I love showtunes, in fact it's pretty much the only kind of music I listen to. This has created a problem in my young life. All too often when meeting a peer and we engage in the traditional small talk ("How old are you?" "What school do you go to?") It is never long before I am inevitably asked what kind of music I listen to. I say showtunes.....I get blank stares.

To be fair, most people my age don't even really know what I mean by "showtunes", odds are they know nobody their age who actively listens to them. Even those who can identify showtunes as songs performed in stage plays can only conjure up an image of a straight laced hunk belting "Oh what a beautiful morning"...Fine song it may be...It isn't an accurate example of my taste in music...

Showtunes thrill me, they stick in my head, they teach me, they make me cry...The genre itself can vary within itself as much as country/western varies from rock music or even hip hop. The one thing that really distinguishes "my" music is that it tells a story. Beautiful stories, tragic stories, inspiring stories...and mostly love stories. There are characters, real people with real feelings that need to be told. The notes can be beautiful...But in the end they are there for the story.

I find a sense of awe in the art of good storytelling, be it a great book or a great serial drama...And most indications are that storytelling was the first of the human arts. So when it comes to music, listening to different bands has never done it for me. The songs are too simple, too self contained, they lack context. So this is it, this is my passion...I decided to make a personal list of my 100 favorite showtunes. I did not expect this mini project to suck me in so much...But I now lay it before you.

Truth be told, I didn't think picking 100 songs would be that hard....I thought the painstaking part would be putting them in their proper order. My first task was to select my musicals...I went through several lists and picked about 85 shows. When it came time to nominate a few of my very favorite songs from these shows my initial attempt gave me about 350 songs. Needless to say that had to be trimmed.

By the time I got down to about 175 songs it was painful to cut them. At first I wanted to be as representational as possible. Soon I found that this was not possible while being true to myself...So let it be known now...Nobody can claim to create an objective list of the best showtunes. This is my personal list. I know there are songs you think are too high on the list, too low on the list, and a million songs that didn't make the list entirely. I know I will be crucified for listing no songs from "Phantom of the Opera" but listed three from "Jekyll and Hyde". I would love to please everyone, but in my opinion not all shows are created equal.

This brings us to a few important points about my list...Some things I have discovered about myself in this process...

A) According to my list, I tend to much prefer modern Broadway to classic Broadway. Don't get me wrong, Many of my favorite shows were made before the 60's...I think "My Fair Lady"(1956) is still one of the best written shows ever. In the end however it must be said, musicals (unlike most of the arts) are getting finer with age.

The older shows are very much products of their time, many many of them are classic certainly, and great in their own right...But vocally they were much more limiting. Men typically were baratone and the women were soprano...The characters were somewhat shallow and caricatures and stereotypes. The songs themselves weren't used as much to progress the story. There were certainly shows here and there however that were way ahead of their time (Anything Goes).

This is not to say that modern musicals don't suffer from these very same problems, in fact new shows often have problems all their own...Such as budget and production value becoming more important than the content of the show itself. However the great shows of today are more daring, vocally varied, and thought provoking than their grandfather shows.If you grew up on the classics I do apologize.

B) I tend to prefer the really dramatic/overly cheesy/ extremely depressing stuff over the happy/light and fluffy stuff. As much as I would love to include such classics as "Put on a happy face" (Bye Bye Birdie, 1960), I just couldn't find a place. Looking at my list, the further down I get the more we hit the melodrama. Just so you know why your favorite slapstick silly song wasn't included.

C ) Believe it or not I have NOT seen every musical. I have especially not been up on the past couple of years. This list will undoubtedly change as I am exposed to more and more great theatre. This list represents my 100 favorite songs as of right now

So if you are interested in my opinions then please read on and enjoy. Feedback is awesome. If you think it is an absolute crime that I left out "Day by Day" or "Music of the Night" then let me know. Every one of these songs speak to my heart, and I love them...every one.

