by Serena
Broadway shows have had so many memorable musical numbers. It’s not easy picking out a top ten when there are so many great performances, but this week we’re sharing some of our favorites with you!
You rarely see powerful all-female tap numbers on Broadway, and this one is led by an angry Sutton Foster in her Tony Award winning role as Millie.
I missed seeing the original production on Broadway, but Paper Mill Playhouse recently had a limited engagement of Thoroughly Modern Millie starring Laurie Veldheer which was fantastic.
One of my favorite Rodgers & Hammerstein songs, this number features a dreamy waltz, poofy dresses and the incomparable Laura Osnes as Cinderella.
There are so many entertaining numbers in How To Succeed, but Brotherhood of Man represents all the best aspects of the show. It has humor, great choreography, upbeat, catchy music, and a talented ensemble led by the indefatigable Daniel Radcliffe.
So much to love about this number– crazy good dancing, Tony Award winning choreography by Christopher Gattelli, a spoon solo (??), Kara Lindsay hiking up her skirts and getting down with the boys…
Ok, so there is no dancing in this number… just some choreographed movements. But the song is so clever and catchy that it just works! Plus the actors know how to sell the comedy with their expressive faces.
This number is absolutely brilliant! I love how the letters pop out in perfect synchronization to the lyrics. It’s just a small sampling of the dark humor and genius that is Matilda. The set design is a major highlight of the show.
Newsies without a doubt featured the most athletic, high-energy dancing ever seen on Broadway. Plus Ryan Steele and his never-ending pirouette…fuggedaboutit!
Who doesn’t love a good dance-off? With choreography by Jerome Robbins and music by Leonard Bernstein, this is a classic. Other standouts from West Side Story include America, Tonight and Cool.
NO COFFEE! It’s every coffee addicts worst nightmare and so hilariously performed by Christopher J. Hanke (Bud Frump), Mary Faber (Smitty) and the How To Succeed ensemble. The song is so relatable, yet exaggerated to great effect. I have a running joke with my friends- whenever someone mentions coffee we can’t help but break out in song.
It’s nearly impossible to pick just one number that stands out from On the Town because they are all so fantastic. You can read our full review of the show here. If I had to choose, here’s my top 3:
- Coney Island Dream Ballet – Because Megan Fairchild– duh. Throw in a magnificent orchestra, wonderful choreography, beautiful costumes… I’m sold.
- Carried Away – Jess LeProtto as a Caveman is beyond funny and amazing. Clyde Alves & Elizabeth Stanley knock this number out of the park, and the dinosaur is pretty cool too.
- Come Up To My Place – Jay Armstrong Johnson is adorkable as he flops all over a stationary taxi while Alysha Umphress attempts to seduce him.