A further evolution of musical theatre appeared with the advent of 'rock operas.' These conceptual works feature a running theme or concept and feature dialogue that is sung throughout. The first of this breed appeared in album form. Many, though, have been adapted to the stage and acquired the moniker “rock musicals.” Foremost among these is Tommy, written by Pete Townshend of The Who.
Tommy served as a catalyst for rock operas to make the transition from vinyl to the stage. In fact, Webber and Rice, though they originally envisioned Jesus Christ Superstar as a musical, were constricted by funding to releasing it first as a recorded piece. Critics assert that it was the success of Tommy that groomed the market, making it ready to consume such offerings and thereby creating the funding necessary for the makers of Superstar to realise their original vision. Tommy would also subsequently undergo incarnations on stage and screen, as would a host of other rock operas. Quadrephenia, also by The Who, was added to the rock musical canon. Pink Floyd The Wall is currently undergoing a reworking by Roger Waters so that it may find its way to the boards on Broadway.
Rock musicals represent a further evolution of the musical theatre genre while still retaining the elemental impetus to critique, examine, inform and entertain worldwide.
Tommy served as a catalyst for rock operas to make the transition from vinyl to the stage. In fact, Webber and Rice, though they originally envisioned Jesus Christ Superstar as a musical, were constricted by funding to releasing it first as a recorded piece. Critics assert that it was the success of Tommy that groomed the market, making it ready to consume such offerings and thereby creating the funding necessary for the makers of Superstar to realise their original vision. Tommy would also subsequently undergo incarnations on stage and screen, as would a host of other rock operas. Quadrephenia, also by The Who, was added to the rock musical canon. Pink Floyd The Wall is currently undergoing a reworking by Roger Waters so that it may find its way to the boards on Broadway.
Rock musicals represent a further evolution of the musical theatre genre while still retaining the elemental impetus to critique, examine, inform and entertain worldwide.