Thursday Thirteen - 39 - 13 of My Favorite Songs From Movie Musicals

1 - O What a Beautiful Morning

Oklahoma!

Hugh Jackman


When I first discovered him in X-Men, and read about his previous stage role as Curly from Oklahoma! I longed for some way to see what was already over and done with. Then, voila - a filmed version of his performance was released. Dreams really do come true.



2 - Your Song

Moulin Rouge

Ewan McGregor




As I watched this film for the first time, I couldn't believe how many times it went in a direction I couldn't have predicted. This scene absolutely filled me with joy, especially the singing moon at the end. And Ewan McGregor is completely irresistable for me.




3 - Jack's Lament

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Danny Elfman




I love Danny Elfman's film scores and was charmed by his songs for this Tim Burton film. And to hear him sing this one is a treat. It often lodges in my head no matter what time of the year it is.




4 - I Remember/Stranger Than You Dreamt It

The Phantom of The Opera - Warning: the audio is extremely faint. You'll have to crank up your speakers in order to hear it.



Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler



I feel so sad for the Phantom as he sits waiting for his dream-come-true Christine to wake and join him at last. And when she goes a step too far and does what he couldn't conceive of, I just love his total freak out. I also love the way Gerry loads the words with ugly emotion, since he's an actor first and a singer second.




5 - Sweet Transvestite

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Warning: remember to turn down your speaker volume before proceeding!

Tim Curry








The more I watch this performance, the more amazed I am at Tim Curry's instincts and his fearless walk down the steps toward the end, head back and arms outstretched. For most people, that would be fatal, especially in those heels.




6 - Springtime For Hitler

The Producers

Michael Davis and cast

The first time I watched this scene I had one of my laugh attacks where my husband is on stand-by in case I might die laughing. It triggers a total asthmatic shutdown, really quickly with no warning. Meanwhile I'm still laughing like a hyena with tears streaming down my face. The thing that gets me is the look of horror on the faces of the audience members.







7 - Knights of The Round Table

Monty Python and The Holy Grail

Cast

When I first saw this as a kid, I was swept up by this scene's sense of glee and silliness. I come from a very silly family, so it felt good to realize other people shared our sense of zaniness. As an adult, this only gets funnier the more times I watch it. Especially the part where the line of knights rushes toward the camera.





8 - Bedazzled

Bedazzled

Peter Cook



This scene takes place after Stanley Moon (Dudley Moore) is given another chance by the devil (Peter Cook) to win the heart of the woman he loves. After becoming a pop star Stanley sings his hit 'Love Me'. But that song is followed by this one, and Stanley recognizes it's the devil messing around with him yet again. Blowing the raspberry is the safety hatch that gets Stanley out of this wish.






9 - With Cat-Like Tread

The Pirates of Penzance





Kevin Kline, Rex Smith and cast

Kevin Kline is all about giving 310% as he plays the Pirate King. Go, Kevin, go! I just love the unabashed over-the-top vibe to this scene.








10 - Simon Zealotes

Jesus Christ Superstar

Larry Marshall and Cast

Continuing with the over-the-top theme, this is one of my favorite scenes in any musical, ever. Could be the slo-mo given to the dancing. And it's so groovey, baby!









11 - Bottle Dance

Fiddler on the Roof

Roy Durbin, Ken Robson, Robert Stevenson, Lou Zambrogna and cast

Confession time. When I was a kid, we kept borrowing this album from the library over and over, until we realized we could buy it and just keep it (head slap.) My mom, my sister and I used to dance around the living room to this one. Here's the confession: I used to stare at the picture of the 2nd dancer from the right because I had a crush on him. I still love the way he moves.





12 - Peron's Latest Flame

Evita

Madonna, Antonio Banderas and cast

This was my favorite song from a production that played at the theatre where I worked. I really loved the clever staging of Evita's rise in status, as well as the music. When the film came out, I was impressed once again by the complexity of this song. And I can't resist Antonio.






13 - Tonight (Reprise)

West Side Story

Richard Beymer, Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Russ Tamblyn and cast

I just love how the tension builds by the end of this song. Everyone's heading towards multiple black moments. Bring it on!