Growing up, I was always enthralled by commercial jingles. These catchy little snatches of musical genius, that you associated with a particular product or service, were a great way to keep audiences (consumers) thinking about products long after the commercial had ended. As I came into my love for musical theatre, I was surprised to find that showtunes were often utilized in this way. Usually with altered lyrics, but featuring those catchy melodies, this was an effective tool. Here are some of the showtunes I remember showing up in commercials...
Broadway "Marches" in Like a Lion
With the month of March just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to discuss Broadway showtunes that follow a "march" rhythm. These are the songs that put a little pep into your step, getting you to lift those knees up high and to puff out your chest. Marches can be regal, and marches can be celebratory. They can be patriotic, perky, jaunty, and most of all, fun. Here are some of my favorite marches from Broadway musicals.
The Last Five Minutes - A Review of the Film The Last Five Years
For me, there has been no more exciting composer-lyricist regularly represented on Broadway in the last ten years than Jason Robert Brown. Every project he touches drips with a fierce honesty and lyrical poetry that sets him apart from just about everyone writing these days (save Adam Guettel). There is something inherently theatrical about the premise of each piece, which is probably why they register so beautifully on the stage. I admit that I was skeptical about how a film version of Brown's The Last Five Years would play. It turns out that my concerns were well-warranted.
What Was Your First Broadway Musical?
One of my favorite questions to ask a Broadway enthusiast is "What was your first Broadway musical?" I find it an interesting study to explore how people were introduced to the lights of the Great White Way. Was it a parent who chose the show? Did you get to choose it yourself? Like millions, were you indoctrinated through Cats, reeled in by the promise of its enticing (and deceptive) television commercial? How did your first Broadway musical shape your opinions on Broadway? Did it establish your likes and dislikes? Was the experience so completely overwhelming and transforming that all musicals since have paled by comparison?