My Favorite Broadway Songs of 2017

Happy New Year, as we approach 2018 plenty of surprises await us, including shows and songs, so before we ring in the new year I'm going to count down my top 10 favorite Broadway songs that released this year that I had on repeat, the only rule is two songs per show, so two shows don't dominate the list, and revivals count as long as they were this year. Now lets see the songs I could not stop singing along to.

10. Hero is My Middle Name- Spongebob Squarepants The Musical:
       Despite my mixed opinions on this show, this is a really fun song, a nice beat and is great, fun             song if you only have three singers

9. Everything Changes - Waitress : I will admit this was a show i glanced over, there is a tricky balance to shows from the past worth digging up and the current season, I plan on looking more into it for a future review, but from the songs I heard this is my favorite, a slower song but very beautiful with a true message behind it, a very good song that uses the full cast well.

8. Once Upon A December- Anastasia :  As someone who grew up loving the movie, the Broadway version excited me, and this version of once upon a December knocks it out of the park, simply amazing

7.  Put on Your Sunday Clothes- Revival of Hello Dolly: What an uplifting fun song, if you are feeling down this song is a must listen, a fun score with catchy lyrics in that classic style from days past will leave you smiling.

6. Finale- Come From Away:  This was a a hard pick for me, Come from Away is probably one of if not my favorite show from this season, It's themes on hospitality, love and healing in the face of great tragedy left me listening to this show many times among my favorites, this song sums up the true story in such a beautiful way you will want to start it over again, a finale so beautiful it left me tears of joy. 

5. Before the Parade Passes By- Revival of Hello Dolly: A Showstopping Number to close us out before intermission, Bette Middler encourages the audience to leave the past behind and move on before the parade of life passes them by, showing you are never to old to enjoy life and try love or anything new, this song is a gem that should not be looked over

4. Dust And Ashes - Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812: What a powerful song from a show gone way to soon, Josh Groban delivers a powerful performance, questioning his place, what he has done with his life, and if he has time to change it, a truly beautiful song

3. You Will Be Found- Dear Evan Hansen: This song was powerful, a powerful message to one of the best shows this season, this song will encourage you and have you singing along, it's amazing that being said...

2. Waving Through a Window- Dear Evan Hansen: This is my favorite song from Dear Evan Hansen a great show but it is so rare to have a show stopping number as the second number in the show, it is a real down to earth song, with an amazing score and fantastic lyrics, this song is nothing short of incredible, give it a listen if you have not yet.

1. Me and the Sky- Come From Away : This song changed me, telling the whole life story of Beverly Bass the first American Female Flight Captain in history is inspiring, packed with so many emotions, hope, joy, and even some sadness as the song ends and reality sets in, This song will encourage any who listen to it as the true story of the obstacles one woman faced and the hurdles she jumped over will  inspire you to chase your dreams as well.

Honorable Mention ; Audition song ( heres to the fools who dream)- LALA LAND-
Even though this was not a Broadway Show this musical movie was great, one of my favorites of the year, and this song will inspire you and fill you with hope, Emma Stone puts her all into this performance and it shows, an amazing song from a great movie

Happy new year, here's to more coming in 2017 in theater and for this blog, I hope your 2018 is a real show stopper, thanks for reading
   

Holiday Show tunes

It's that time of the year, shopping, Christmas movies, and songs that you have been hearing since thanksgiving, but where does Broadway fit into this? There are a few Holiday themed musicals, whether they are classic movies, or adaptations of the films we find ourselves watching. Here are some holiday themed Broadway tunes. that will make the season bright.  For this list i decided to organize by show.

