Kislan describes the book musical as "simple and obvious in a stage world where everything is precisely what it seems to be."(Kislan 172). A book musical like Oklahoma makes good use of a "variety of musical expression" and can entertain without an entire play of dramatic words(Kislan 172). It leaves room for artistic expression which can express more feeling than just simple words can. The components of a book musical is "character, plot, situation, dialogue, and theme." (Kislan 177).

A concept musical supports one idea. This idea is the building block for the whole musical like in Stephen Sondheim's musical Sunday in the Park with George. Kislan says, "it means that music, lyrics, dance, direction, dialogue and design integrate in production