With the 2020-2021 Broadway Philadelphia season just announced, we’ve compiled a list of the most magical and show-stopping numbers from all of these fantastic shows to get you ready for another phenomenal year of performances. In uncertain times, the power of theater gives us a way to escape, and these songs do just that. Click each photo to hear the song!
1. “You’re Beautiful” – Pretty Woman
Based on one of the most iconic scenes from the beloved Pretty Woman film, this song is an empowering, fun bop featuring almost the entire cast that concludes the first act with style and grace. Click the photo to see the original Broadway cast perform the hit on The View.
Pretty Woman: October 27—October 3, 2020 at the Academy of Music
2. “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” – My Fair Lady
A classic song from a classic musical, you’ll be whistling this tune for days. Eliza and her friends sing and dream about living a grand comfortable life, with enormous chairs and endless chocolate! Click the photo to see Laura Benanti and the cast of the Tony-nominated revival perform on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
My Fair Lady: November 17-29, 2020 at the Academy of Music
3. “Lees of Old Virginia” – 1776
A wonderfully fun song near the start of the musical, this number brings together founding fathers Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Richard Henry Lee, as Lee makes his case to be the ‘best man’ to write the resolution on independence. Fun and lively, this tune is a fun way to learn about the history of our nation. Click the photo to see some of Broadway’s favorite leading ladies (including Hello, Dolly!’s Carolee Carmello, Oklahoma!’s Mary Testa, and Head Over Heels’ Bonnie Milligan) in an all-female version of the song.
1776: December 8-20, 2020 at the Forrest Theatre
4. “You Can’t Stop the Beat” – Hairspray
The crowd-pleasing, rousing finale of the iconic musical, this energetic number will get you dancing and singing along. An ode to change and progression, this energetic song is a reminder to always keep moving forward. Click the photo to see the original Broadway cast of 2002 perform on The Today Show.
Hairspray: December 29, 2020—January 3, 20201 at the Merriam Theater
5. “Song for the Lonely” – The Cher Show
One of Cher’s iconic songs, this is a powerful end to Act I. Featuring the incredible voices of the three Cher’s, this emotional song is heartfelt, touching, and an empowering reminder of the importance of independence. Click the photo to see the original Broadway cast (including Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block) perform the hit on The Today Show.
The Cher Show: January 5-17, 2021 at the Academy of Music
6. “PVC III” – Blue Man Group
One of Blue Man Group’s most popular song, this is a colorful, upbeat tune. You do not want to miss their experimental performance live on stage!
The Blue Man Group: January26-31, 2021 at the Merriam Theater
7. “Beautiful” – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
The show’s namesake, this song is touching and empowering with stunning lyrics, going down as one of the greatest songs ever written by Carole King. A reminder to take every day by storm, live with a positive attitude, and that you are as beautiful as you feel. Click the photo to see Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller of the original Broadway cast perform the hit on The Today Show in 2015.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical: February 2-14, 2021 at the Academy of Music
8. “My Girl” – Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
The Temptations’ signature song, this classic Motown hit will get you dancing and humming along. You’ll find yourself swept off your feet right back to the 1960s. Click the photo to see the incredibly talented original Broadway cast perform the swooning number on The Today Show.
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations: March 16-April 4, 2021 at the Academy of Music
9. “Journey to the Past” – Anastasia
A powerful ballad, this is a song about finding yourself and remembering who you are. A strong end to Act I, the stunning vocals will give you chills as you continue on with Anya’s journey! Click the photo to hear Christ Altomare of the original Broadway cast sing the song on The Today Show and get a glimpse of one of show’s incredible projection designs!
Anastasia:March 16-21, 2021 at the Merriam Theater
10. “Seasons of Love” – RENT
One of the most well-known, moving songs in all of musical theater, this is a song about love and appreciating the little things in life. From daylights, to sunsets, to midnights and cups of coffee, this tune is a reminder that life is not about the number of years you live, but how much love you give and share. Click the photo to see the 2008 Broadway cast perform the moving Act 2 opener.
RENT: April 9-11, 2021 at the Merriam Theater
11. “I Cain’t Say No/Oklahoma” – Oklahoma!
Every song in this musical is a classic, but this upbeat, beloved Broadway tune is the exciting finale number of the riveting revival of Oklahoma. It will have you stomping your feet, singing along with pride, and before you know it, you’ll be craving cornbread! Click the photo to see the Tony Award winning revival cast perform a mash-up of “I Cain’t Say No” and the title number “Oklahoma!” at the 2019 Tony Awards.
Oklahoma!: May 4-16, 2021 at the Forrest Theatre
12. “Circle of Life” – The Lion King
One of the most well-known and iconic songs of all time, this number welcomes you to Africa. Full of powerful imagery and stunning lyrics, this song is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of life and nature. It is a must for any lover of theater! Click to see the immersive opening number performed at the 2015 Helpmann Awards.
The Lion King: May 26-June 20, 2021 at the Academy of Music
13. “Written in the Stars” – Aida
An emotional and moving duet, this number tells the story of two star-crossed lovers who must let each other go. With intense vocals and orchestrations, this is a true show-stopper. Click to see the Broadway cast of 2004 perform the well-known ballad.
Aida: July 14-18, 2021 at the Academy of Music
14. “Way Down Hadestown” – Hadestown
A jazzy, New Orleans-inspired, folk number, this song is one of Hadestown’s best. With inventive orchestrations and gorgeous vocals, you won’t be able to get it out of your head, and you’ll find yourself transported to the underground with these legends of Greek mythology. Click the photo to see the entire original Broadway cast perform the hit number in a preview concert.
Hadestown: July 27-August 8, 2021 at the Academy of Music
And enjoy all these songs in a playlist made just for you on our Spotify (and maybe discover some more while you are there ) > https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1wJwZ4xwnMmZfA4nFDFC5u