So i'm sure it's no shock how much I love Broadway shows! Most of you know I've seen many a play and even participated back in the day! Musical Theatre always holds a special place in my heart, and sometimes people question my taste in music, but I like songs that make me feel stuff! And B'Way you have yet to let me down!!! So now I would like to list some of my most favorite songs of the stage, that stir emotions in me like nothing can!
Gypsy's one of the first Musicals I fell in love with! It's the story of Gypsy Rose Lee one of the most famous Women of Burlesque in the 20's and 30's. In my favorite version Bette Midler plays the overbearing stage Mother "Madame Rose" who try's to live her dreams of fame through her kids but ends up just pushing them away. The song at the end "Rose's Turn" is one of my favorites because Mama Rose switches between keeping up her fantasy world of importance she's built for herself and the actual truth of why her children eventually leave her and claim they don't need her. Maybe it's a combination of nostalgia and the fact that I worship Bette Midler, but the song forever has made me long to play Madame Rose and perform that very song myself!!!!
I first saw the musical Aida when I was in High School. . . .but I didn't grow to appreciate it until I really listened to what it was all about (we didn't have the greatest seats!) The song "Easy as Life" plays out the scene when Aida has to choose between her People that still view her as their Princess and leader, or the man she truly loves. She pines for the man she wants, she curses the Gods she worships, and she sorrows for the people who follow her. The song is intense! And the Power note at the end moves me everytime!!!!!
The musical Wicked is so amazing! I had a really hard time picking which song means the most to me, because songs like "I'm not that Girl" and "Defying Gravity" are super stirring, but the song "For Good" I find strikes a chord with me most because of how I relate it to my own life. Everyone has someone or multiple people in there life that change them and affect the way they live the rest of their days. That's why this duet between Alphaba and Glinda really hits home, it's also a bit of a tear jerker because it's the last time they think they'll see each other again. My favorite line in the song is "Who can say if I've been changed for the better, but because I knew you I have been changed for good!" Did you not just weep a little? Listen to that song and tell me it doesn't make you think of the people closest to you!!!
Ah the musical Rent! Be it a smidge controversial. . . .I still rank it as one of my favorites! And how can you not with such an amazing score even right from the get go with the wonderful song "Seasons of Love". Let's list out what makes this song so fantastic;
- It feels like a gospel song!!!! Can I get Hallelujah!
- The incredible vocal manipulation of JoAnne's character on the second verse!
- Without it I wouldn't know exactly how many minutes are in year
Hairspray is another hard one to narrow down which one I love more, but I can remember when I was at school cleaning offices about five in the morning listening to the soundtrack from the original broadway recording and being stopped in my tracks when I heard Link say "Tracy I'm in love with you! No matter what you weigh!" It was like someone had stolen that line from my dreams! So if you don't know by now my most stirring from Hairspray is "Without Love". The Lyrics are funny but the sentiment is sweet! and any song with a hot boy declaring his love to a fat girl is alright with me!!!
A couple of years ago I read the book "The Color Purple" and it was. . . .well . . . depressing! Then when I heard they where making a musical out of it, I thought wow. . . That'll be interesting! Then on last years Tony awards Fantasia sang the song "I'm Here" and I was blown away!!! And the more I listen to the song, the more sense the book makes to me! If you know the story then you should love the musical. The woman (Celie) was abused in everyway possible and lived a life full of trials, but in the end manages to find that she does have self worth and is grateful for the fact that she's simply just here! I love it moves me everytime!!
Ok I guess that's it!! If you haven't heard these songs I highly recommend it! If you haven't given showtunes a chance. . . .WAKE UP! musicals are so hot right now!
Peace Out!
4 comments:
Do you remember when we saw Rent at the movies, and on the way back Everyone was singing at the top of their lungs the opening song, and johnny and hollan were standing through my sun roof while we dropped you off?! So fun.
i think our mutual love of showtunes, is one reason we are such good friends. though i will never forget driving back from san fran, and me and john screaming out showtunes at the top of our lungs.
it's official. . . .showtunes are best for singing at the top of your lungs!!!!
It makes me so happy that you have joined the fascinating world of the blog. Oh and I totally loved the musical review. I LOVE Aida... and almost every other one on your list!
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