Elf The Musical

.  Christmas Town
. Sparklejollytwinklejingely
. Story Of Buddy The Elf
. I Believe in you/ There is a Santa Claus

Christmas Story the Musical 

. Counting Down to Christmas / Counting Down to Christmas Reprise
. Up on Santa's Lap
. Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun/ Ralphie to the Rescue
. A Christmas Story

White Christmas the Musical
. Snow
. I Got my Love to Keep Me Warm
.The Best Things Happen While Your'e Dancing
. White Christmas

Annie ( takes place during Christmas so i say it counts)
.Tomorrow/ Tomorrow Reprise
.N.Y.C ( L)
. Getting a New Deal For Christmas

Random Shows That have Christmas scenes/songs
. Need a little Christmas ( Mame)
. Christmas Is My Favorite Time of Year ( Catch Me If You Can)
. Somethings There ( Beauty and The Beast)

So Here are my recommendations to add some musicals to you're usual holiday playlist, enjoy the holiday season, i have a couple more lists for the end of the year, as well as a review, until then, HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

Broadway Songs For The Work Day

The nine to five can be a grind sometimes, and we need a little change here and there can help freshen up a monotonous work week, whether you are going to work, on break, or done for the day, these Broadway songs will have you humming through it all.

.Waitress "Opening Up" (L) -  this song definitely captures the feeling of working the morning shift and starting the day, working hard but how we do our best

.Newsies: " Carrying the Banner" and " Seize The Day" (L)-  the first song is very similar to " Opening Up" where as you begin your shift, it's another day at work so let's face it with some optimism, the second song talks about living everyday and standing up for yourself, yes "Seize the Day" is all about going on strike, but it could also mean not giving up and inspiring those around you to keep going.

.Come From Away " Me and the Sky" - Everyone has their dream jobs, but we never start on the top, this true story will continue you to press on and continue to follow your dreams, the ending will hit you like a ton of bricks and bring you down to reality.

. All of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (L) - though this may seem like a cop out putting an entire show on the list, this show captures the essence of working, whether it's being in the same position for what feels like eternity, finding love where you work, coffee breaks,  having business rivals, and many more but with a dash of creativity and outlandish situations but also plenty of realism, you will find yourself enjoying and relating to this classic show, and there are many versions so you can pick your favorite

UPDATE

It has been a while since i posted on this blog. But life has been super crazy, and besides not having much time to write i have had some servere writers block. But I promise more content is coming in the very near future. Thank you for your patience

T.V Shows

Plenty of people love t.v shows, from rewatching the office again to Game of Thrones but the question is, why are there not T.V show musicals, theres a musical show, a live performance once a year, ora musical episode but T.V shows never transfer to the stage, movies do all the time but why not T.V? The musicals could be like a lost episode of the show, or the special it never got. It could tie up loose ends and continue beleoved stories that were left with questions still not answered. I don't know if it would worl but it would be cool to at least see an attempt? What shows do you think would make great musicals or you would like to see take on the musical episode at the very least ?

Top 5 bowing songs

After the finale hits its last note, it's time for the company bows and we can all go home, reminiscing on what we just saw, but with bows can come rwally catchy pieces of music, that are original or good enough to get placed on the soundtrack. Here are five standout bowing songs, amd feel free to share yours, this won't be the last time I talk about this, on to the list.

5. Annie : a very fun instrumental medly of some of the songs from the show, each piece fitting whoever is bowing and a very nice finish 

4. " Screech Out " Come from Away : A nice mix of songs in an amazing instrumental piece that makes you want to get up and dance

3. " Green Eggs and Ham" Seussical: One of my favorite introductions to theather that is fun for all ages, when the cast is taking their bows they partake in a song that is squeezing in more Seuss classic with a very catchy tune to boot

2. " Always Look on the Bright Side of Life Company Bow " Spamalot : As this monty python musical closes they reprise one of the best songs in the show with the whole cast, leaving myself and posssibly you smiling

1. " Come so Far Got so Far to Go " Hairspray : the song this show ends on is amazing, not just a small tune or a simple medley but a full blown song that is incedible, leaving you dancing along. This song stands on its own alongsidethe rest of the soundtrack and even is encouraging reminding the audience to look forward.

That's my list, hope you found some songs that are worth a look.

Are Musicals Overtaking Plays ?

