Back in the day, Broadway songs often became million-selling hits that wormed their way into America’s subconsciousness (remember “Tonight,” from “West Side Story”?) Now this happens only with songs from animated movies — hello, “Let It Go”!
Still, that doesn’t mean catchy, hummable show tunes have disappeared.
As we gear up for Sunday’s Tony Awards show, here’s a playlist pulled from this season’s crop, both on Broadway and off.
“Aladdin”
What was that thing about animated movies? “Aladdin” is the stage version of the blockbuster flick, which means the movie’s hits are now the show’s — namely “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World.” A no-brainer. (Cast album out June 17 on Disney.)
“Beautiful — The Carole King Musical”
Considering “Beautiful” is a Carole King jukebox, it’s hard to find a song in this show that isn’t catchy. But Tony nominee Jessie Mueller sounds particularly triumphant on the amazeballs feel-good title track. Close behind is the jaunty, carefree “It Might as Well Rain Until September.” (Out now on Ghostlight Records.)
“The Bridges of Madison County”
You want something that sounds like vintage Rodgers and Hammerstein? Composer Jason Robert Brown delivers. Kelli O’Hara’s “What Do You Call a Man Like That?” is stunningly beautiful, boasting a neo-romantic piano line. But it’s O’Hara and Steven Pasquale’s duet “One Second and a Million Miles” that may become a flagship for the lovelorn. (Out now on Ghostlight Records.)
“Bullets Over Broadway”
Woody Allen’s adaptation of his movie relies on semi-obscure nuggets, half of which are ridiculously infectious, like “I’m Sitting on Top of the World,” led by former “Scrubs” star Zach Braff, or Nick Cordero’s “ ’Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness If I Do” — with tap!
(Digital out now, in stores June 10 on Sony Masterworks.)
“Fun Home”
Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron’s off-Broadway hit, “Fun Home,” was a finalist for the Pulitzer, and it certainly seems Broadway-bound. The most winning number is “Come to the Fun Home,” an exuberant Jackson 5 spoof in which three kids do a commercial for the family business — a funeral parlor. (Out now on PS Classics.)
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Brush up your petticoats and crank out the Victrola — there’s a new operetta in town! “Sibella” is the rare straightforward (well, sort of) love ballad in Steven Lutwak’s note-perfect pastiche. (Out now on Ghostlight Records.)
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
The cast album for John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask’s glam-rock musical doesn’t come out until July, but here’s what we’re waiting for: Neil Patrick Harris slaying on “Midnight Radio,” a mid-tempo singalong that sounds like “Ziggy Stardust”-era David Bowie. (Digital out July 1, in stores July 15 on Atlantic.)
“Here Lies Love”
David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s disco musical about Imelda Marcos is back at the Public Theater for an open-ended run. And the cast album is loaded with potential hits, including the infernally catchy title song and “Eleven Days,” Imelda’ slinky paean to Ferdinand Marcos’ courtship. (Out now on Nonesuch.)
“If/Then”
Duh: When Idina Menzel’s in the house, you pick the 11 o’clock anthem, In this case it’s “Always Starting Over,” which La Menzel belts out of the park — possibly even out of Earth’s orbit. (Out now on Sony Masterworks.)
“Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812”
For a sung-through musical inspired by “War and Peace,” Dave Malloy’s left-field off-Broadway hit is startlingly accessible. “Letters” is more infectious than a song about letter-writing in 19th-century Russia has any right to be. The melancholy set will swear by “Sonya Alone,” a heartwrenching ballad about friendship. (Out now on Ghostlight Records.)
“A Night with Janis Joplin”
Among the baker’s dozen of Janis hits performed by Mary Bridget Davies — who nails every scream — the horn-heavy “Try (Just a Little Harder)” will make even the most uncoordinated desk-jockeys boogie in their chairs. (Out now on Broadway Records.)
“Rocky — The Musical”
You could argue that the catchiest songs in this boxing tuner are “Eye of the Tiger” or “Gonna Fly Now” — both from the movies — but wait until wedding planners discover Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s original “Happiness,” a romantic ballad performed by Rocky (Andy Karl) and Adrian (Margo Seibert). (Out now on UMe.)
“Violet”
This 1997 musical just made its Broadway debut, but the Southern-friend, ’60s-flavored score sounds better than ever. Among the ear-grabbers are “All to Pieces” a foot-stompin’, honky-tonkin’ showcase for Sutton Foster — who should record an album of Loretta Lynn covers, stat. Joshua Henry’s soaring “Let it Sing” is a more traditional show tune that could kill at auditions. (Out now on PS Classics.)