Is the play Half a Sixpence a musical or comic opera?

Question

I know it sound like any play with songs in it is a musical, but there are special musical terms. On wikipedia it just says it is a musical comedy, and on my homework it only gives me the option of musical or comic opera. Pleeeeease help i need it for my music prep!

Answer 1

it's always been known as a musical.

Answer 2

its a musical because they sing

Answer 3

Wow! I haven't heard that play mentioned in years. I did that show in high school 20 years ago.

It is not a comic opera it is simply a sweet British Musical. If I remember correctly it has somewhere between 14 and 16 songs in it.

But basically the answer to your homework question is yes it is a musical and no it is not a comic opera.  

Answer 4

'Musical comedy' is the term that was shortened to just plain 'musical'. Possibly because these days it's just as likely that a musical will be dark and angsty as comic.

Answer 5

No, you're quite right.  By definition it is a musical, but having directed the show twice, I can see why one might think it verges on comic opera.  For something to be considered in any way operatic, a song has to take us from one point in the story to a new point.  That's why Les Mis, Phantom, Superstar and all of Gilbert and Sullivan are operas, not musicals (they're just billed as operettas and musicals so as not to alienate audiences).   You can have rock opera, classical opera, jazz opera, you name it.  In Half a Sixpence, there are only a few examples of the story moving through the song:  The Old Military Canal, I Don't Believe a Word Of It and the reprise of Half a Sixpence towards the end.  Every other song is pure British musical, illustrating only one point and sentiment and not pushing the story forward.  The other reason the writer might want to classify it as comic opera is because of the depth of Kipps's emotional journey.   Lengthy explanation, but now you've got ammo for ignorant friends!