Top 10 Most Over the Top Songs in Musicals

Top 10 Over-the-Top Songs in Musicals

Welcome to MsMojo and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Over-the-Top Songs in Musicals.

For this list, we’ll be looking at those rousing numbers in musicals that aren't afraid to keep adding more and more until the audience is on their feet. We’re excluding movie musicals that don’t have a stage counterpart.

Did we miss your favorite jam-packed musical number? Let us know in the comments.

#10: “All That Jazz”
“Chicago”

The stage production of this Jazz Age musical isn’t known for extravagant lights, costumes, or sets. Instead, the actors’ bodies tell the story and express the emotion. This number is over-the-top with sexy, gyrating bodies and sultry choreography that fully embodies the jazz mentality. The film version throws in extra spectacle for many of the numbers like “Hot Honey Rag.” With its wall of lights and fake tommy gun choreography, it’s a little more extra than the original stage show. However, the opening number with Catherine Zeta-Jones belting out the sultry tune on a vaudeville stage sticks close to the original Fosse idea. Zeta-Jones and her dancers are all the spectacle this number needs.

#9: “A Musical”
“Something Rotten!”

In this fun-filled number, a struggling Renaissance playwright is looking for a hit that can compete with William Shakespeare’s theatrical domination. He gets a peek at the money maker of the future, and it’s a musical. The song references many popular musicals by including sailors, women with feathered fans, tap dancers, and bits of melody and choreography from shows like “Annie.” If you’re going to describe a musical to someone who’s never seen one, you have to include every single trope in existence. This song takes on that challenge, and they even remembered the ever-important kick line.

#8: “Tonight Quintet”
“West Side Story”

Although we love the energy in “America,” it’s hard to deny the overflowing intensity of the “Tonight Quintet.” This number is five songs in one, and each tells the story with a different emotion. Every section is full of anticipation for the climactic moment ahead. Anita is anticipating a night of passion. Tony and Maria are ready for new love. The Jets and the Sharks are fueling their anger and ready to fight. Each section is beautifully performed on its own, but when they come together it’s a dizzying display of talent. Whether you’re watching it in one of the two amazing films, or live on stage, this is an unforgettable moment. There always seems to be one more thing to take your breath away.

#7: “Turn It Off”
“The Book of Mormon”

This irreverent musical follows two LDS missionaries as they preach to a village in Uganda. They run into many trials and tribulations as they struggle to convert villagers who are surprisingly distracted by disease, starvation, and oppression. When they’re feeling down, a more experienced missionary sings this song to help them learn to repress those negative emotions. The number could have been a sad ballad, but instead, it’s a jaunty tap-dancing extravaganza. If the chorus of quick-footed missionaries wasn’t enough, the number also includes a fabulous quick change. Who knew that recognizable white shirt and black tie could look so stunning with a sparkly vest?

#6: “Defying Gravity”
“Wicked”

This phenomenal Act 1 finale is sparked by Elphaba’s revelation that the wizard isn’t the hero she thought him to be. Vowing to overthrow him, the green-skinned heroine shakes off any limits previously put on her. She defies gravity in theme and in actuality. Flying above the stage while belting out one of the most difficult solos in musical theatre could be considered plenty astounding. However, the song leans hard into the spectacle and adds smoke, rotating lights, and wind. As the long sweeping curtains of black cloth billow below her, an entire mob of singing Ozians brandish weapons beneath the magnificent witch.

#5: “Elephant Love Medley”
“Moulin Rouge!”

In the film, Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor sing a medley of love songs in a dizzyingly saturated riot of color. They step in and out of Satine’s extravagant elephant bedroom as they pack in as many silly love songs as possible. The dream of their romance is fueled by glittering sparkles, and this movie magic translates to Broadway as well. The actors move from inside Satine’s room to a star-filled stage. After a quick change into glamorous new costumes, they hang from the side of a rotating Eiffel Tower. As the lovers sing their hearts out, dancers fill the stage with lifts and spins. If that’s not enough, acrobats twirl while suspended in the air for the final glorious notes.

#4: “Friend Like Me”
“Aladdin”

If a genie is trying to impress someone with all of the things he can do and create, you’re going to have a song that pulls out all the stops. It began with Robin Williams’ fast-paced, frenetic song in the animated film. This was later translated to the stage with clever costumes, choreography, and high production value. When Will Smith took on the genie, the new film continued the over-the-top details with a hip-hop twist. Every version of this song, whether on film or on stage, is full of so many extra dancers, fireworks, and magical effects that it's ridiculously perfect.

#3: “Satisfied”
“Hamilton”

A wedding in a musical is generally a guarantee of a big fabulous number. Although there aren’t any major costume or set changes in this song, the entire chorus is on stage providing their gorgeous voices to the wedding toast. The harmony is complicated and layered which makes it seem more extravagant than it might appear visually. However, that’s not what makes this number over-the-top. Just when the toast seems about to conclude, the song rewinds. The cast moves in reverse and recreates the moment when Angelica first meets Alexander. The choreography perfectly mimics what was seen earlier in the show and the rest of the song is cinematic and stunning.

#2: “You Can't Stop the Beat”
“Hairspray”

This entire musical is full of bright colors, flashy numbers and high energy choreography. So, if you expect it to go even farther for the big finish, then you won’t be disappointed. In the film version, Tracy is lowered to the stage on a sparkly rocket, and that just gets things started. As the song continues, each member of the cast takes a turn in the spotlight in their most glamorous outfits. The characters are breaking out of the limits put on them and becoming the best version of themselves in magnificent sequins and snappy moves.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Wait for Me,” “Hadestown”
A Production Number Worthy of an Epic Greek Myth

“Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “Guys and Dolls”
How Can We Sit with So Much Going On?

“Anything Goes,” “Anything Goes”
Fast-Paced Lyrics & Tap Dancing Sailors Keep This Song Afloat

“Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia!”
Meryl Streep Is the Pied Piper of Lady Dancers

“I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” “An American in Paris”
A Classic Showstopper with Top Hats & Tails

#1: “Circle of Life”
“The Lion King”

From the first notes, this song gave us chills in the animated feature. Having the entire animal kingdom present for the ceremony makes this a pretty epic number. It’s recreated for the computer-generated version of the film as well. However, it’s the stage production that truly pushes this number right over the top. As the audience listens to the opening solos, the animals arrive through the aisles and onto the stage. Actors fitted with ingenious masks and puppetry to represent each animal simply stun. Giant elephants, graceful antelope, flocks of birds, and more are brought to life with some of the most creative artistry seen on stage to date.