What is the earliest, truest ancestor of the American musical?

A. Minstrel Shows
B. Opera
C. Vaudeville
D. Shakespeare plays



Answer :

Final answer:

Minstrel Shows, Opera, and Vaudeville were significant precursors to the development of American musical theatre.


Explanation:

Minstrel Shows, with their blend of music, comedy, and talent acts, were an early form of entertainment that evolved into other genres like vaudeville. These shows, featuring white performers in blackface, were a precursor to modern musical theatre.

Opera in the form of operettas from Europe played a significant role in shaping American musical theatre. Lighter in tone than traditional opera, operettas required classically trained singers and directly influenced the development of modern musicals.

Vaudeville, known for its variety shows encompassing music, comedy, and talent acts, was another key predecessor to American musical theatre. It provided a platform for diverse entertainment forms to merge and evolve into early forms of musical theatre.


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