100: They Live In You- The Lion King- 1997
Before I discovered the world of musical theatre I certainly did grow up on the Disney musical animated features. Lion King made perfect sense for the full stage treatment, in addition to all the great songs from the movie we get all these fantastic new songs. "They Live in You" hits all the right chords as an inspirational ballad. It creates the sense of atmosphere the show tries to achieve. I love the philosophical implications. You can take the meaning as literaly or as figuratively as you chose, and you can never have too many African tribal chants

So we have several rhythmic monologues with catch punch lines like "into his head!". We have a powerful chorus tying the monologues together, and the potential for some of the greatest/most creative dancing ever seen on stage. Considering so much of the song is talking, there is a surprising amount of re-listenability here. The movie nailed it by the way....

98: Ya Got Trouble- The Music Man- 1957
One of the beautiful things about musical theatre is that you don't just sing the songs, you act them. "Ya Got Trouble" is one of those "talky" songs. There aren't many notes, but there are clever lyrics delivered at a break neck rhythmic pace. It is funny, it establishes the character...And it's HARD to perform. This songs drips charisma and I love it
 

97: Memory- Cats- 1981
Cats fans may hate me because this song is extremely overdone. Most fans of the show can name about twenty songs they prefer to this one, but I am not particularly a cats fan. The fact is there is a reason this song has stuck in our heads and even crossed the barrier from musical theatre to pop culture...It is haunting and extremely singable. You may not particularly know the character struggles in this show, but even out of context you can hear the pain in the notes...You can imagine the struggle.

96: Three Bedroom House- Bat Boy- 1997
If you don't know about this campy/dark/brilliant little musical, you probably will soon, a big screen movie is coming out in 2007. "Three Bedroom House" is a delightful little diddy about a mother and daughter's plans to run away and disappear from the father who has gone insane. It's upbeat and funny lyrics are accentuated by two amazing female voices on the off Broadway soundtrack. Kerry Butler's unique voice shines through until we take a dramatic turn and Shelley reveals that she is in love with "Edgar" the bat boy! As her mother is appalled at this abomination Shelley runs off in a rage and we get a soft little reprise....And we end on a high note so to speak.

95: Last Night Of The World- Miss Saigon- 1989
There is a lesson you will learn from this list. As they say in AIDA, "Every story is a love story". Almost every story has an element of romance, love is the most powerful of the human emotions so it flows to reason that most of the best songs are love songs. This duet succeeds in both being light and powerful at the same time. Most love duets have a very epic and sweeping sound to them and lots of belted high notes. "Last Night Of The World" on the other hand manages to feel very simple and elegant. Most importantly you believe it.

94: Thoroughly Modern Millie- Thoroughly Modern Millie- 1967/2002
Millie is a charming musical mostly due to it's setting in the roaring 20's. The music itself is nice enough but really can't stand up that well on it's own, the opening number on the other hand is incredibly catchy, all the while it really draws you in to it's world. A musical about the changing role of women in society at such a dynamic time is very interesting, but it is this tone setter that is really something to write home about.

93: All Er Nuthin- Oklahoma- 1943
As much as "Oklahoma" may make me groan, "All Er Nuthin" is focused on the most interesting aspect of this dinosaur of a show...The relationship of Will Parker and Ado Annie. While Laurie and Curly may only elicit yawns, this song is quirky and funny..Not to mention a blast to sing.

92: Offier Krupke- West Side Story- 1957
If you want the perfect example of musical comedy look no further than this gem. Not only is it hilarious, but it pokes fun at the downfalls of the legal system and the social work program. Cause no one wants a fella with a social disease.

91: Wouldn't It Be Loverly- My Fair Lady- 1956
I am in love with this show, and this catchy song is extremely endearing to our protagonist. I don't know why I end up humming this one to myself so much...

90: A Home For You- Bat Boy 1997
An under appreciated song from an under appreciated show.This calming and beautiful lullaby emphasizes the themes of the show. In a world where it is easy to judge and blame all anyone really wants to unconditional acceptance.
"We're not here to harm you, or make you feel ashamed. You can make mistakes here and you won't be blamed"
Heavy stuff for such a campy little show.

