Anything Quote by Tom Kitt
“It's the basic rule of musicals: Characters sing when their emotions become so intense that they can't do anything else.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Musical Process, 2015
Intense emotions compel characters to express themselves through song.
In simple terms: Strong feelings lead to singing in stories.
Use music to convey deep emotion.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- stage productions
- film scores
- personal expression
- writing workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When should a story use song versus dialogue?
- How does music change audience perception?
Not all emotions need musical expression; subtlety can be powerful.