Hamilton
What makes it an opera: Every line of dialogue is sung to a continuous musical accompaniment. Occasionally songs will arise from the action.
What makes it not: The music is popular, with great hooks. None of the characters is adorned in a clown suit or horned helmet.
The Shining
What makes it an opera: Paul Moravec's score was decidedly non-hookish. Even breathless lines such as "Did you remember the parking brake?" were sung.
What makes it not: The subject matter – a Stephen King novel — is more popular and less culturally timeless.
Sweeney Todd
What makes it an opera: A score that requires big operatic voices and enough dimension for a full orchestra to appreciate.
What makes it not: Mrs. Lovett is a grinder whose songs are meant to be sold rather than sung. Much the same with Beadle Bamford.
Graydon Royce
