"In so many musicals today, the story is moved forward by a song. I don't think we're gonna try to do that"

In the quote by John Mellencamp, he assesses a prevalent convention in musical comedy where tunes are frequently used to advance the narrative. Here, Mellencamp recommends a departure from this traditional technique, suggesting a choice for utilizing songs to accomplish purposes besides merely driving the plot forward.

Musicals typically employ songs to reveal character objectives, feelings, or essential plot points-- a technique that helps to weave tunes into the narrative seamlessly. The "I Want" songs, for instance, frequently articulate a character's desires, setting the stage for the story's development. Similarly, reprises might show a character's development or changed circumstances. This technique is evident in numerous successful musicals, where songs are essential to storytelling, enhancing the audience's emotional connection and understanding of the plot.

However, Mellencamp's declaration points to a possible shift or alternative methodology where music might go beyond practical storytelling and serve more ambiguous or aesthetic purposes. By choosing not to move the story forward with tunes, Mellencamp may advocate for music as a medium to evoke mood, create atmosphere, or highlight styles without always being tied to the narrative arc. Such a method enables songs to stand independently, supplying space for the audience's interpretation and engagement outside the boundaries of the plot.

This instructions might encourage a richer, layered tapestry of storytelling where the music supplements, rather than directly tells, developing a more immersive experience. It may likewise invite audiences to focus on lyrical and musical subtleties as ends in themselves instead of simple avenues of plot info. For this reason, Mellencamp gestures towards a creative expedition in musical theater, where the function of songs can be more versatile and speculative, expanding the creative boundaries of the genre.