One of my favourite websites is playbill they are a great central hub for news, information, trivia, and much more, they are a huge inspiration for this blog. As i was browsing , i relaized something the fact that they cover plays as much as they do musicals, yetin my social circle not many peopletalk about plays outside of highschool days and shakespeare. Yet some plays are pretty crucial such as the recently adapted " Fences " by August Wilson but how many people knew it was a play before going  in? Plays are important,  they havebeen around much longer then the musicals we all love listening to yet whenever theatre is meantioned we always jump to "Wicked " or " Hamilton" , even i am very guilty of that, i once thought plays would go extinct but as long as long there is an auidence, and adaptions, and classes to bring them into plays will always be around. But much like their song and dance counter parts they are always changing, and theatre is best enjoyed when we realized that it is full of many parts. What do you think ? And what plays do you reccomend comedic or dramatic? Leave your comments below

Finales (A Poem)

When the curtain falls and lights are low
The stage is not now what it was then
Until we make way for a new show
And  we start things over again
When we say our goodbyes
Taking our final bows on stage
Through laughter and tears in our eyes
Until then we turn the page
When the curtain falls and  lights go dim
When we can tell a nrw story again

T.V Musicals

I was thinking back on some of my favorite t.v. shows the other day and I realized a trend, many shows had at least one musical episode from  Community  to even cartoons like Spongebob Squarepants (the latter ironically having a a stage show now ). But should t.v have musical episodes. Now I'm not talking about S.M.A.S.H, Glee or Galavant where the show is centered around music but rather the shows that are not and go back to their non musical ways after the episode. It does depend how it is done, for example if the cast can sing or not, if not then no. Sometimes if music is incoortapted in other episodes it fits in better. Sometimes it is such a huge contrast from the norm that it could hit and other times the audience will be left saying " well that came out if nowhere, what else is on ". In my personal opinion it varies from show to show, but when it's forced you can tell, when it does work it is a pleasant surprise.

What's on My Playlist vol. 1

Welcome to a new segment where I just share what tunes I have been listening to, this will be super specific so you will know what version to look in to in case you want to add it to your playlist or buy these songs. This is not a list though a couple more, as well as some reviews and other fun projects are coming. These are just what I have been blasting on repeat , shows older and more current are included.

Breath from " In The Heights " - This song has so much character development in it, also an amazing tempo and a calmer feel, this is a great one

Put on Your Sunday Clothes from the revival of " Hello Dolly " - a perfect classic feel, amazing build up and a very catchy song

Waving Through A Window from " Dear Evan Hansen " - Ever since hearing this shortly before the Tony Awards such a powerful song from such a great show

Me and the Sky from " Come From Away "- a new but beautiful song full of heart, I highly recommend this one

Pure Imagination from " Charlie and the Choclate Facotry "  London Cast- A different interpretation of a classic song much like how the show is a different interpration of the book and films. This classic song carried over from the film " Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Facorty " is another great and uplifting version,  I am very excited to look at the version with Christian Borle where that version comes out

Open A New Window from " Mame " - I am still fairly new to musicals, this blog is not only a place to enjoy broadway but for the writer and reader ti grow as we bith discover bew things. So when I look for new shows it's going back and fourth between the classics and what us currently running, with a little help form the internet and my Broadway
encyclopedia I discovered this song from this classic show, this is nothing short of uplifting and catchy, truly a classic tune

And that is it for this installment, see you again soon, and I hope I introduced you to some songs for your playlist.

Upcoming Musicals I am Looking Forward To

Recently news has been flooding in on next year's Broadway season, as someone who always loves adding more songs to my ever expanding playlist old and new here are a few of the shows I will be keeping my eye on.

. Frozen: although the movie has been everywhere since the film debuted, but Disney has a track record of making awesome stage adaptations of films, even making films that were not the best really amazing for example Newsies is in my top 5, and I recommend it any day it is some if Alan Menkins best. So I am optimistic to see the new songs and whay they do with twice the amount of time, and my guess is " let it go" will be the big song before intermission

. Spongebob Squarepants the musical: when I first read about this show opening in Chicago I rolled my eyes, but I am interested, how are they going to bring this cartoon to the stage? What will the story be? I not only am slightly optimistic but also I am insanely curious to see how this will play out.

