How much music is in a musical?

by Joanna S. Kao, @joannaskao

How much of a musical is actually filled with music? To begin to answer that question, I saw various musicals and recorded when and how long music was played. Hover over each section to get more detail about what song or speaking scene was being played and its duration.

To avoid giving away plots, I've labeled the speaking sections with just the characters who are in the scenes.

I will be adding more musicals as I get around to seeing them. For more information about this project, check out my Broadway-themed Tumblr blog. If you would like to help contribute to this project, let me know at joannaskao at gmail dot com.

Dames at Sea

musicspeaking

Data collected on October 16, 2015 at 8 p.m. Music category includes dance sequences (of which there were many) and one 24-second long applause following “Star Tar”

Amazing Grace

musicspeaking

Data from July 2, 2015 8 p.m. (during the middle of previews, so show may change before opening)

Something Rotten!

musicspeaking

Data from May 24, 2015 3 p.m.

Gigi

musicspeaking

Data from May 2, 2015 2 p.m.

The Visit

musicspeaking

Data from April 21, 2015.

The King and I

musicspeaking

Data from April 18, 2015 8 p.m. performance.

It Shoulda Been You

musicspeaking

Data from March 18 and March 19 evening performances.

On the Twentieth Century

musicspeaking

Chart reflects the 2 p.m. performance on Mar. 14, 2015. Music reflects sung songs as well as dance sequences, such as in the Overture that opens up the musical.

Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

musicspeaking

Chart reflects the 3 p.m. performance on Jan. 25, 2015.

The Last Ship

musicspeaking

The performance reflected in this chart was The Last Ship's last performance on Broadway (8 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2015), so this includes prolonged applause after several musical numbers.

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