5,6,7,8

The idea to write about my favorite musical numbers was sparked during a recent Gilmore Girls binge (yes, another one)  wherein I was reminded of the perfection of the episode titled “Raincoats and Recipes.” In tone, dialogue and plot, “Raincoats and Recipes” strikes all the right notes. And it got me thinking about short form storytelling, episodes and scenes in particular, because they exist as part of a greater whole. Some scenes are expositional, some are transitional (ie. filler) and some are full of conflict or end with resolution. When done well, a single scene can change the course of the entire show. Today we focus on musical theater!

Something Rotten,  “A Musical” – The show itself disappointed me. The humor is lower than lowbrow, which is fine if that was what I had expected. But instead it was compared to The Book of Mormon. Whip smart, biting satire it is not. That said, this scene is incredibly fun. A riff on the history of musical theater that features themes from several classic musicals and a big glitzy tap sequence is impossible to resist.

Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots, “Raise You Up/Just Be” – These two numbers are pretty much one and are featured in the finale of this empowering musical, and it’s pretty much impossible not to get up and dance along. More fun? The entire cast (other than Lauren) are decked out in Lola’s thigh high glittering boots. Life lessons in the key of fun.

Mamma Mia! “Dancing Queen” – Done right this is one of the funniest scenes in any musical, ever. Mamma Mia aims to please and the show often takes the easy road: the easy joke, the tug on the heartstrings but it does it with such infectious joy that it is impossible to resist. And “Dancing Queen” is the epitome of irresistible. Donna, Tonya and Rosie acting out the song using objects from around the room is hilarious. Feel the beat of the tambourine.

The Bridges of Madison County

Wicked

The Bridges of Madison County, “Always Better” – No other final number so beautifully ties up a musical, especially one as complex as The Bridges of Madison County, as “Always Better.” The scene is simple: Francesca at the bridge reflecting on her life and the passage of time. Choices, consequences and moments of happiness and heartache. It’s a number so nicely composed as to explain one of the biggest themes of the show, but thanks to Jason Robert Brown’s artful lyrics, it feels the opposite of explanatory. Simply put: beautifully comprehensive.

Hamilton, “The Schuyler Sisters” – The lyrics, the turntable and the entire ensemble combine to make this one of the most active numbers in a very active show. This song sets up two of the most pivotal relationships in the show: Hamilton and Eliza and Hamilton and Angelica. Looking back at the end of the show, this is the moment when the story starts to unfold. 

Wicked, “The Wizard and I” -  Every musical has it, an ‘I want’ song, but none is quite as powerful as “The Wizard and I.” All of Elphaba’s hopes and insecurities belted out in perfect melody. Sure it doesn’t feature Elphaba flying high above the stage but “The Wizard and I” is earnest and hopeful in all the right ways. The lighting and scenic design mesmerizes me every time. Elphaba stands center stage against a shifting backdrop of Shiz University and The Emerald City to a simple background of purples, oranges and, finally, a brilliant emerald green.

While these scenes are plucked from very different types of musicals they all have a common thread: they match exactly the tone of the show and, even though they are only a small portion of the entire show (especially the long ones. I'm looking at you Bridges and Wicked), they underscore and expand on the larger story. I can't imagine the shows without them.