Eight Musical Numbers You Shouldn't Miss
Eight Musical Numbers You Shouldn't Miss
A couple of weeks ago, we talked about a few incredible resources for watching musicals online. We hope you got a chance to watch a few of the stellar shows, but if you don’t have time to watch a full-scale musical, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite musical numbers that you should definitely check out. Share this list, add a few of your own, and let’s spread some love!
"No One Else" from Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812
Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 is a musical based on a seventy-page segment of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. Written by Dave Malloy and directed by Rachel Chavkin (who later went on to direct Hadestown), Great Comet opened to good reviews and was the Broadway debut of singer-songwriter Josh Groban (who gave voice to the hauntingly beautiful "Dust and Ashes"). Although it had a dazzling beginning, this production was fraught with missteps, including an unfortunate casting decision that ultimately led to its downfall. Regardless, the show is full of genre-defying songs that leave you dazzled and intrigued.
"Lothlorien" from the Lord of the Rings Musical
Much like Great Comet, a musical based on The Lord of the Rings had a bumpy start and an untimely end. Any musical that tries to condense a detailed, sprawling trilogy into one three-hour show has their work cut out for them. (At least Great Comet took a portion of its inspiration instead of trying to adapt the entire book.) However it ended, this show provided the world with some ridiculously enchanting music. (Will I be using "Wonder" as my next cabaret song? Maybe.)
"I’ll Forget You" from The Scarlet Pimpernel
The Scarlet Pimpernel, unlike the two previous shows, enjoyed relative success, including two short runs on Broadway, a national tour, and a Lincoln Center concert last year. (Still waiting for a recording of that one.) Based on the classic Emmuska Orczy novel, this musical tells the story of a masked savior during the French Revolution. With the runners-up being tied by "Falcon in the Dive" and "Into the Fire" (both songs that will get. you. pumped. UP), please enjoy this selection, my personal favorite rendition of Marguerite’s powerfully evocative solo. (Fun fact: Rachel York, who originated the role of Marguerite St. Just, starred in our production of Ever After last season!)
"Anything Goes" from Anything Goes
It’s impossible to think of great Broadway without Sutton Foster. Bringing life to Jo March, Millie Dillmount, and yes, even Princess Fiona, this actress is the definition of a triple-threat, best evidenced in her iconic Tony Awards performance of the title song from Anything Goes. Nothing else needs to be said.
"Safer" from First Date
This song is from a relatively little-known musical about dating in the modern era called First Date. Starring Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez, this show was only on Broadway for five months, but it gained a following that later sparked several short-lived performances worldwide. While the style of the songs vary, the tone remains the same – a brutally honest look at relationships and everything surrounding them. This version of one of its songs is performed by Jessica Vosk, who starred in our production of Becoming Nancy last year.
"Broadway, Here I Come" from Smash
Smash was a two-season NBC show that depicted the progression of a Broadway-bound musical, from idea to opening night, through the eyes of two women who vied for the lead. Despite its short life, it gained a cult following, largely due to Andrew Barth Feldman, who starred in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. This show’s regular cast included Broadway greats such as Katherine McPhee, Megan Hilty, Christian Borle, Jeremy Jordan, and Brian D’Arcy James, with guest appearances by Bernadette Peters, Nick Jonas, Terrence Mann, Liza Minelli, Jennifer Hudson, and many, many more. While there are several songs in this show that are iconic, the one that goes unnoticed the most often is Joe Iconis’s "Broadway, Here I Come." While Jeremy Jordan (flawlessly) performs this song in the show, this is another stellar version by Be More Chill’s George Salazar!
"Letter from the Refuge" from Newsies
Newsies took the world by storm, shocking everyone after the original 1992 film starring Christian Bale was considered a flop (even winning several Razzies). It improved upon its inspiration a million times over, so it’s no wonder that it gained such a massive following. Alan Menken added several (better) songs to the Broadway version of the story, but "Letter to the Refuge" wasn’t added until the national tour took off. Zachary Sayle originated the tour’s Crutchie (and also the role of David Starr in our production of Becoming Nancy) and thus was the very first Crutchie to sing this song.
"From Now On" from The Greatest Showman
Everybody has heard of The Greatest Showman, but I dare you to listen to this song without tapping your toe or cracking a smile. Even Hugh Jackman couldn’t help but sing it at the workshop, regardless of a direct order from his doctor to refrain, resulting in this incredible moment.
We hope you’re all staying safe and cannot wait to see you back at the Alliance soon!
