CityWOOF

This post idea is directly lifted from Urspo’s blog today about what would be on your Broadway Mix Tape. Here’s what would be on my mix tape…and I may just actually burn this CD!

“Overature/The Story of Chess” - Chess (Original Broadway Cast)

I really love this exciting, energetic overature. It’s dissonant and melodious almost at the same time and then weaves into the brilliant story of how the game of chess was supposedly invented. I don’t know if the story is true, but it sure is entertaining.

“Anthem” - Chess

With this CD out, I don’t think I’d be able to resist adding this gorgeous, passionate number about home and country living within one’s heart, no matter where they may physically be. “My land’s only borders lie around my heart”

“Someone Is Waiting” - Company

It’s just such a beautiful, soothing, hopeful song. And melodically very gorgeous. It’s Sondheim, he’s a genius, what you can say? Don’t say it, sing it. Love this song.

“Goodbye Until Tomorrow/I Could Never Rescue You” - The Last 5 Years

In a song that is both heartbreaking and amazing, they are both saying goodbye to each other…but from different time frames in the relationship. She, having just been on an early date with him and realizing she’s falling in love, and he, at the end of their relationship, saying goodbye forever. Intricate, moving…this song makes me cry.

“Mama Will Provide” - Once On This Island

After so much emotion, time for some good fun. Love this bouncy calypso number from one of my favorite musicals ever.

“Let it Go” - The Full Monty

Staying in Fun Mode, I’d add this sexy bouncer of a tune about stripping it all off and away.

“Time and Music” - A New Brain

This song is just happiness and joy. It’s about 2 things that you “gotta have”, and it’s by the brilliant William Finn. I would love to see this show again, better yet, I’d love to play the role of the bearish nurse.

“Tear Me Down” - Hedwig and the Angry Inch

This is the exciting rocker that opens the show, it’s great. Really gets the show going. Very fun.

“The Long, Long Grift” - Hedwig and the Angry Inch

I love this number, it is so melodically interesting with it’s combination of sweetness and dissonance…regret, resignation. Quite poignant.

“Wheels of a Dream” - Ragtime

Ok, breathing again now… we can soar. This song is beautiful, I don’t care what anyone says. I think it’s worthy of Gershwin. Beautifully sung on the original cast album. Hopeful, lovely number.

“Gabriel’s Letter / My First Woman” - Kiss of the Spider Woman

This almost seems like a throwaway number, but there’s no such thing when you’re dealing with Kander and Ebb. I love songs where you hear the first part, then the second part, then they are layered on top of each other like a confection. Wonderful duet. Also, this song is a very nice reflection about a crush on a friendly, non-judgemental straight guy. Sweet, sad. Cool.

“The Proposal / The Night Was Alive” - Titanic, the Musical

Another example of the previous device. Two seemingly seperate songs, then you lay them on top of each and it’s magic. It always impresses me greatly when that happens. Gives me thrills!

“If I Can’t Love Her” - Beauty and the Beast

I think this song is such a perfect combination of composer and lyricist talents combined to make beauty. So moving, both lyrically and melodically. For a song that was only added because the movie became a stage play, this song is integral to the show. Love, love it.

“Our Little World” - Into the Woods

A pretty cool song that was not in the orignal cast album, but was in the revival. Not that this show needed anything more, but this is a great addition and gives the Witch and Rapunzel some nice moments.

“Happiness” - You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown

Just because. What a nice note to end a Broadway mix tape on. Always makes me smile with its gentle lyrics and lovely, timeless melody.