8 Musical Theatre Jams for Your Summer Playlist
If you’re as nerdy as I am, you might also be very particular about how you like to listen to musical theatre. If I’m not experiencing a live performance, then the 2nd best way to listen to it, for me, is windows down, driving – preferably in 80 degree sunny weather. I’m never shy or ashamed when I am blasting “No Day But Today” at a stoplight where people may or may not notice it. It’s the best freedom in the world. With summer finally in our reach, I thought I’d make a list of my favorite tunes to listen to in great weather. Whether you’re in your car or walking to the subway, it’s pretty hard not to publicly sing and dance along to these songs.
1. “When I Drive” by Frank Wildhorn and Don Black from Bonnie and Clyde
I’ll admit it: this song is pretty cliché for this list, considering that its title is “When I Drive.” However, I guarantee once you listen (blast) this song while driving, you will be 100% invested. It’s got a great beat and makes you want the wind blowing through your hair behind the wheel.
2. “In the Heights” by Lin-Manuel Miranda from In The Heights
I once dedicated an entire summer to listening to In the Heights. I remember being stuck in traffic before rehearsal blasting this entire album literally every day. It never gets old. I will love this musical until the end of time and it will get me instantly in a great mood. If you are road tripping this summer or need beach tunes, listen to the entirety of this album. I’m predicting that Hamilton will have the same effect on me once the album is released.
3. “Secondary Characters” by Jeff Bowen from Title of Show
This song is perfection if you happen to be with someone else who equally appreciates it and wants to duet with you. I love how easily it can make you laugh.
4. “Come to the Fun Home” by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori from Fun Home
I don’t even know where to begin when it comes to this musical. I was fortunate enough to have seen it and it was one of the best theatre experiences I’ve ever had. The musical broke me for the better and I haven’t stopped obsessing over it ever since. Hearing this song takes you back to your childhood in the best way. I highly recommend seeing this show; it is one for the books.
5. “Welcome to the Renaissance” by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick from Something Rotten!
I happened to have recently seen this show as well and was thoroughly entertained. It is a show for the theatre lover and probably the only show that you’ll experience the entire audience on their feet before the end of act 1. The album came out on June 2 and I am anticipating that I will be blasting it in my car all summer so I’m hoping you will too. It is a complete riot and a ball of fun, which could also describe my ideal summer.
6. “Goodbye Until Tomorrow” by Jason Robert Brown from The Last Five Years
I have had a severe addiction to this album for a large amount of time and I have been waiting for my obsession with it to go down, but it hasn’t happened. Therefore I’ve been belting this like no tomorrow in my car on my way to work almost every day. There’s something very freeing and heartbreaking about this song that always puts me in a good mood.
7. “Omigod You Guys” by Nell Benjamin and Laurence O’Keefe from Legally Blonde
I have so many great memories driving with friends listening to this song and singing along fully in character, belting it as if we were Elle Woods.
8. “Vegas” by Kait Kerrigan and Brian Lowdermilk from Tales from the Bad Years
This is another wholeheartedly fun song that will make you giggle through its entirety. I think Michael Arden and Andy Mientus are the cutest couple ever so the fact that they get to sing this together and have fun with it makes it so much better.
What musical theatre songs are on your summer playlist?
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