From the Broadway Stage Friday, January 03, 2020
recommended by Jen Sper and Lora Moore, School Choral Music Specialists
Treat your audience to a true NYC theater experience by programming choral selections from the Broadway stage in your next concert. Our School Choral Specialists have recommended the very best the theater district has to offer! Choose memorable songs from “Hamilton,” “Waitress,” “Newsies,” “The Prom,” “Matilda,” and more for SATB, TTBB, SSA and 2-part voicings.
Dear Theodosia (from Hamilton) arr. Andy Beck, SATB with piano & optional strings
This touching folk ballad, sung by Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton to their newborn babies, provides a tender moment in the middle of the smash hit hip-hop musical “Hamilton.” Rhythmic yet lyrical, the melody winds beautifully through the center of the vocal range, the harmonies provide tangible warmth, and the words speak clearly about the dreams parents hold for their children.
Raise You Up/Just Be (from Kinky Boots) arr. Mac Huff, SATB with piano & optional combo
“Kinky Boots” was the winner for Best Musical and Best Original Score at the 2013 Tony Awards. Written by 1980’s pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this show is wrapping up an impressive six-year run on Broadway in April 2019. This show-closing and show-stopping number features the entire company with chances for multiple solos, weaving from funk to pop in breathtaking fashion. Don’t miss your chance to program this dynamite closer!
Zazz (from The Prom) arr. Andy Beck, SATB with piano & optional combo
From the writers of the popular Broadway musical “Elf,” this showbiz showstopper will bring the house down! Flashy lyrics offer several laugh lines such as “if your hands are shaking, just turn ’em into jazz hands,” plus a humorous shout-out to world-famous choreographer Bob Fosse, suggesting he would “make the people have a step-ball-change of heart.” Fun to sing, stage, and perform – with razzle dazzle to spare!
She Used to Be Mine (from Waitress) arr. Mac Huff, SSA with piano & optional rhythm
Here is a beautiful ballad from the Broadway musical “Waitress.” Emotions are high in the show as Jenna struggles with her sense of worth and her changing circumstances. This arrangement captures these emotions and asks your singers to dig deep inside to bring them to the stage.
Welcome to the 60s (from Hairspray) arr. Roger Emerson, 2-part with piano
“Hairspray”’s humble beginnings in John Waters’ 1988 satirical film would go on to see massive success on Broadway in 2002, and later, a movie musical. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman penned original songs for the production that proudly feature their composers’ signature: you just can’t get those melodies out of your head!
Gaston (from Beauty and the Beast) arr. Roger Emerson, TTBB with piano & optional combo
The thought of the virile Gaston will entice full sounds from your young men’s choir. Virility and humor mix to bring out the best in the singers.
Stars (from Les Misérables) arr. Roger Emerson, TTBB with piano
“Les Misérables” is one of the most popular musicals of all times. One of the most beautiful ballads in the show is “Stars” sung by Javert. He sings of his unwavering quest to pursue justice. This arrangement taps into the powerful and emotional moments from this song and brings them to life.
Revolting Children (from Matilda) arr. Mac Huff, SAB with piano & optional combo
“Revolting Children” is anything but, as far as the title suggests. Tim Minchin’s mixed-meter rock spectacle is a joy for the ears with a staunch and resilient nature. Building harmonies, perfectly suited for choirs, will reward melodrama as the calls to rebel and revolt reverberate throughout your concert hall!
Seize the Day (from Newsies) arr. Mac Huff, 3-part mixed with piano
Now in a brand-new Discovery arrangement for younger choirs! This showstopper from the award-winning composer Alan Menken was featured in the Disney film and Broadway musical “Newsies.” Featuring a powerful “brotherhood” text, it begins with a compelling chorale-like opening and then explodes into rhythm that encourages us all to “seize the day!”
When I Grow Up (from Matilda) arr. Roger Emerson, 2-part with piano & optional combo
A little bit cheeky, a little bit naughty, but completely refreshing, multi-faceted composer Tim Minchin gives the 2011 West End adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1988 book “Matilda” a quick-witted and wry look into the hopes and desires of the friendly school children surrounding the title character. Bouncy and idiosyncratic, Emerson’s arrangement captures the wonder!
Contact us for more Broadway brainstorming ideas, or browse our website for inspiration. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
Jen Sper has been with Stanton’s since 2006. A former middle school and high school choral director, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College Conservatory of Music. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, she also enjoys good food, running (to counteract the good food…) and the Muppets.
Lora Moore joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2018. A former middle school and high school director of 32 years, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Choral Music from Capital University and a Master’s of Arts in Choral Music from The Ohio State University. Currently she is a church choir director, operates a private voice/piano studio and is active as a clinician and accompanist. During the off hours, Lora enjoys scouting out new day trips in Ohio to balance what her budget allows for her frequent trips to New York City to visit family and take in a Broadway show or two!