Sung Through Musical
Most pieces of musical theatre contain what is called book—that is, spoken dialogue scenes in between each of the songs. However, some decide to go all the way and ditch spoken word completely (or almost completely) for sung word. More conversational and utilitarian exchanges are commonly made with use of recitative, in which the delivery of the singing is meant to mimic regular speech.
It is worth noting that most of these shows do have brief bits of spoken dialogue. In Evita, for instance, Che has two short monologues between and within songs, and Control from Starlight Express never sings and only issues orders to the trains. However, in order for a show to qualify there should not be any kind of scenes told through dialogue. Hence, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street isn't a Sung Through Musical because even though it is very predominantly sung, there are still multiple scenes of spoken dialogue.
- Pretty much a requirement of any Opera.
- Cats is the most notable example by far.
- Some versions of Chess.
- Evita.
- Falsettos
- The Golden Apple
- Jesus Christ Superstar
- Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
- The Last Five Years
- Les Misérables
- Miss Saigon
- A New Brain
- The Phantom of the Opera
- Rent
- Starlight Express
- Trial by Jury