"Team Starkid," or "Starkid Productions," has become an online sensation over the past few years. The group was founded by Brian Holden, Nick Lang, Matt Lang, and "Glee's" Darren Criss. Originating at the University of Michigan, this theater group has taken the internet world by storm with musical parodies such as "A Very Potter Musical," "Starship," "Holy Musical B@tman," "Twisted," and several more. They have garnered a large fan base for their quirky and unique group. Here are some of the greatest songs that "Starkid" has created for their wide audience!
1. "Harry Freakin' Potter"
Sung by Criss (Harry Potter), Joey Richter (Ron Weasley), and various other cast members, "Harry Freakin' Potter" is the very framework of "Starkid." Goofy, well written, and based of The Harry Potter franchise, the song is a must-listen. It is featured in "A Very Potter Sequel," the second installment of "Starkid's" "Very Potter" series.
2. "Kick It Up a Notch"
This song is, debatably, one of the best "Starkid" songs that has been created. Lyrically well done, and backed by strong vocals, you can't go wrong with this track. "Kick It Up a Notch" is first sung by Richter and Dylan Saunders in "Starship" and is then reprised by Brian Holden (think "The Little Mermaid" meets outer space).
3. "I Wanna Be"
"I Wanna Be" is sung by Richter (as Bug) in "Starship." The point of this song is to introduce the main struggle of the protagonist, Bug. However, it also introduces the idea of being able to live up to one's potential and to fulfill one's dreams. "Starkid" uses the "Starship" story line, and particularly this song, to drive that idea home with their audience.
4. "Status Quo"
"Status Quo" is my personal favorite. It also happens to be from "Starship." In the original performance of the musical, "Status Quo" is sung by Richter. However, on "Starkid's" Space Tour the song was rearranged in order to round out the overall sound. On tour Richter was joined by Joe Walker, Saunders, and Holden, all of whom bring the song to its full potential. Dynamic and message driven, this track encourages the "Starkid" audience to break out of the box that society puts us in and to ignore what others may think of us.
5. "Guys Like Potter"
"Guys Like Potter" can be found in "A Very Potter Sequel," sung by Severus Snape (Joe Moses) on his perspective about losing Lily Evans to James Potter. Joined by Tyler Brunsman as Lucius Malfoy, Moses adds a heart-wrenching quality to this otherwise stupidly-funny song. Equal parts heartbreak and humor, this song stirs the need for revenge in the musical while also drawing their audience in for more laughs.
6. "The Way I Do"
"The Way I Do" is the final song on our list from "Starship." Sung by Meredith Stepien (Mega Girl), Saunders (Tootsie Noodles), Richter (Bug), and Denise Donovan (February)--"The Way I Do" outlines two odd romances that seem unlikely to last, yet the participants hold on. Stepien and Saunders's vocals are the main draw to this track.
7. "Take off Your Clothes"
"Starkid" recently got creative with the tale of "Aladdin," by creating "Twisted: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier," which has a "Wicked" vibe. Told from Jafar's (Saunders) perspective, "Twisted" is one of "Starkid's" best works. In "Take off Your Clothes," we watch as Aladdin (Jeff Blim) attempts to romance and seduce Princess Jasmine (Rachael Soglin) through an odd assortment of psychological signs. The strong vocals and Jasmine's obliviousness make this song both hilarious and catchy!
8. "Not Alone"
"Not Alone" is from "Starkid's" first musical parody, "A Very Potter Musical." Sung by Criss (Harry Potter), Jaime Lyn Beatty (Ginny Weasley), Richter (Ron Weasley), and Bonnie Gruesen (Hermione Granger), it is one song that you can't miss out on. Despite the on-stage antics, "Not Alone" sends a deeper message of friendship and trust. Criss even added it to his EP!
9. "Super Friends"
"Super Friends" has to be the catchiest song on this list. From "Holy Musical B@tman," this tune will have you humming it all day. Sung by Walker (Batman), Saunders (Green Lantern), Holden (Superman), Nick Lang (Robin), and various other cast members, "Super Friends" uses vocal layering and humorous lyrics to tell a tale of legendary friendship!
10. "Going Back To Hogwarts"
"Going Back To Hogwarts" is the perfect way to end this list. As the opening of "A Very Potter Musical," this is the song that started it all. We see it come up through the rest of the "Very Potter" series several times. Criss even claimed that he sees it as the song that was the true beginning when he performed with "Starkid" at Elsie Fest!
If this list didn't make you want to check out "Starkid," then I don't know what will! Let your inner musical theater fan out and dive head-first into their collection of parodies!
