Best Opening (Not Overture) Number in a Musical — Page 6

A Chorus Line
Sweeney Todd
Wicked
Seussical
Spelling Bee
Lion King

Ragtime - "Prologue" - Others have explained why it's so wonderful, but I absolutely love the part near the end when it picks up: "It was the music of something beginning: an era exploding, a century spinning..."

Parade - "The Old Red Hills of Home" - So many composers would have started off the show a different way, but JRB creatively chooses to go all the way back to the Civil War. Awesome. Also, I think it sets up the whole conflict: North vs. South, innocence lost, the Southern way of life seen as ideal, which the North of course changes.

Sweeney Todd - "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" - Probably the coolest beginning to a show, ever.

Les Mis - "Work Song" - I remember when I saw Les Mis, sitting there in the dark, waiting for the show to begin, and all of a sudden I get jarred by the opening notes. The effect was incredible.

Evita - "Requiem for Evita" - It's a bit weird when you're seeing the show, but it's become one of my favorite parts of the score. I love the contrast between the very heavy, sad "Requiem" and then later on the lighter "Oh, What a Circus."

Side Show - "Come Look at the Freaks" - I haven't seen Side Show, but I wasn't really looking forward to listening to it until I heard this opening, and then I knew I was in for something good.

Songs for a New World - "The New World" - Again, haven't seen this show, but I can only imagine what it's like performed live.

The Light in the Piazza - "Statues and Stories" - Absolutely beautiful

Miss Saigon - "The Heat is on in Saigon" - Definitely gets the audience's attention, though I like the overture more.

I don't think these are the best, but "Jailhouse Rock" from All Shook Up and RENT's beginning (especially the title song) are absolutely electrifying when you see them live.

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GIVE ME A FREAK/ ODE TO ATTENTION SEEKERS
Taboo

"And while he has your attention, he'd kill for a mention, in the popular press".

Well, I just thought I'd mention it.

Wonderful Town, anyone who's familiar with Greenwich Village of today should get a kick out of it!

Thoroughly Modern Millie! My favorite scene, of course. It's actually two numbers: Not For The Life Of Me, and the title tune, but you really have to see it, or visualize it in your mind. Great dance scene!

"I like I hope I Get it", and I also like "It's Your Wedding Day". :)

Sweeney's pretty good too.

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Aquarius-Hair

"Tradition" without question.

Along with the Carousel Waltz I would add the Night Waltz from A Little Night Music.

I would also add "Six Months Out of Every Year" from Damn Yankees, especially the updated arrangement from the '94 revival (which was the second show I ever saw on Broadway).

In addition, I'm also going to nominate "In" from Carrie only because once those dancers hit the stage in those costumes I think everyone knew they were in for quite a ride, for better or worse.

The Heat is on in Saigon
Into the Woods

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Love "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" but I would have to say my all time favorite opening number is "Walk Him Up the Stairs" from "Purlie". I have seen the show twice and both times I just wanted to jump out of my seat and dance in the aisle!

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There are so many
my favourites would probably be:

Avenue Q - It sucks to be me
tick, tick...Boom - 30/90
Hairspray - Good Morning Baltimore
Legally Blonde - Omigod you guys
You're a good man Charlie Brown (from the revival)
the whole opening of Rent

and i also really like Mamma who bore me in SA, Epiphany in Bare and Little Shop of Horrors!!

Sunday in the Park With George
No comparison!