Show Tunes: The Evolution of Musical Theatre Songs
A show tune is a song originally composed as part of the score for a work of musical theatre or a musical film. While these pieces begin as narrative tools, many evolve into "standards"—songs that become so widely recognized that they are detached in the public consciousness from the original story in which they appeared.
Historically, show tunes served as a primary engine for popular music. Before the rise of television and the rock and roll era, the charts were often dominated by the works of legendary songwriters such as Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin, whose most famous hits originated on the stage.
Characteristics of the Show Tune
While show tunes vary significantly in style, they generally share a core purpose: they are designed to fit the specific context of a story, serving to enhance and heighten pivotal emotional moments for the audience.
The "I Want" Song
One of the most enduring forms of the show tune is the "I Want" song. As noted by composer Stephen Schwartz, these songs—which express a character's deepest desires or goals—are particularly likely to find a lifespan and popularity outside the original production that spawned them.
![The Black Crook (1866), considered by some historians to be the first musical[1]](/images/5c/27/5c27e24033636173afca1c48822f347a8c848b8ef1ef01794fbc0160858e27d4.jpg)
The Cultural Impact and Legacy
The influence of show tunes extends deep into the Great American Songbook, a collection of the most important and influential American popular songs from the early 20th century, where they make up a disproportionate share of the repertoire.
Even after the shift toward rock and roll and television, some stage musicals continued to produce major pop hits. This longevity was often supported by film adaptations of the plays or exposure through variety shows. Today, while they no longer dominate the mainstream pop charts as they once did, show tunes maintain a strong following among niche audiences, such as "theatre kids."
Key Facts
- Origin: Written for musical theatre or musical films.
- Standardization: Many show tunes become "standards" independent of their original plot.
- Key Composers: Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin were pioneers of the genre.
- Narrative Role: Used to heighten emotional moments, specifically through forms like the "I Want" song.
- Legacy: A significant component of the Great American Songbook.
| Term | Definition | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Show Tune | Song written for a musical score | To advance a story or heighten a moment |
| "I Want" Song | A specific type of show tune | To express a character's desires |
| Jukebox Musical | Production based on existing popular songs | To build a story around pre-existing hits |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a show tune and a jukebox musical?
A show tune is a song written specifically for a musical's score. In contrast, a jukebox musical is a production that uses already popular songs as the basis for its stage show.
Who are some of the most influential show tune composers?
Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, and George Gershwin are among the most prominent songwriters whose work in musical theatre helped define popular music.
What is an "I Want" song?
An "I Want" song is a common show tune format where a character expresses their goals or longing, a style that composer Stephen Schwartz notes often leads to success outside the original show.
Do show tunes still influence popular music today?
While they no longer hold the dominant role they had before the rock and roll and television era, they remain popular among niche audiences and are a major part of the Great American Songbook.