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

Where is love?Oliver

Oliver! – Where Is Love

This song, sung in the musical Oliver! based on a British novel, features the young Oliver asking people, “Where is love?” The child actor’s beautiful voice, filled with emotion and tinged with sorrow and sadness, is truly moving.

Dancing QueenABBA

Dancing Queen – Mamma Mia

The original song is a single released in 1976 by the Swedish vocal group ABBA, a massive hit that sold over 3 million copies worldwide and more than 500,000 copies in Japan.

As for the subject of this article, the musical Mamma Mia!, it’s a show built from 22 of ABBA’s hit songs, crafted so you can enjoy their music like a jukebox.

Incidentally, since its premiere in April 1999, it has been revived many times and even adapted into a film, making it a hit musical as well!

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Kei Takahata

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42nd Street42nd Street

42nd Street (1980 Original Broadway Cast) – 13. 42nd Street

A classic Broadway musical storyline: the meteoric rise from the chorus line to the leading role.

The quintessential example is 42nd Street.

After grueling training under the master director Julian, she ascends to stardom, and this is her signature number.

On stage, the tap dancing is guaranteed to get you excited.

Prelude and the Sound of Music (From the Sound of Music)Julie Andrews, Irwin Kostal Orchestra

“The Sound of Music” Opening Scene (Official HD Video)

The theme song from the Broadway musical West Side Story, which premiered in 1957.

It’s a song in which the protagonist, Aria, sings about the wonders of nature.

Its expansive, majestic melody evokes wide-open prairies and lush greenery.

Since it’s often covered in music classes, many people may already be familiar with it.

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HATSUMI

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Beauty and the BeastAriana Grande & John Legend

Ariana Grande, John Legend – Beauty and the Beast (From Beauty and the Beast – Official Video)

An iconic song from Disney’s beloved Beauty and the Beast.

Beyond the animated film, it was adapted into a live-action movie and has been staged by the Shiki Theatre Company in Japan, where it became hugely popular.

The scene where the song is performed—showing Belle and the Beast gradually drawn to each other and falling in love—captures the dreams of many women.

Whether on screen or on a real stage, their dance scene is utterly enchanting.

Mrs.

Potts’s gentle, beautiful singing as she warmly watches over the two in the story is truly wonderful.

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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.

Because there is loveMori Keaki, hoka

Ai Areba Koso by Keiaki Mori

A song performed in the musical adaptation of Riyoko Ikeda’s manga The Rose of Versailles.

Needless to say, The Rose of Versailles has been staged many times by the Takarazuka Revue, and “Ai Areba Koso” has been sung by numerous celebrated actresses.

The Rose of Versailles is also extremely popular in France, where the story is set—so much so that there are even people who cover it in Japanese.

Whether you know the historical facts about Marie Antoinette or not, please lend your ear to this bewitchingly aesthetic song and music.

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Masuda Bunka

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