Musicals aren't just shows filled with catchy tunes—they're storytelling machines. When done right, every lyric, melody, and rhythm serves a narrative purpose.

Whether on Broadway or in film, musicals create a world where emotion is amplified through sound and plot is carried by song. But how exactly does this genre blend music with storytelling so seamlessly?

Let's break it down and explore how musicals use music not just to accompany the story—but to tell it.

"I Want" Songs: Launching the Story

Most great musicals begin with a song that defines the protagonist's desire. These are often called "I Want" songs—because they literally express what the character wants, setting the emotional and narrative direction of the show.

Examples include "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid or "The Wizard and I" from Wicked. These songs do more than explain motivation—they pull the audience inside the character's world. The music adds urgency and depth that plain dialogue rarely achieves.

It's a storytelling shortcut with emotional weight.

Music as Emotional Dialogue

In traditional theater, characters speak to communicate. In musicals, they often sing when words aren't enough. This shift signals that something deeper is happening—love, conflict, hope, heartbreak. The heightened emotion justifies the transition from speech to song.

Take Les Misérables. Instead of just arguing, characters sing through their confrontations. In "Confrontation," Jean Valjean and Javert's conflicting ideologies clash through music. Their duet conveys intensity, conviction, and inner turmoil in a way that a regular scene might not.

When characters sing, we're hearing their hearts speak directly.

Musical Themes and Motifs

Musicals often use musical motifs—recurring melodies or phrases—to signal ideas, relationships, or emotions. These motifs act like memory triggers for the audience. When you hear a familiar theme return later in the show, it carries emotional weight.

For instance, in Hamilton, the line "I am not throwing away my shot" becomes a recurring theme. Every time it reappears, it reminds us of Hamilton's ambition and the cost of his choices. In The Phantom of the Opera, the eerie keyboard motif signals danger, passion, or obsession.

These techniques help the music do more than sound good—they help it mean something.

Choreography and Staging as Story Tools

In musicals, storytelling isn't just verbal or vocal—it's physical. Choreography and staging play crucial roles in advancing the plot or deepening character.

In West Side Story, the tension between rival groups is communicated through dance battles. In The Lion King, elaborate staging transforms simple moments into visual metaphors. Even transitions between scenes can be handled musically, creating a seamless flow that keeps the story moving.

When choreography, staging, and music align, they turn plot points into unforgettable theatrical moments.

Ensemble Numbers: The Voice of the Crowd

While solos give us access to individual thoughts, ensemble numbers show us the world of the musical itself. These songs offer context, mood, and stakes from a broader perspective.

In Rent, "Seasons of Love" reflects on time, loss, and love. It isn't just about one character—it's about the entire community. In Les Misérables, "Do You Hear the People Sing?" becomes a rallying cry, giving voice to collective hope.

Ensemble numbers provide emotional balance and often serve as thematic anchors for the story.

Why Song Order Matters

The structure of a musical is just as deliberate as the music itself. Songs must appear at the right moment in the story arc to have full impact. A poorly timed ballad can stall momentum. A climactic reprise can hit like a punch to the heart—if the groundwork has been laid.

The best musicals map their songs like emotional stepping stones. Early songs introduce, mid-show numbers develop, and late songs resolve or explode. The pacing of music mirrors the pacing of plot, making every note part of the larger journey.

Emotional Resolution Through Finale

A musical's final number isn't just the end of the show—it's the emotional payoff. Whether it's triumphant, tragic, or bittersweet, the finale wraps up the story's emotional threads through music.

Take Dear Evan Hansen. "You Will Be Found" returns in the final act, giving closure and reaffirming the theme of connection. In The Sound of Music, "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" closes the story with both literal and symbolic movement toward a better future.

Finales stick with audiences because they resolve the tension—musically and narratively.

Closing Thoughts: The Music Is the Message

Musicals are a rare form of storytelling where emotion is the language. When a character breaks into song, they're not breaking the rules—they're following them. Every melody reveals, every lyric advances, and every chorus builds connection between the audience and the story.

So next time you watch a musical, listen a little deeper. Ask yourself: What does the music tell me that the words alone don't? You might find the story unfolding in ways you never expected.

What's the one musical number that hit you hardest—and why?