.Carousel and My Fair Lady Revival : After falling in love with the revival of " Hello Dolly " I am open to seeing more classic shows brought back, as I wait to hear more I plan on doing research about the productions and original runs, I love these revivals because they show us how these shows became classic in the first place is  and still hold up today.

There are many more shows announced, some are just rumors, but I am open to hearing about other shows, I was so focused on " The Great Comet " that " Dear Evan Hansen " surprised me and I just started listening to it three days before  the Tony Awards because I knew it was nominated. So surprises still come

The 71st Annual Tony Awards : The Performances

Now that the dust has settled and the awards have been handed out let's look back at each performance from the 71st Annual Tony Awards.

The Openeing :  Was hit and miss, for people who have followed all the shows this season it was hilarious, but for those who wanted to find new performances this would be hard to follow, funny for those who got it, and a strong ending.

Come From Far Away  " Welcome to the Rock ": Very catchy and a solid opening number, had a lot of heart and really set the tone of the show and had great atmosphere, an excellent tune to open with.

Miss Saigon " I'd Give My Life for You/ Exodus" : it was grand in scope but I was very confused . The scene chosen had heavy emotion but I did not know the context, though  I felt like I was seeing a crucial moment from the show and I didn't know the whole story, so I had to do some research. Otherwise it was fine

Falsettos " A Day in Falsetto Land": peppy and upbeat, but the song didn't stick with me like some of the others did, a serviceable opening number with a catchy melody but I forgot about it until now.

Dear Evan Hansen " Waving Through A Window " : this was nothing short of amazing, this was my favorite performance of the night, it captured a strong emotion the whole way through, nothing short of excellent, a new favorite on my playlist.

Groundhog Day " Seeing You": A cute love song, it was enjoyable but not a really standout performance

Hello Dolly " A Penny in my Pocket " : A ton of fun, David Hyde Peirce held his own with this catchy tune that was originally cut, but it had that enjoyable classic feel, a treat indeed and another song I added to my playlist shortly after the show .

Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. And the Radio City Rockkettes "New York " : Super amazing and fun, the dancing  was incredible, I only wish there was a tad more singing, but overall this was great

War Paint " Face to Face " " A very powerful number, packed with emotion with amazing vocals, a very solid performance and both of the singers did a fantastic job

Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812 " Dust and Ashes/ The Abduction" : very energetic and memorable, with amazing vocals and instrumentation , especially from Josh Groban, but it also felt like it was all over the place, mashing the two songs together made me kind of wish they just picked one, and even though this must be a great view on stage, I felt so much was going on the camera man didn't know where to focus, a good performance with a few flaws.

Bandstand " Nobody " excellent music and choreography, very energetic and captured the feel of that era, set the mood and was a very catchy tune, this underrated gem was fantastic

The Closing number: nice, sweet and simple, had a classic feel and a grand finale to a great night

Now the countdown until next year begins

People who I want to host the next Tony Awards

New Hosts I want to see  :

Lin Manuel Miranda- enough said

Emily Blunt - she does musical movies I say let her host theaters biggest night

Bette Midler- she would definitely make it a night to remember

Returning Hosts I want to see again:

Nathan lane- he has been a staple of theater so a return for a fourth time would be welcome

Neil Patrick Harris - He has rocked the house and would do it again

Hugh Jackman - see above reasoning

James Corden- He did amazing last year and I think he has a lot to offer

No matter who hosts though, one thing is sure, it celebrates theater with some unforgettable performances

The 71st Annual Tony Awards Post Awards Celebration

And with that another Tony Award show has passed as we wait for next years favorites, but I am not done yet, this week will be my post award show celebration, so what does that entail? I will be talking about event as well as diving into a few of the shows mentioned, so raise the curtains this award celebration is far from over

Looking Back at Last Years Tony Awards.

Before I jump head first into shows like " Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 " and " Dear Evan Hansen". Let's look back at 5 moments that stood out to me from last year's Tony Awards. And these are just 5 moments, no one is above the other.

