When did musicals first become popular?

The origin of the modern musical can be traced back to 19th-century Europe. However, musicals as we know them today started in the U.S.A in the early 20th century and reached the height of their popularity in the 1940s-60s, known as the 'Golden Age of Broadway'. Musicals were particularly popular because they combined different art forms like singing, dancing, and dialogue into exciting storytelling experiences. With innovative composers, choreographers, producers, and performers of that era, Broadway musicals such as "Oklahoma!", "My Fair Lady", and "West Side Story" left a lasting cultural impact and set the template for further popular music and theater works. Their legacy and appeal remain strong, continuing to capture hearts and entertain audiences in theaters and movie screens to this day.