What’s a reprise in musicals?

[ad_1]

Most musicals produced for the stage combine song and dialogue to convey a story arc. When a particular song is repeated later in the show, it is referred to as a reprise. This could be a shorter version of the original song or it could be modified for ensemble singing. Many musical composers use this technique to connect an earlier scene with the ending or curtain.

A common use of a reprise gives the song a different context in the storyline. In the musical Annie, for example, the title character performs the song “Tomorrow” as a solo for the first time. In the context of the scene, she’s trying to stay optimistic during a very difficult time. During the triumphant final scene, Annie and her adoptive family sing “Tomorrow” again, this time serving as a positive anthem for the future. The reprise helps the audience reconnect with the previous solo performance.

Another function of a shot is to bring more energy into a scene. Some musicals may have three or more acts, which often means a runtime of two hours or more. Audiences may respond well to a particular song in the first act, and then composers can use a version of it in the final act to rebuild audience interest. Other characters may sing the song as comic relief, for example. In the musical Oliver, a sympathetic character performs a short reprise of his song “As Long as He Needs Me” as a reminder of his dedication to the title character.

Some musicals use the reprise as a recurring thematic piece. In the musical South Pacific, snatches of the romantic song “Some Enchanted Evening” are reprised several times as the lead romantic couple reunite or part ways on their wartime duties. By the time the final version is performed, the song has taken on a much deeper meaning to the characters. A reprise is often re-orchestrated to provide a stronger ending than the original version. This dramatic form is often heard during the end credits of filmed musicals.

[ad_2]