Broadway Melody
Oh my goodness, it has been a year since Chloe and I have embarked on this fun journey. For me, it has just been amazing to think about all the ways that love has been involved with my every day life. Ever since I was little I have been fascinated with love stories and love songs, looking for the meaning and message that could be gleaned from them.
I have been thinking about topics that I could talk about to celebrate the 1st Anniversary and wobbled between a couple different ideas. I thought about spotlighting one of my favorite Hollywood couples or taking a post to focus on my love language. I will do both of those at another time, but I have been in a theater mood lately and so I thought I would expand on that momentum and focus on my 5 favorite Broadway Love Songs. Now just a couple of disclaimers before I jump in:
1. These are MY favorite songs, and they are in MY order. This is not a negotiation.
2. These are not all Romantic love songs; they spotlight other loves too.
Now, let’s get started!
5. “Right-Hand Man” from Something Rotten
Something Rotten follows the struggles of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom as they try to make a name for themselves as playwrights under the long dark shadow of Queen Elizabeth’s Rockstar, William Shakespeare. Nick Bottom is having a hard time making ends meet and his wife, Bea, is trying to get him to just see her as a partner, someone to trust with his burdens. She is determined to show him that she is capable of helping him if he would just let her.
I love it, because it is showing that a woman doesn’t need to be passive to “submit” to her husband, but she does need to be his partner and build him up no matter what.
4. “So Much Better” from Legally Blonde
Elle had just seen Warner propose to Vivian and to cheer her up Emmett showed her the list of interns that were chosen to work under Callahan. Seeing that her name was among the chosen few she took the opportunity to rub it in Warner and Vivian’s face as well as call her mom to let her know.
Up until this moment in the story Elle’s main drive was to win the love of Warner, but in the moment, she not only lost him to someone else but discovered a love that is even deeper… a love of self! Elle is a smart, hard working girl and nothing stood in her way but her limited vision. Now, not only are her eyes open to what she is capable of, but what she is made of as well.
Self-love is just as important, if not more important than romantic love. You need to know and love yourself in order to love someone else well. Elle is simply getting started with all that she can do.
3. “Vanilla Ice Cream/She Loves Me” from She Loves Me
In both of these songs our two main characters are starting to realize that they may have misjudged the other or that there are feelings growing that weren’t recognized before.
In “Vanilla Ice Cream,” Amalia is shocked that George had brought her ice cream when he found out that she was sick. This simple act drives her to distraction as she is trying to write a letter to her “Dear Friend.” She may or may not be impressed with this “new” George that she is seeing.
During “She Loves Me,” George is confronted with the knowledge that he LOVES a woman he couldn’t stand 24 hours ago. He is the one that knows the truth about their relationship, and now just has to wait until the perfect time to tell her the truth.
This is a classic Enemies to Lover trope but it is one of my favorites, so watching these two characters come to their epiphany in their own ways is beautiful!
2. “For Good” from Wicked
This is a song between two unlikely best friends. Glinda and Elphaba are saying goodbye, and it is a beautiful moment of sadness and support. Elphaba had offered Glinda the chance to come with her, but Glinda declined thinking that she could be of better service to Elphaba if she stays behind.
There is an honest love and respect that is shown in this song, and you can feel their heart break at having to say goodbye.
Before I reveal my #1 pick, I thought I should give you an honorable mention: “Bravdo” from Pride and Prejudice: The Musical. In this version of the beloved Jane Austen tale we get to see more to the inter-workings of Darcy’s thoughts. The clip that I am posting is right after Elizabeth confronts Mr. Darcy on his failings. Enjoy.
Alright. Drum roll please…
“Goodnight My Someone” from The Music Man
This is my favorite because it is from my favorite Broadway Musical. The Music Man holds a special place in my heart because it is the only musical I have been apart of on multiple occasions.
Marian is trying to comfort young Amaryllis when she believes that if Winthrop won’t love her, no one will. She encourages Amaryllis to use “Goodnight My Someone” until the right someone comes along.
The song is used in multiple ways throughout the movie.
One of the best ways it is used, is toward the end of the movie. Since it is her main theme the playwright mixed it with Harold Hill’s main theme as they were realizing that they are perfect for each other… and for the first time Harold is caught in his own trap.
I hope you enjoyed this music and the reasonings. I would love to know what you would put on your list and why, so please comment.
I love Broadway and the different types of love that are on display is incredible.
Until Next Time,
Peace Out, Lovers!
