What characteristic of the commodity musical is emphasized in the last sentence of the passage?

The emphasis on derivation as a characteristic of the commodity musical highlights how these productions often draw on existing works, such as pre-existing stories, music, or cultural references, rather than creating something entirely new from scratch. This aspect indicates that many musicals are built upon familiar foundations, which can resonate with audiences by tapping into their prior experiences and cultural knowledge.

This focus on derivation can reflect the commercial nature of musical theater, as familiar stories or themes tend to attract larger audiences, implying a strategy that utilizes recognizable elements to entice viewers. As such, the last sentence of the passage likely underscores this tendency towards reworking or adapting existing materials rather than pursuing purely original concepts.