The exploration of sexuality and desire in musical theatre has been an integral part of its storytelling since the early days of Broadway. From show-stopping dance numbers to heartfelt ballads, musicals have always used these themes to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. In this essay, I will discuss how musicals use music, lyrics, choreography, costumes, and staging to present complex narratives about sexuality and desire that go beyond traditional depictions of love and romance.
One way that musicals explore sexuality is through the portrayal of non-traditional relationships.
"Hairspray" features a same-sex couple who defy social expectations and find happiness together despite discrimination. This sends a message that love knows no bounds and that individuals should be free to express their sexuality without fear. Similarly, "Rent" follows characters struggling with HIV/AIDS as they navigate the stigmas attached to being gay or sexually active during the height of the epidemic. These representations challenge viewers' preconceived notions of what constitutes a "normal" relationship while also highlighting the humanity of those affected by the disease.
Musicals can also use songs and dances to convey messages about power dynamics within relationships. The iconic "Cell Block Tango" from "Chicago" showcases how women are often blamed for their own victimization, as they take turns confessing to murdering men who abused or abandoned them. By turning the tables on the male gaze, this number subverts conventional gender roles and shows that women can reclaim agency over their bodies and desires. Another example is "Into the Woods," which uses fairytale archetypes like Cinderella and Rapunzel to explore the complexity of female desire and its connection to societal expectations. In one scene, Cinderella reveals her deep-seated resentment towards Prince Charming after they consummate their marriage, exposing the fantasy of happily ever after as a myth.
Choreography in musicals can also serve as a powerful tool for exploring sexuality and desire. In "La La Land," the lead characters engage in a sensual dance that illustrates their growing attraction and eventual intimacy. The choreography conveys emotional intensity and vulnerability without relying on explicit visual cues, allowing audiences to connect with the characters on an emotional level. Similarly, "West Side Story" features a highly-choreographed rumble between rival gangs that reflects the tension between two groups of young people struggling to establish their identities and navigate sexuality in a dangerous environment. These sequences use movement to highlight the importance of physical expression in understanding and expressing sexual desire.
Musicals can use costuming and staging to emphasize the social context of sexuality and desire.
"Les Misérables" utilizes exquisite period costumes to convey the strict codes of conduct in 19th century France, where love and sex were often forbidden unless sanctioned by marriage. This contrasts with the present-day setting of "Dear Evan Hansen," which features modern clothing and lighting that evoke a sense of urgency and immediacy in its depiction of teenage angst and identity formation. By setting these themes within different eras, musicals show how cultural expectations around sexuality have changed over time and continue to evolve today.
Musicals use music, lyrics, choreography, costuming, and staging to explore complex issues surrounding gender, power dynamics, and sexuality. By challenging societal norms and pushing boundaries, they offer audiences new ways of understanding themselves and others while also providing a space for self-reflection.
How do musicals explore sexuality and desire as tools for narrative and cultural critique?
Musicals have been used to explore issues of sexuality and desire for decades, often through vivid characterization, bold costuming, and complex plotlines that examine social norms around sex and love. In some cases, they have also provided commentary on broader cultural values and attitudes surrounding these topics. One notable example is "West Side Story," which was released in 1957.