactic moment in the plot, but it must be strong enough to energize the audience for the final scenes. (Note: since curtain times are earlier than in years past, this number now takes place around 10:00 PM.) I Know Where I’ve Been (Hairspray)
The Finale should carry an emotional wallop, leaving audiences with a powerful last impression. You Can’t Stop the Beat (Hairspray)
Realisation Reaching an insight or new level of understanding. From Now On (The Greatest Showman); As Long as he Needs Me (Oliver)
Decision After long wrangling, a character finally makes up his or her mind. If Only (Descendants)
I Am songs Because musicals are by nature presentational, characters may introduce themselves directly to the audience through “I am” songs. I’m the Greatest Star (Funny Girl)
I Want songs Whereas “I am” songs describe a present state, “I want” songs suggest a course of action for the future. Characters often express their goals and dreams through song. Part of that World (The Little Mermaid)
Emotional climax songs When characters reach a point in the drama where they can‟t help but explode with feelings of love or success or simply the joy of life, music serves to amplify these emotions to a level above mere words. Let it Go (Frozen)
Conflict songs At the heart of every drama lies conflict. Some of the most exciting numbers in musicals involve conflict songs when characters struggle to attain differing goals. Defying Gravity (Wicked)
Reprises Often a tune will occur again in the show as a reprise, which can be used effectively to reveal how a character has developed during the story. They're usually a minute of the original song with different lyrics. If Only Reprise (Descendants)
In Comment songs a character not in the dramatic scene steps to one side and sings about the events on stage.