This month, Broadway will have officially been been closed for a year. Still, even with theaters around the world closed, the creative spirit of Broadway is still very much alive.
From Zoom concerts, to podcasts, to artist-owned small businesses, you can’t stop the creative pulse behind the arts industry. At it’s very core, Broadway is what we love because of these artists dedicating themselves to their craft, whether it’s on stage, or now in their living room.
For this month’s playlist, I wanted to create a list of energized ensemble numbers—a list of musical numbers that really capture the essence of theatre to me. Unlike last month’s playlist, I didn’t set any parameters for creating this list, just what feels good and makes me feel awake and alive.
When creating these playlists, I try to use the original cast recordings over movie musical recordings as much as possible. Many of these songs this month have been done by multiple casts or in movie adaptations. If you prefer those versions feel free to create your own list with those songs!
Introducing, You Can’t Stop the Beat:
1. What You Want (Legally Blonde)
2. You’re the One That I Want (Grease)
3. One Short Day (Wicked)
4. Dancing Queen (Mamma Mia!)
5. Six (Six)
6. Shut Up and Raise Your Glass (Moulin Rouge!)
7. (Paris Holds the Key (To Your Heart) (Anastasia)
8. It’s Time to Dance (The Prom)
9. Live in Living Color (Catch Me If You Can)
10. Holding Out For a Hero (Footloose)
11. Larger Than Life (& Juliet)
12 Shine Like the Sun (9 to 5)
13. Raise You Up/ Just Be (Kinky Boots)
14. You Can’t Stop the Beat (Hairspray)
Can we talk about the OBC version of You Can’t Stop the Beat, though? What is up with that bit at the end?
Until next month, keep dancing to the beat!
The Broadway Edit 