Final answer:
The progression to modern musicals was influenced by operas, operettas, variety shows, and vaudeville, evolving into cohesive Broadway musicals. Jazz, technological advancements, and diverse cultural influences also played key roles in shaping the form.
Step-by-step explanation:
The progression of musical forms leading to what we recognize today as a musical has been influenced by a range of genres and cultural practices. It began with the operas of the 17th and 18th centuries, which combined music, dance, and acting, but were generally reserved for the upper classes. From there, operettas and variety shows became popular in the 19th century, introducing a lighter form of entertainment that was more accessible to the middle class.
The vaudeville tradition, a series of separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill, also influenced the development of musical theater. The integration of these forms evolved into the early 20th century Broadway musicals, which combined story, music, and dance into one cohesive performance.
The progression was impacted by technology, such as the advent of the phonograph and radio, which changed how people accessed and enjoyed music. Jazz and other popular music styles brought new rhythms and harmonies into musical theater compositions.
Moreover, the cultural melting pot of the United States provided a range of influences from different immigrant groups, each bringing their own musical traditions to the table. These factors, combined with a growing entertainment industry, shaped the unique form of the modern musical.