This is the second of a twice-monthly series on musical theatre in television and movies.  The first, on the HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER musical episode, can be read here.

A few months ago, the Cartoon Network series BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD aired a musical episode.  Titled "Mayhem of the Music Meister," the episode introduces the Music Meister, a character who can control people through song and whose very presence causes people to sing.  The Music Meister-voiced by HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER''s Neil Patrick Harris-has plans to take over the world with his powers, but Batman, aided by Black Canary, manages to stop him.

Unlike the darker BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, which aired in the early to mid-1990s, BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD has a decidedly more lighthearted feel, with many references to the campy 1960s live-action Batman TV show.  This particular episode embraces its musical nature completely, referencing musicals from WEST SIDE STORY to THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to THE MUSIC MAN.  Its six musical numbers within roughly twenty minutes makes the episode packed with music - and not too far from being entirely sung-through.

Interestingly, the episode begins with the Music Meister at a conductor's podium in the orchestra pit of a theatre.  He raises his baton; the curtain opens; the story begins.  The curtain appears periodically throughout the show, closing to indicate commercial breaks.  This simple framing device instantly alerts the show's viewers to the episode's theatricality and prepares them for a departure from the comic book world they've come to expect.  The show's customary wackiness makes a musical episode fit perfectly within the rules of the world.  With so many crazy villains possessing a myriad of abilities, one who controls people through song fits right in.



The choice to use Black Canary in a prominent role is perfect.  Since her superpower is a sonic scream, she's an obvious defense against a villain whose weapon is also his voice.  She and the Music Meister share a classic musical theatre duet of unrequited love; Canary sings of Batman, while the Music Meister confesses his love of Canary.  The song is reminiscent of Mary Magdalene's ballad in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, "I Don't Know How To Love Him."  Other notable musical references include WEST SIDE STORY-style choreography (complete with snapping) when the Music Meister instructs heroes and villains alike to attack Batman, and the Music Meister playing an organ to an audience of cardboard cutouts in an empty opera house - a scene straight out of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.  The Music Meister goes through an incredible number of costume changes the reflect a wide range of musical styles and reference musical icons like Elvis Presley and the musical HAIR.

The musical moments themselves are all smartly chosen and executed.  The opening number, "The Music Meister," has the impressive task of introducing the Music Meister, stating his villainous aims, and ordering the heroes and villains present to stop Batman.  "Drives Us Bats," one of the score's highlights, is a full-fledged extended musical sequence that brings in Arkham Asylum inmates and even Batman's teammates who are jealous of the Dark Knight's fame.  A few of the lyrics are awkwardly worded - "Because to me you now belong" is clearly an instance of the lyricist going for the rhyme - but the kookiness of the show and the Music Meister's absurdity make those infractions easier to excuse.  So much music in such a short amount of time could be overwhelming, but the writers have done a great job of varying musical and structural styles to help push the momentum forward.

The Music Meister, a character created specifically for BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, has gained such popularity that a return appearance is not out of the question.  Hopefully, we'll see more singing superheroes sometime soon.

Click here for more information on BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD.