For people who are in a theatre program, this debate has been prevalent for decades: Musicals or Plays? So what do students in Champe’s theatre program think are the best?
“Musicals because they are more engaging for the audience to hear and be at,” said sophomore Leo Hernandez. “Additionally, it shows off the actors’ acting talents but additionally their impressive singing talents.”
While addressing his preference, he did not disrespect the other art form. “Even though I prefer musicals, musicals wouldn’t exist without the existence of plays. Shakespeare paved the way for musicals to even be a thing in the first place.”
“Musicals, because they are more entertaining and fun compared to plays, such as Little Mermaid and [The] Addams Family” said sophomore Brooklynn McCagg.
“I feel like when it comes to plays there’s a lot of favoritism between who can portray the correct character, but when it comes to musicals there’s a lot more you can control,” McCagg said. She talked about how much fun she had last year when it came to The Little Mermaid and is excited to show off her talents in The Addams Family.
While many students were more excited about musicals, there were a few that feel plays are the superior form. “Plays because I feel like you can display more emotions compared to musicals. They are more upbeat and light hearted, and plays are incredibly dramatic and serious,” said sophomore Taha Chebali.
“I think there’s a reason why there’s a significant number of screen plays and movies rather than musical movies,” said Chebali. Self described as a “Film Critique,” Chebali much prefers plays than musicals due to his favorite movies such as Forrest Gump, Shawshank Redemption, and 500 Days of Summer. “In my own personal opinion my favorite plays ever haven’t been musicals, they have been gritty, dramatic, and real stories.”
“Plays [because] I think more often than not based on critical performance plays always outshine musicals.” said sophomore Tony Martinez. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not down playing the profession of musicals. But it’s significantly easier to be talented and good at singing than to be talented and be engrossed into a character such as Iron man, King Henry the 8th or Spiderman.”
“I think they are both amazing but I think the choice of which one is better is up to the actors performing in the shows. At the end of the day, it’s hard work that shines over talent.”