89: I've Never Been In Love Before- Guys and Dolls- 1950

A great love song for a great show. It feels classy...It feels classic...And I sing it in the shower.

A charming and upstanding young lad of sixteen summers takes a hit of a dreaded reefer stick and is instantly transported to a physchedelic world of sex and pagan worship. The description itself is enough to sell the song. If you are watching the movie version then you are treated to some phenomonal vocals by Mrs Amy Spanger to boot.

"A Hym To Him" is probably the funniest song I know. I am in love with almost every line Higgens says in this show, as he ponders the shortcomings of the female gender I laugh because I am inclined to agree. As with most of the Higgens's songs this one is "talky" and that suits me just fine.

The show has shortcomings yes, but I'll be darned if "Footloose" wasn't a pretty sweet rock song to begin with...And making it a showtune can only improve it as far as I am concerned. The title song transitions into a pretty nice church segment that sets up the characters. It may not be a very popular choice but I have always really enojyed this number as an opening.

I can't believe we are on the third "Bat Boy" song already in the first 15 songs on the list...In cast you can't tell I really like this strange little show. This song is just a nice little "Please Accept Me!" song. Our own Bat Boy tries to convince a small biased town to let him "walk among them". It takes someone outside of "humanity" to show us all the things we take for granted...all the mundane things in our litle human lives....And just when you are about to take a serious lesson out of it all you realize that a bat/human hybrid is singing...

84: Stars and the Moon- Songs For a New World- 1995
"Songs For A New World" Is Jason Robert Brown's first produced show. Hopefully I don't need to tell you that Jason Robert Brown is amazing. There may not be a great story here, but there is a collection of amazing self contained songs that really show off the budding talents of a man before he went on to write some of the most poignant and touching shows the stage has ever seen. As for why I picked "Stars an the Moon"...Just listen to it.

83: Any Dream Will Do- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat- 1972
"Any Dream Will Do" is the perfect entrance for the hunky lead, whoever he may be. You will find yourself humming for weeks, then you will realize that the lyrics make no sense...But it won't matter. The song is pretty mellow, the notes aren't all over the place...But the melody is strong and memorable...

82: It Sucks To Be Me- Avenue Q- 2003

Why "It Sucks To Be Me"? Odds are from the first time you hear it you will never forget it...Sure it's funny and all, but what really makes it special is that right from the gate you know this isn't going to be your average show. This show has edge, it has spunk, it has puppets inexplicitly interacting with humans....They are crass and somewhat rude, you wonder what kind of world these characters occupy. Then Gary Coleman comes out and it all gets crazy from there.

81: Jellicle Songs For Jellicle Cats- Cats- 1981

I may not like CATS very much as a whole, but what an entrance! Just about everything clever I find in this show I get from the opening number. The lyrics are fantastic and funny, you get the mission statement of the show loud and clear, and man is it catchy...like...too catchy...catchy enough for me to get mad at myself for randomly singing CATS. We end off with a nice poetical "speaking in rhythm" segment that is incredibly thought provoking and pseudo philosophical about the meaning of our names. You pretty much can't beat this...Not since "Oklahoma" have I loved a song so much from a show that I don't even like.

80: For Now- Avenue Q- 2003

Life Goes on, don't kill yourself over problems that won't even be there tommorow...Listen to this philosophy in showtune form...With puppets!

79: Circle of Life- The Lion King 1997

It was cheesy in the movie, and it's cheesy now. No matter, There is a great cultural feel about this song, and opportunities for some pretty amazing vocals.

78: Hair- Hair- 1967

What a wonderfully upbeat hippie song! Most of the score from "Hair" could pretty easily cross over into mainstream music because of it's universal appeal. All this talk about the virtues of long hair make me want to grow a mane...

