Hey guys, it's been a little while since I posted anything on my site. Firstly I hope that you're all keeping well during this still difficult time. It's been great to see big news of shows coming back, like Six, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, The National Theatre and more. Hopefully with any of the new guidelines coming in that theatres are still able to open to socially distanced audiences. The only live performance I've seen is a couple of the brilliant RSC's Shakespeare Snapshots in Stratford-Upon-Avon. I am due to see Rent at The Hope Mill Theatre in November which is super exciting.
I've thought of a, hopefully, fun blog post to return with. I'm going to pick 10 stage musicals and chose my favourite song from that show's soundtrack and tell you why I picked that song. I'd love to see you guys have a go with the same shows too (or your own 10) and let me know what you're favourite songs from those show are.
Les Miserables - Master of the House
It's quite hard to choose a standout number from the sung-through iconic French Revolution set musical. It's a great credit to the work of Claude-Michel Schönberg (music), Alain Boublil, Jean-Marc Natel (original French lyrics) and Herbert Kretzmer that Les Miserables continues to thrive on any stage it plays. I've chosen 'Master of the House' as it's probably one of the songs I'd listen to most from the soundtrack. The song is sung by the Thenardier's and the ensemble in their tavern. It's a joyous celebration of these two pompous characters.
Hamilton - Dear Theodosia
Pre-lockdown and Hamilton's subsequent release on Disney + I'd steered clear of the show presuming it wouldn't really interest me as I'm not a big fan of rap music. I was wrong here. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the show, it's been brilliant captured and performed with a superb original cast. I do dip in and out of the soundtrack rather than listening to it straight through and I've become obsessed with the number 'Dear Theodosia' in particular, which comes just before the end of Act One. It's beautifully sung by Leslie Odom Jr and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Wicked - As Long As You're Mine
Stephen Schwart's score to Wicked is much loved internationally and the show enjoys incredible runs on Broadway, on the West End and beyond. This Wizard of Oz 'prequel' has had phenomenal success since it premiered back in 2003. I've had the joy of seeing some incredible Elphaba's in the show; Kerry Ellis, Willemijn Verkaik and Nicki Bentley. Picking a number from the show was difficult as I could have easily chosen 'Dancing Through Life', 'Defying Gravity' or 'No Good Deed' but I've always had a soft spot for the romantic ballad 'As Long As You're Mine' sung in the second act by Elphaba and Fiyero as their romance blossoms.
Six - Six
Six is undoubtedly one of the biggest theatrical success stories in the last few years. This British musical, which began life as a student show and has gone on to have an open-ended run in the West End and was due to open on Broadway around the time the pandemic shut theatres. Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss have created a masterpiece telling the stories of Henry VIII's six wives from their perspectives in a 75-minute pop concert style show. It's both educational and joyous. Each of the Queen's gets their own number to shine in but it's the big final number that I've gone for. 'Six' celebrates the Queen's as they come together as a band and celebrate themselves.
Phantom of the Opera - Past the Point of No Return
Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical is rightly renowned as one of the best musicals of all time. With music by Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart, the show has been a hit worldwide. Set in the Paris Opera House it tells the tale of a mysterious Phantom and his attraction to young soprano Christine Daae. I was very split in choosing and nearly went for 'Masquerade' but I love 'Past The Point of No Return' which is sung by The Phantom and Christine during the premiere of the Phantom's Don Juan Triumphant. It's a beautiful piece.
Mamma Mia - Voulez-Vous
The jukebox musical with the music of Abba has defied all expectations. A West End run of over 20 years, worldwide productions and 2 box office smash films. The musical tells the story of Sophie who finds her mum's diary and discovers she has 3 possible fathers all of whom she invites to her impending wedding. The back catalogue of Abba means the show is full to the brim of amazing musical numbers ranging from 'Dancing Queen', 'Mamma Mia', 'Gimme, Gimme, Gimmie,' and 'The Winner Takes It All' but my personal favourite from the show is 'Voulez-Vous' which closes Act One in the stage production.
Waitress - Take It From An Old Man
The stage musical adaptation of the 2007 movie is bolstered with a book by Jessie Nelson and music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. For me, it was certainly a case of the music being better than the show. It's only more recently following on from watching Little Voice on Apple TV (which I highly recommend) that I've appreciated the superb work by Bareilles. I only caught it once during it's run in London which sadly was curtailed by the COVID pandemic but will be more than willing to give it another go on its UK tour which is planned for 2021. I know many will disagree with my choice here but I just love 'Take It From An Old Man' sung by the character Joe to Jenna.
Rocky Horror Show - Don't Dream It (Be It)
This was probably the hardest of the 10 to pick for me. It's the musical I've seen the most (some 60 + times!) and is full of incredible songs including 'The Time Warp', 'Sweet Transvestite', 'Hot Patootie', 'Once In A While', 'I'm Going Home' and more! I've gone with 'Don't Dream It (Be It)' though as it's such a powerful message and lyrically it's stunning. The music work by Richard O'Brien throughout the piece is second to none. Rocky Horror is fast approaching its 50th anniversary and it's still as incredible and joyously relevant as ever.
West Side Story - Gee, Officer Krupke
With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most iconic musicals of all time. The musical is inspired by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and is set in the Upper West Side of New York, it explores the rivalry between two gangs The Sharks and The Jets. I hadn't seen the musical until I saw it at Curve last Christmas and what an incredible production. Jamie Muscato as Tony and Adriana Ivelisse as Maria were stunning and so perfectly cast. I've chosen 'Gee, Officer Krupke' sung by some of the Jets as they lampoon Officer Krupke.
Dear Evan Hansen - You Will Be Found
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul have had some remarkable success over the last few years including La La Land, The Greatest Showman but arguably their best work is on the musical Dear Evan Hansen. It's a stunning soundtrack full of incredible musical numbers. The musical deals heavily with mental health and is very powerful - I defy you to not cry especially during 'Words Fail' in the second act. The musicals most iconic number is the act one finale 'You Will Be Found' which is an anthem of no matter what you'll always be found because they'll always be someone there for you.
I hope that was a fun little read for you. Let me know what your picks for your favourite song from these 10 shows would be.
Take care and look after yourselves and each other.
Post a Comment