Top 6 “Miscast” Songs for a Soprano
I’m a big fan of MCC’s benefit concert, Miscast. It’s a yearly concert with a ton of Broadway performers in one big cabaret; the catch is that they’re singing songs that were originally for characters of the opposite gender. It’s a chance for actors to play roles they would never be typically cast as. For this list, I say who cares? I’ll forgo my typical soprano range and look to what my tenor and bass friends are singing. These are my top six choices of songs I would love to sing in a Miscast concert:
1. “Middle of a Moment,” by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul from James and the Giant Peach
Just listen to how intricate and quick that piano line is. It is some of the most exhilarating and thrilling accompaniment I’ve heard from a musical of this last decade. The song just exudes joy and the charm that a child has when discovering something worthwhile.
2. “Broadway, Here I Come,” by Joe Iconis from SMASH
My roommate and I are obsessed with SMASH (RIP the greatest show ever) and we are even more obsessed with Jeremy Jordan’s swan song, “Broadway, Here I Come.” It’s an inspiring song and the excitement build as the key changes progress. I feel that it’s one of the best songs to describe the anticipation of going and trying something new. Plus, who wouldn’t want to try to sound like Jeremy Jordan, who himself is a huge Miscast enthusiast? (BONUS: This song is already available in a female key! Sopranos, altos, and everyone in between, go to!)
3. “One Last Prayer” by Kait Kerrigan and Brian Lowdermilk, from REPUBLIC
I first heard this song when Kerrigan and Lowdermilk did an intimate performance at the Millennial Stage at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center. Opera singer Zach Altman sang the song, and he has just the best voice for this number. It requires a rich baritone sound (if only I had that) to convey the despair that is prevalent throughout this contemporary telling of Shakespeare’s Henry IV.
4. “Getting There,” by Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen from Fugitive Songs
I’m probably biased since my theatre company just produced this song cycle last semester, but this song was always stuck in my head during our tech week. The catchy and upbeat melody is so easy to tap along to, but it’s also a bit restless. It captures that need to get to your next destination, whether it be a tangible place or a goal.
5. “Life Story Reprise” by Adam Gwon from Ordinary Days
Ordinary Days has a number of fantastic songs for all four of its characters, but I think it’s worth it to put the spotlight on a small number – “Life Story Reprise.” It probably has the most meaning for someone in college, like me, who is still trying to figure out all that this world has to offer. I totally get it when Warren (the fantastic Jared Gertner on the cast album) gets frustrated – he’s seen everyone else figure out their story, so why hasn’t he found his? It’s one of the shorter songs in the show, but it packs an emotional punch.
6. “How Do People Do This Every Day?” by Timothy Huang from The View From Here
This song is a comedic gem; the lyrics are a tongue-twister and you have to keep up with the incredibly uptempo piano accompaniment. But its charming lyrics (which resonate all too well) question how people go through the mundane routine of everyday life without breaking out of the routine in a craze. When you perform this song, be sure to warm up your entire vocal range, as the song seamlessly travels up and down the musical scale throughout the number.
What songs would you perform if you were “Miscast”?
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