Writing A Great Musical
Using Song to Amplify Character Depth and the Coming-of-Age Journey
Disney’s High School Musical trilogy is a cultural touchstone that has resonated with audiences since its debut in 2006. Beyond its catchy tunes and dazzling dance numbers, the franchise’s true strength lies in its ability to use music to deepen the emotional resonance of the story. The songs serve as windows into the characters' inner lives, revealing their desires, fears, and growth. This article explores how High School Musical integrates music to enhance its narrative, the universal coming-of-age themes it addresses, and how writers can learn from its success when crafting their own musicals.
Songs as Emotional Storytelling
One of the most effective aspects of High School Musical is its use of songs to reveal what the characters feel but cannot always articulate in dialogue. These musical numbers act as emotional set pieces, providing insight into the character’s internal struggles and personal transformations.
For example:
“Start of Something New” introduces Troy and Gabriella, establishing the theme of breaking out of their comfort zones and embracing change. The duet captures the excitement and trepidation of discovering new possibilities.
“What I’ve Been Looking For” contrasts Ryan and Sharpay’s flamboyant confidence with Troy and Gabriella’s more introspective personalities. The song illustrates the stark differences between the leads and the "villains," while also highlighting the siblings' theatrical flair.
“Breaking Free” becomes a climactic anthem of self-discovery and defiance. It encapsulates the central message of the story: embracing one’s true self despite external pressures.
Each song aligns seamlessly with the storyline, providing a deeper understanding of the characters' growth. The audience is not just told about the characters’ emotions—they are invited to feel them through the music.
Coming-of-Age Themes Through Music
At its core, High School Musical is a coming-of-age story that explores universal themes such as identity, peer pressure, and self-expression. The songs amplify these themes, allowing the characters to express their internal struggles in a way that dialogue alone could not.
Identity and Self-Discovery: Troy’s journey from basketball star to musical performer is a metaphor for the broader struggle of finding and embracing one’s identity. Songs like “Get’cha Head in the Game” showcase his inner conflict, as he grapples with societal expectations and personal desires.
Breaking Social Norms: The iconic “Stick to the Status Quo” highlights the fear of breaking away from societal labels. Through its ensemble structure, the song captures the collective tension of characters trying to reconcile their individuality with the pressure to conform.
Unapologetic Self-Expression: By the trilogy’s end, songs like “We’re All in This Together” and “High School Musical” celebrate the characters’ journeys to self-acceptance and their courage to pursue their passions, regardless of what others think.
Music in High School Musicals not only underscores these themes but also provides a universal language that resonates with audiences of all ages. Through song, the characters’ personal battles become relatable, emotional, and inspiring.
The Art of Well-Written Songs
The High School Musical songs are effective because they are meticulously crafted to complement the story. The lyrics are simple yet profound, conveying the characters’ emotions with clarity and relatability. Additionally, the melodies are memorable, ensuring the emotional beats linger with the audience long after the credits roll.
A standout example is “Breaking Free”, which captures the exhilaration of stepping into one’s true self. The gradual build of the song mirrors the characters’ increasing confidence, while the soaring chorus conveys a sense of liberation. Similarly, “When There Was Me and You” allows Gabriella to process her heartbreak, using poignant lyrics and a heartfelt melody to create an intimate moment of vulnerability.
Lessons for Writers Crafting Musicals
Writers aiming to create impactful musicals can learn much from High School Musical’s approach. Here are some tips inspired by its success:
Align Songs with Emotional Peaks: Place songs at moments of heightened emotion or decision-making. Music should amplify the stakes, as seen in numbers like “Stick to the Status Quo”, which underscores the tension between individuality and conformity.
Use Music to Deepen Characterization: Ensure that each song reflects the unique voice and perspective of the character singing it. For example, Troy’s internal conflict in “Bet On It” is expressed through its dramatic choreography and urgent lyrics.
Advance the Plot: Avoid songs that feel like filler. Each musical number should contribute to the story, revealing new information about the characters or driving the narrative forward.
Balance Ensemble and Solo Numbers: Ensemble pieces like “We’re All in This Together” bring the cast together to reinforce the story’s broader themes, while solos like “When There Was Me and You” provide intimate moments of personal reflection.
Keep the Audience Emotionally Engaged: Use music to forge a deeper connection between the audience and the characters. Relatable lyrics and emotionally resonant melodies can help achieve this.
High School Musical succeeds not just as a lighthearted teen movie but as a compelling exploration of self-discovery and self-expression, brought to life through music. Its songs do more than entertain—they reveal, inspire, and resonate. Writers crafting musicals can take a page from their playbook by ensuring their songs are purposeful, emotionally charged, and intricately tied to the narrative. By doing so, they can create musicals that not only captivate but also leave a lasting impact, much like High School Musical has for its devoted fans.