Feedback on my Musical Concept
Hey guys!
I've been a fan of musicals for about three years and finally started writing my own. I currently have a full structural plan and "Movement I" of Act One completed. I originally planned it as a one-act musical with "movements," but it grew too large, so I split it into two acts. I've also started developing melodic ideas on the piano, though I'm still working on notating them properly.
English isn't my first language, so this project actually started out as practice for my Cambridge exam. I stopped working on it three months ago because it felt like rubbish. I still kind of feel that way, but I am doing this for fun.
The story is set in 1920s Europe. It's about a gay man who is initially ready to end his life, but after meeting someone new, he regains a sense of optimism-only to later realize he has fallen into the same trap he was trying to escape. The second act becomes quite dark, because it includes a suicide and a murder. My problem right now is that I don’t know how to make the transition smoothly. I want to have a contrast between the movements, so I planned for the first movement to be light comedy before it starts going downhill.
Musically I’m aiming for a European jazz/Operetta vibe. One example:(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykHKck8B8Qg).
I wonder if the foxtrot vibe would conflict with the plot or if it might enhance the dissonance. I’d really appreciate any feedback on my ideas and progress so far.
Here is the book so far: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VE8Va07qzqdvfT8qCeg67dVJEipc5leF7zMN81QfFq4/edit?usp=sharing