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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Famous musical numbers recommended for beginners (41–50)
Mary Poppins ~ Chim Chim Cher-eeJulie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke
Mr.
Banks, a difficult banker, throws the children’s note—asking for a nanny who is kind, lovely, gentle, and fun—into the fireplace.
The note floats up the chimney and rises high into the sky, reaching Mary Poppins.
She is a mysterious nanny who arrives out of nowhere, riding the wind with an open umbrella in hand.
The leading role in this fantastical story was played by Julie Andrews.
“Chim Chim Cher-ee” is still a very delightful song to listen to.
Suddenly SeymourAlan Menken
This sweeping musical number, woven straight from the heart, is a collaboration by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, who made a striking Off-Broadway debut as a duo.
Crafted by Menken, a genius composer from the United States, its beautiful melodies interlace with soul-stirring lyrics.
The song appeared as an in-show number in Little Shop of Horrors, which premiered in 1982.
This celebrated duet, in which the protagonist and a woman sing of the feelings deep within their hearts, also underscored a memorable scene in the film adaptation released in December 1986.
Contributing to the movie’s success—which grossed $54 million worldwide—the song has since remained a favorite, covered by many artists.
It’s perfect for fans of moving love stories and an ideal entry point for those new to musicals.
There’s No Business Like Show BusinessIRVING BERLIN
When it comes to iconic songs that shine as a towering presence in the world of musicals, there’s a gem crafted by quintessential American composer Irving Berlin! It’s a powerful number that captures both the allure and the hardships of show business, featured in the 1946 Broadway musical Annie Get Your Gun starring Ethel Merman.
The lively melody woven by brass and percussion brilliantly conveys the glamour of the stage and never fails to captivate listeners.
A film of the same name was made in 1954, featuring a star-studded cast including Marilyn Monroe.
Best known in Ethel Merman’s rendition, the song has been covered by numerous artists such as Bing Crosby and Liza Minnelli.
It’s the perfect track for those who dream of show business or want to recharge with a heart-pounding melody!
Ol’ Man RiverJerome Kern／Oscar Hammerstein II,
From the 1927 musical Show Boat by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II—who produced numerous masterpieces that have gone down in American music history—we present a moving song.
Set against the timeless flow of the Mississippi River and told from the perspective of Black laborers, this piece is a weighty ballad steeped in elements of spirituals and the blues.
Its pentatonic melody unfolds at a leisurely tempo, symbolically expressing life’s hardships and hopes.
Premiering in December 1927 at New York’s Ziegfeld Theatre, the work was later adapted into films in 1936 and 1951; in particular, Paul Robeson’s deep bass rendition captured the hearts of many.
It is a classic that ranked 24th on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest Songs in American Movies.
Rose’s TurnJule Styne／Stephen Sondheim.
The climactic showstopper of the musical Gypsy is a masterpiece where profound lyrics and a deeply emotional melody blend to perfection.
Created by two of 20th-century America’s foremost talents, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, this moving number has continued to stir audiences’ hearts since its 1959 Broadway premiere.
The song is a soliloquy in which the protagonist, Rose, reexamines her life and desires, and it is renowned as a quintessential “11 o’clock number” in musical theater history.
From Ethel Merman to Bette Midler, and with Audra McDonald set to take on the role in December 2024, many powerhouse actresses have shone in this iconic scene.
It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to empathize with a heart wavering between dreams and reality, or to experience the profound depth of musical theater.