77: You Can't Stop The Beat- Hairspray- 2002

This song is a toe tappin finale and a big liberal love fest. The message is clear, don't judge others, everyone get along, come dance with us!

76: Once Upon The Natchez Trace- The Robber Bridegroom- 1977

A far as musical comedies go, this often overlooked/unheard of show is top of the line. This very bluegrass opening number introduces us to our quirky cast of main characters through their future descendents (played by the same actors who play the characters themselves). We are brought into the show as if it is being told as a long passed down piece of folklore...This song creatively puts all the characters and setting in place for a hilarious show.

75: Guys and Dolls- Guys and Dolls- 1955

"Guys and Dolls" is catchy, funny, and speaks a social truth that transcends the period setting.

74: Do You Hear the People Sing- Les Miserables- 1980

Here we have a heck of a protest song from a very overrated (although great) musical.

73: My Strongest Suit- Aida- 1998

I love songs that A) "Steal" the show B) Make you forget the context of the show and C) Have false endings. So it only makes sense that this rock out intentionally shallow song pushes my buttons, Sherie Rene Scott on the original cast album certainly doesn't hurt it's case.

72: Momma Look Sharp- 1776- 1969
1776 is a fantastic show all around, but this incredibly haunting song seems to come out of nowhere. We feel so far removed from the revolutionary war that we often forget the real human tragedy of it all, "Momma Look Sharp" will remind you. Pretty tear inducing stuff.

71: Step Too Far- Aida- 1998
Can't I just have a song on here because it is catchy and really fun to sing?

70: Listen To Jesus Jimmy- Reefer Madness- 2001
Maybe just because it offends Christian sensibilities. But probably because it is funny. Shocking is just a bonus.

69: But Mr Adams- 1776- 1969
A select group of our favorite founding fathers are selected to draft the Declaration of Independence, they promptly begin arguing over who is to write it to hilarious results. I dare you not to laugh when Benjamin Franklin says "Hell No"

68: Dancing Through Life- Wicked- 2003
A perfect example of story driven music. The tunes change, cross in and out of each other, and culminate in a grand ending performed by the entire cast. All the while the story propels forward and we get great character moments. It really has to be heard to be understood.

67: Louder Than Words- Tick Tick Boom- 2001

Tick Tick Boom is sort of an anomaly. Jonathan Larson wrote this show long before the world ever knew his name, and after his death and the subsequent success of RENT Larson's quirky early work gets a proper production. Larson's style was still developing here...Heck...it was still developing when he died...He had a lot more to give us. You may love his stuff or hate it, I happen to be in the former category and I find this one in particular very uplifting.

66: Go, Go, Go Joseph- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat- 1972

The word "upbeat" doesn't even describe it, this is an excuse to bring out the most crazy and psychedelic costumes and set pieces you can imagine. Aesthetically speaking this show is all about color, and this is the song that really shows it. And you can dance crazy!

65: As Long as You're Mine- Wicked- 2003

There aren't enough haunting love ballads in the world.

64: The Shmuel Song- The Last Five Years- 2002

"The Last Five Years" is one of the most brilliant things ever conceived...ever. I won't give you the whole rundown, but I will say that this is a character developing piece disguised as a story. We get to see what really inspires Jamie, success. Jamie thinks that by offering "success" to the one he loves, he is giving the best gift he can give. This is one of the reasons he ultimately fails on the one thing he claims is most imporant...Kathy. We begin to see all the subtleties of the problems in the relationship, the cracks are showing....

63: On My Own- Les Miserables- 1980

 Because I said so.

62: Take Me As I Am- Jekyll And Hyde- 1997

Love Song. Big Voices. Soaring Heights. Epic. I'm a sucker.

61: I'm Free/Heaven Help Me- Footloose- 1998

In addition to epic love songs I am also a sucker for rebellion songs. This song is rock all the way, it the message is simple, "Stick it to the man!".

60: Pity The Child- Chess- 1986

Chess has one of the best scores of all time.This tortured character piece really stings, few songs can rival the emotion and intensity found here.