[2026] Iconic musical numbers: from the latest releases to timeless classics!

My PetersburgOlivia Hill

My Petersburg – Anastasia Original Broadway Cast Recording

The theme song from the masterpiece “Anastasia,” which portrays the life of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna, who survived the turbulent Russia of the 20th century.

I can’t hold back tears at Anastasia’s nobility and strength as she’s buffeted by the times and the adults around her yet strives to find herself and her path in life.

Though it’s a Broadway musical with American-style arrangements, the work’s charm—embellished by a grand orchestra—transcends eras and borders, endearing it to many people, and it has been staged several times in Japan as well.

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Masuda Bunka

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TonightNiizuma Seiko, Inoue Yoshio

Seiko Niizuma – “Tonight” from West Side Story

A song from a musical that is also popular in Japan, depicting two days of love and death for a young man and woman who become victims of a gang rivalry among delinquent youths.

It is a duet sung by the two victims, Maria and Tony.

The beautiful harmonies resonate with lyrics overflowing with their love for each other.

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SAKI

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My favoriteHirahara Ayaka

My Favorite Things

It’s one of the songs from a musical filled with many famous tunes such as “Edelweiss” and “Do-Re-Mi.” It was also adapted into a film, where Maria sings it to children who are afraid of thunder, while in the stage musical it is sung by the Mother Abbess and Maria.

It is also beloved as a jazz standard and is frequently used in Japan as background music for commercials and other media.

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SAKI

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CELL BLOCK TANGOChicago (2002 film)

Cell Block Tango

Female inmates who killed men for various reasons tell their stories to a tango melody in “Cell Block Tango.” It’s one of the most popular songs in Chicago.

Once you hear those powerful, gritty vocals, this number is guaranteed to stick in your head.

TomorrowLilla Crawford

Tomorrow {Annie ~ Broadway, 2012} – Lilla Crawford

This song, one of the signature numbers from the musical Annie, is sung when Annie’s dream of finding her parents seems about to fade, and it’s filled with hope that inspires her to keep trying without giving up.

The musical itself was originally based on a newspaper comic strip, with its first tryout in 1976, and it has remained a popular show with many revivals since then.

It’s also been adapted into films multiple times, so many of you have probably seen it.

It’s a lovely song that conveys Annie’s earnest, unwavering spirit.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Step in timeMary Poppins

“Step In Time” from MARY POPPINS on Broadway

This song, performed in a Disney musical, is a dynamic piece with a sense of expansiveness.

It begins quietly and later introduces rhythmic stomps as part of the staging.

The lively calls and rhythmic music make it an enjoyable number.

You’re the one that I wantJohn Joseph Travolta, Olivia Newton-John

You’re The One That I Want (From “Grease”)

The musical Grease is a school love story about Danny, a delinquent, and Sandy, a refined young lady.

Its timeless charm should resonate with today’s students as well.

In the song “You’re the One That I Want,” the moment when Sandy shows up having gone bad is my favorite—moving, yet it makes me chuckle a little.