Examines the issue of what actually constitutes a musical. The essay invites us to consider the difference between a 'musical' and other related forms such as 'plays with music', 'music theatre', 'rock operas' and 'bio-musicals' (Australian and American musicals are used as examples). The author also points to a lack of critical rigour being applied to the musical genre by Australian academics and the industry in general (including authors and reviewers).
