In modern operas such as "Miss Saigon" and "Les Misérables," there are no moments when characters suddenly burst into song from within regular spoken dialogue. Instead, every part of these productions is sung throughout, including sections that typically would be spoken in other musicals or plays, which are known as recitative.
This quote highlights a fundamental difference between traditional musical theater and modern opera or musical adaptations like "Miss Saigon" and "Les Misérables." In conventional musicals, songs are interspersed with regular dialogue to advance the plot and develop characters. However, in these more contemporary operas, every line of the script is sung without interruption, blending musical storytelling into a cohesive whole. This approach emphasizes the immersive nature of the story, where music becomes an essential part of character expression and narrative development rather than just an interlude or break from dialogue.
Lea Salonga, the source of this quote, is a renowned Filipino-American actress and singer known for her extensive work in Broadway musicals. She has starred in numerous productions including "Miss Saigon," where she originated the role of Kim, and later reprised it on West End and worldwide tours. Her insights into the nature of modern opera are grounded in her deep experience with these types of performances.
