Music Break: MUSICALS!!!

Yes I needed three exclamation points. Don’t judge me.

I’m kind of obsessed with musicals. It started as a kid. My mom used to love watching musicals with us, especially Kiss Me Kate and Calamity Jane (because of this, my sister and I each have a deep and enduring obsession with the wonderful and sexay Howard Keel.) As I’ve grown, the obsession has continued…grown. Right now I possess 1.4 days worth of music from Musicals on my iPod. That’s DAYS, btw. DAYS, not hours.

As such, I thought it was high time I did one of these posts on my favorites musicals.

This is one of my very favorite numbers ever, and not just for the sexy Kevin Kline doing his high-kicks. I love the sense of fun in this movie. And singing pirates? Does it get better than that? I think not.

(Sorry I couldn’t find a better quality video. This version is out on DVD now. I highly recommend it if you enjoy musicals. Or Kevin Kline. Or both…)

“With Cat-Like Tread”–The Pirates of Penzance

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1r_KUjRRxM&w=420&h=315]

I’m kind of a big Sondheim fan, but my first Sondheim was Into the Woods and it’s still my favorite. He’s such an emotional writer. His shows always pack a wallop, and no where is that more evident in this moving yet uplifting number from Into the Woods.

“No One is Alone”–Into the Woods

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xaxP_kErTU&w=560&h=315]

Now, I wouldn’t be a musical fanatic if I didn’t have some Fosse in here. The man was brilliant and so detailed oriented it blows your mind. I can never get enough of watching his work.

“On the Right Track”–Pippin

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6hmGLBnQ18&w=420&h=315]

In middle school I went to see Ragtime at the Pantages. Oh My God that musical just took my breath away. I still listen to the soundtrack all the time. And this is one of my favorite songs on the very emotional, intense and even humorous score.

“Back to Before”–Ragtime

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaL11b-Lcso&w=560&h=315]

And, now, to wrap up, just in case you thought I was lying about Howard Keel, listen to this:

“Higher than a Hawk”–Calamity Jane

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km6vrcT4UOY&w=420&h=315]

Wow, the man had pipes.

Hope you enjoyed these. Do you like musicals? What’s your favorite? 🙂