Famous songs recommended for musical beginners
“Musicals seem a bit intimidating…” Do you ever feel that way?
In fact, the world of musicals is full of timeless songs that almost everyone has heard at least once.
From the passionate dance numbers performed in the rain, to heart-wrenching love songs that resonate deep within, to choral pieces that illuminate grand stories—the magical world woven by music and performance is sure to captivate you.
This time, we’ll introduce a selection of gems that even newcomers to musicals can enjoy.
Why not open the door to the wonderful world of musicals yourself?
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Must-Listen Musical Classics for Beginners (21–30)
Beauty and the Beast — Beauty and the BeastAriana Grande & John Legend
The animated Beauty and the Beast from 1991 was adapted into a live-action film in 2017.
This was the first live-action remake of a Disney animated film.
Emma Watson, who played Belle, embodied “Beauty” with her pure elegance.
Here, we present the duet version performed by Ariana Grande and John Legend.
Singin’ in the Rain ~ Singin’ in the Rain (Title Song)Gene Kelly
A musical set in Hollywood during the transition from the silent era to the talkies.
Among the works, this one is the most famous.
Gene Kelly gives a passionate performance as Don, the protagonist who falls in love with Kathy, played by Debbie Reynolds.
He brilliantly expresses his elation through a tap dance in the rain.
West Side Story — TonightMarni Nixon, Jim Bryant
The Sharks and the Jets are rival street gangs at odds with each other.
A young man and woman from the opposing groups—Maria and Tony—fall in love, but their story ends in tragedy.
This comes from the classic musical that was hailed at the time of its release as a ‘modern Romeo and Juliet.’ Notably, Marni Nixon, who dubbed Natalie Wood’s singing for the role of Maria, was a singer who dubbed the vocals of many leading actresses in numerous musicals.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) ~ Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)Dick Van Dyke
A film adaptation of the swashbuckling adventures a dreamy, slightly eccentric father tells his children.
In it, Chitty can transform into a boat or an airplane to help the protagonists.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a musical film released in 1968.
It stars Dick Van Dyke as Potts, a single father, who takes his two children on a picnic in a car named Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and the bedtime story he tells them there becomes the content of the film itself.
High School Musical — We’re All In This TogetherHigh School Musical Cast
High School Musical is set at a fictional American high school.
When it aired on the Disney Channel in 2006, it became an instant hit, and several sequels were produced.
The series brightly portrays life-sized teens who struggle and rejoice as they grow, giving viewers a boost of energy.
Zac Efron, who played one of the lead roles, Troy, broke through with this work.
Vanessa Hudgens, who played Gabriella, the character who introduces him to the joy of singing, reportedly dated him in real life for a time.
She also broke through with this work and has appeared in many productions.