Five Underappreciated Musical Theatre Show Tunes

This week, I want to salute real musical theatre enthusiasts here on the Simon Morris blog, by listing what I believe are five underappreciated musical theatre show tunes.

We All Have a Show Tune That Made Us Fall in Love with Musical Theatre

Perhaps the reason I first fell in love with musical theatre, back when a mini Simon Morris was first watching actors tread the boards, is because I fell in love with a particular show tune, ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.’

I’d say it’s the same for many people. For all of us, there’s a show tune that defines us, and more, a show tune that defines a show – ‘Defying Gravity’ in Wicked, ‘Memory’ in Cats etc. That’s great and all, but it means that similar, just as good show tunes often get left in the dust in the minds of musical theatre enthusiasts, in their hurry to re-listen to their favourites.

Take a Listen to the Following Five Show Tunes

Which is why this week, I wanted to educate and inspire in equal measure, by directing your attention to five underappreciated show tunes that you’d really love, if only you took the time to listen.

1)      No Good Deed: It may not be as famous as it’s more well-known cousins, such as ‘Defying Gravity’ or ‘Popular,’ but ‘No Good Deed’ is a song that is easily one of Wicked’s best. Elphaba’s absolute disillusionment that litters the track is haunting, yet compelling for any viewer.

2)      Finale B: I don’t why this show closer was given such a non-descript name, because it’s a real experience to listen to. It expertly combines several lyrical refrains that have run throughout the  show to bring RENT to a resounding, yet effortlessly hopeful conclusion that’ll have you in tears every time.

3)      The Temple: In the adoration that usually gets poured liberally on solo pieces, ensembles often get left out of the mix, which is completely the case with ‘The Temple,’ from Jesus Christ Superstar. The sharp contrast between the protagonist’s anger at the largesse on display in the Temple and his utter despair as he is crowded with lepers he is unable to help once he escapes into the desert, will take your breath away.

4)      Waltz for Eva and Che: When you think of Evita, there are certain mind blowing tracks that come to mind – ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,’ Another Suitcase in Another Hall,’ Buenos Aires,’ etc. Yet one that never does, but should, is the fantastic ‘Waltz for Eva and Che.’ Coming close to the point where Eva dies, it’s a sizzling affair, which expertly examines whether Mrs Peron really was a saint or a sinner; not that it ever manages to answer the question!

5)   Whispering: Spring Awakening really is the modern – yet old fashioned – exploration of sexual awareness, with high octane numbers, but I would suggest one of its stand outs is the more sedate ‘Whispering,’ sung by the female protagonist, Wendla. Quite simply put, its heart breaking.

Which Songs Do You Believe are the Underrated Gems of the Broadway Cannon?

And there are the five underappreciated show tunes you should be listening to the minute you finish this article. Do you agree Simon Morris readers? If not, then which songs do you believe are the real underrated gems of the Broadway cannon?