One key moment in the evolution of musical theatre was the emergence of operetta in Europe during the mid-19th century. Operetta, which combined elements of opera with popular music and spoken dialogue, gained immense popularity and laid the groundwork for later musical theatre forms.
In the United States, the development of musical theatre was significantly influenced by the rise of vaudeville and minstrel shows in the late 19th century. Vaudeville acts often featured singing and dancing, while minstrel shows incorporated elements of African American music and culture. These influences contributed to the development of a distinctly American style of musical theatre.
The early 20th century saw the emergence of Broadway as the epicenter of musical theatre in the United States. Broadway shows such as "The Black Crook" (1866) and "The Prince of Pilsen" (1903) helped to establish the conventions of musical theatre, including the integration of music, dance, and spoken dialogue into a coherent narrative.
One of the most significant figures in the development of musical theatre was Jerome Kern, who composed many Broadway musicals during the early 20th century. Kern's works, such as "Show Boat" (1927), helped to elevate the musical theatre genre by incorporating more complex and sophisticated musical numbers.
Overall, the late 19th and early 20th centuries were crucial in the evolution of musical theatre as a distinct genre, characterized by its integration of music, dance, and spoken dialogue into a unified theatrical experience.