Backstage musical
A backstage musical is a genre of musical with a plot set in a theatrical context that revolves around the production of a play or musical revue. The film's narrative trajectory often comes to a halt one or more times to allow a performance. The songs performed in this context are considered diegetic numbers in that they occur literally in the plot, though they do not necessarily move the story forward.
The backstage musical was typified in the early films by director and choreographer Busby Berkeley, including 42nd Street, Footlight Parade, Dames and the Gold Diggers series. Other stage musicals that have elements of backstage musicals include Show Boat, Kiss Me, Kate, The Band Wagon, Gypsy, A Star Is Born, Cabaret, Follies and A Chorus Line.
