The experience of seeing a Broadway musical live is unlike anything in the world. The story, actors, characters, music, lyrics and visual aesthetic can make your emotions run wild. They can resonate with your current life, or make you think of your childhood, or even the path ahead of you. The shows can make grown men weep, empower the next generation and inspire those watching to ultimately be better people.
Personally, Broadway shows inspire me. They give me the courage to defy gravity and make history. They enable me to seize the day and claim my corner of the sky. They allow me the chance to feel electricity while I stand up to the man. I have seen too many shows to count at this point but here is a list of the most inspiring numbers that have seen on Broadway, and some that are still being performed in Times Square night after night.
1. "Seize the Day" - Newsies
Newsies Live- Seize the Dayyoutu.be
Doesn't it just make you want to revolt against something?
2. "Will I?" - Rent
Will I? - RENT (2008 Broadway Cast)youtu.be
Just gives me chills, and makes me want to live for every single day.
3. "The Wizard And I" - Wicked
Who wants to go to Oz and be "de-greenified?"
4. "Light" - Next to Normal
Light (Next to Normal) - ORIGINAL Broadway Castyoutu.be
I remember when show came out on Broadway. There is nothing but inspiration and hope in this show.
5. "One Day More" - Les MisƩrables
Just going to leave this here.
6. "The Story of Tonight" - Hamilton
The story of tonight - Hamilton (Original Cast 2016 - Live) [HD]youtu.be
Just Lin-Manuel Miranda thinking about how history is made.
7. "No One is Alone" - Into the Woods
You are not alone in loving this song.
8. "If Only You Would Listen" - School of Rock
This show was about so much more than rock 'n' roll. It was about children breaking free from the mold their parents put them in.
9. "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going" - Dreamgirls
My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies - And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going (Official)youtu.be
This is the song you sing to impress people. It also got Jennifer Hudson an Oscar.
10. "History Has Its Eyes On You" - Hamilton
History has its eyes on you - Hamilton (Original Cast 2016 - Live) [HD]youtu.be
Miranda reminds us later in the show that sometimes the world is watching and we have to give them the best we can give.
11. "Ring of Keys" - Fun Home
An inspiring piece making audiences aware that sexuality is not a choice but rather something that is always present, even in children.
12. "When Your Feet Don't Touch The Ground" - Finding Neverland
15 When Your Feet Don't Touch The Groundyoutu.be
Ever want to feel like a child again? Run away with J.M. Barrie and be in awe the whole time, especially during this song!
13. "She Used to Be Mine" - Waitress
The emotions in this song will for sure give you the feels.
14. "Corner of the Sky" - Pippin
Pippin corner of the skyyoutu.be
Just a classic that has been done countless times but never gets old.
15. "Electricity" - Billy Elliot
Electricity | Billy Elliot the Musical Live | TUNEyoutu.be
I get chills when I listen to this song.
16. "Falling Slowly" - Once: A New Musical
Falling Slowly - Once The Musical (Phoenix Theatre London)youtu.be
We have heard multiple versions of this song at this point and they are all incredible. I mean, everything is better on Broadway, am I right?
17. "Cross the Line" - Bring It On: The Musical
Yassss to this way too short-lived production. I am so ready to cross the line!
18. "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" - The Sound of Music
'Climb Ev'ry Mountain' | The Sound of Music Live | Celebrating Audra McDonaldās Birthdayyoutu.be
Totally old school but just amazing regardless.
19. "Raise You Up/Just Be" - Kinky Boots
'Raise You Up' and 'Just Be' | Kinky Boots | The Shows Must Go On!youtu.be
This number just can do no wrong. Just a bunch of drag queens and regular folk in high heels singing about being there for each other.
20. "The Circle of Life" - The Lion King
Circle of Life - The Lion King Musicalyoutu.be
Just a classic that makes you want to hold up a baby lion.
21. "Defying Gravity" - Wicked
Lindsay Pearce Defying Gravity (Broadway 2020)youtu.be
I am not sure what to say here...
22. "The Impossible Dream" - Man of La Mancha
The impossible dream - Man of La Mancha - Brian Stokes Mitchell - 2003youtu.be
Another classic song that every thespian has auditioned with before. Just up-lifting.
23. "Im Here" - The Color Purple
A song about loving yourself, something all of us could do a little bit more.
24. "This Is the Moment" - Jekyll & Hyde
Jekyll & Hyde - This is the Momentyoutu.be
This is the song you listen to before you start a new chapter in your life. It is sure to put some pep in your step.
25. "Don't Rain on My Parade" - Funny Girl
LEA MICHELE - Donāt Rain On My Paradeyoutu.be
Take a bite of life with this classic. Also, the "Glee" version is pretty damn good, too.
26. "Move On" - Sunday in the Park with George
Move On - Sunday In the Park With George, by Mandy Patinkin and the incomparable Bernadette Petersyoutu.be
Just a little number about moving on, with Bernadette Peters. She's alright, I guess.
27. "Chip On My Shoulder" - Legally Blonde: The Musical
This song is just perfection. So much fun, and gives some great perspective to just bust your ass.
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