5. The Color Purple Performance : encouraged, inspired are but a few of the emotions I felt after this powerful performance, I have not listened to any more of the show as of this post, this one performance did what it was set out to do, it caught my attention and made me want to learn more about this production. If the album is as amazing as this I am on for a surprise.

4. The Ham for Ham
I loved the Ham for Ham lottery youtube videos, they always brought something different from actors performing different songs to different takes from celebrities on Hamilton favorites (weird al and Jimmy Fallon are some of my faves). Seeing all the different casts of the current Broadway line up perform classics was a real treat

3. The love for the Orlando nightclub victims : A terrible incident had happened that morning, families were broken in a senseless act of violence, yet the theater did what it does best, accept anyone no matter who they were with open arms, from sppeches and acknowledgements, the theater is truly a one of a kind place that accepts everyone.

2. The opening number: after a heartfelt speech James Cordern took the stage and brought an unforgettable performance, singing and dancing through so many Broadway shows was a great time, with a but if inspiration at the end saying it could be you on the stage, from fun to heart warming, it was a great way to start the night.

1. All the Hamilton: though it may have not beat the record held by " The Producers" for most Tony Awards it did make an impact. From great speeches from the cast to the Broadway legand Barbara Streisand presenting the final award, this show got all the love it deserved and will go down in history as a classic

With the Tonys being tonight as of this post here's to an amazing unforgettable night filled with great performances, and let's see who wins, I will recap the show among a few other surprises. Till then enjoy the show

The Tony Awards

The Tony Awards are amazing, they are like the super bowl for theater fans. This always sticks out to me because we get tidbits of shows we have listened to on constant repeat or find our new favorite show from the small performance. I feel that the big competitors this season will be between the great comet and dear Evan Hansen. I'll will share my reviews and reactions as the day gets closer and ultimately arrives .

Top 5 Reprises

Just the other day I was listening to Annie one of my favorite shows..... wait a second you have heard this all before this is a top 5 of some of my favorite reprises, the reprise can not be a part of a finale since that deserves a list on its own. Minor Spoilers for certain shows ahead, 

5. A Man Has Dreams/ Spoonful of Sugar reprise (Mary Poppins, Broadway) : This is a great moment in the show where we see Mr Banks at his lowest only for Bert to help him refocus and know whats important, using a song that was meant to teach something to the kids helps Mr Banks set things right, and that is what makes a good reprise, using the same melody and sometimes similar lyrics to bring something new to the story. 

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4. To Thine Own Self reprise (Something Rotten) : Something Rotten is something special, it's a fun show with many homages to Shakespeare one of my favorite playwrights, but we will talk more about the bard later and lets talk about the reprise. This reprise has a character finally apologizing and asking for help, the song is slower and sweeter and has tons of heart, reaching what one of the other characters wanted to convey, going full circle

3. Tomorrow reprise (Annie): Now here we are the number that had me thinking about reprises to begin with, this may not change the words but it adds more vocals, and it helps progress the story, with a touch of historical fiction that proves to be fun and comical, this reprise does a good job of using one of the best songs from the show. 

2. Legally Blonde Reprise (' ... ') : This song is a lot of fun, happening immediately after the song " Legally Blonde" this song has Elle Woods getting back into the swing of things while also being a giant number with a great dance break, the song beings pumping you up, but before the epic final note there are hints to the other great songs from earlier in the sow, it is an awesome reprise with a medley sprinkled in for good measure. 

1. Watch What Happen reprise ( Newsies) (L) : This is not my favorite song from Newsies maybe not even in my top five, but this is an amazing respire and a prime example that people who want to have a reprise in their work should follow. This not only shows a character who feels down, being encouraged and deciding to jump back into the fray in a short song. The four voice melody and use of an already catchy tune again but for another purpose fits like a glove. This is not only a tune you snap  along too, this is also a great song to listen to when all hope seems lost, a great fun encouraging song, not just another reprise to fill up space. 

So there is my list, what are your favorite reprises please share I may even find a new show I will want to talk about, until I revisit and reprise this topic, hope you enjoyed my list. 

