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.
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.
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.
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