Top 10 Opening Numbers

A (L) next to a musical number or show stands for Language, just in case you want to blast your favorite tunes with younger ones around. there will be other ratings added but this is the first. 

The opening number is a big deal, if first impressions mean everything for a job or meeting a new person that also applies to a show, setting the mood and letting you meet the cast of this adventure that is soon to unfold. Here is my personal top 10 opening songs, this is from my personal experience, feel free to share your favorite opening songs, i'm always looking for a catchy tune.

10: Rock Island from " The Music Man": This song starts off our list for its creativity and speed. After the overture we are not only introduced to our lead but in a really unique way. As a group of salesmen travel by train they converse, as they talk about their business ventures they end up making the sound effects and act as if their train ride was real. It is almost like an acapella and does a good job of setting the mood in a comedic way as they bounce in their seats.

9. How to from " How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" : This tune albeit short gives the audience the entire synopsis from the very beginning, this upbeat tune gets you excited to see our main hero try to go from window washer to CEO, because all you need to do is join a company so big that no one knows what anyone else is doing. Who knew climbing the corporate ladder could be so catchy.

8.  Tradition from " Fiddler on the Roof:  The melody of this very catchy song is used as a perfect tool to show the audience how these characters live their lives. The song is fun to hum to and sets up the framework that the plot follows, another nice touch is that the song introduces you to the main cast as well as the side characters as well in a fun group number. (also please do not play fiddles on your roof there are safer venues)

7. Maybe from "Annie": It is impossible to hear this one and not go "aw", this song will grip you and instantly make you root for the main character, who doesn't want to see an orphan reunited with her parents. This song has a somber tone which is an interesting contrast to the upbeat soundtrack, but this tune still has hints of optimism, making for a very memorable tune.

6. In the Heights from " In the Heights" (L) : This song much like " Tradition" does a great job of introducing the cast to the audience and showing us the environment they inhabit. This song also gets points for showing us their struggles straight out the gate. With an infectious beat that will leave you snapping along as you sip your cup of cafe con leche (Coffee with Milk)

5. Oh the Thinks You Can think from "Seussical" : A creative and inspiring song that brings you back to those golden days of reading " The Cat in the Hat" and " Green Eggs and Ham". A song that inspires you to be creative led by the cat in the at himself assisted by the rest of the cast. After this great opening you and your inner child will be grinning ear to ear.

4. Look Down from "Les Miserables": Not the happiest opening but it is nothing short of epic, this grand opening demonstrates this shows amazing score and large scale, as the prisoners sing and you meet Jean Valejean at his lowest point, the epic lyrics and score will engross you in this tale of love, revolution, and redemption. Bring some tissues, this show isn't translated as the miserables for nothing.

3. Welcome to the Renaissance from " Something Rotten" : This song is nothing short of catchy, it introduces the crowd to the setting perfectly, with some really smart historical jokes tossed in. In this tale of the Bottom brothers trying to make a name for themselves while Shakespeare is in his heyday, this opening puts you right in the time period and almost makes you wish you lived there, until you remember enjoying luxuries like the internet, and not having to dig your water out of a well, the list goes on.

2: Alexander Hamilton from " Hamilton" (L): Yep, even though this song is very recent, it is that good. It's brilliant, and tells you so much in the span of only a couple minutes. You meet the cast and are shown the great ambition of Alexander Hamilton with only one line " There's a million things I haven't done, just you wait". It starts simple but ends on such an epic note. leaving you with only one question " Whats your name man!?"

1: Good Morning Baltimore from " Hairspray" : This song is one of the best openings, it grabs you with an unforgettable song and introduces you to one of the most likable characters in any show. When Tracy wakes up to tell you her dreams, and show you her current setting, you see a dreamer and you click with her immediately, the setting is so simple that it feels like home as the amazing melody fills your ears. You will want to dance along to this perfect opening.

That is my top ten openings, I am definitely going to revisit this topic in the future as I revisit shows, and discover more amazing opening numbers, so this is not the last time we are going to look at the beginning.