Top 10 Opening Songs from Broadway Musicals

These Broadway musicals opened on high notes. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most show-stopping musical numbers that bring down the house as soon as the curtain rises. Our countdown includes "Wicked," "Cabaret," "The Lion King," and more! What's YOUR favorite Broadway opening song? Let us know in the comments!

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#Broadway #Music #Songs #Showtunes #OpeningSongs #OpeningNumbers

[DreamGyrl]

I think Phantom of the Opera's beginning, with the chandelier going up and the way the music comes in, is amazing. Sends chills up me the whole time

[sjfaraoni]

I’m so surprise that “Prologue” from “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812” and “Prologue” from “Into the Woods” weren’t even in the honorable mentions. They are both such masterpieces that perfectly set up the show.

[mattg]

I personally believe Phantom Of The Opera has the best opening song. When that overture hits after the auction I get goosebumps every time without fail.

[minus_the_boss]

They need to make a part 2 to this. There is so many musical opening that should have been mentioned.

[TheCamdog]

"The Whole Being Dead Thing" from Beetlejuice should of at least gotten an honorable mention. Especially since they change the lyrics based on where it's sung.

[nicoleavp]

I think Hadestown “Road to Hell” The way that the music is sung is joyful and a party. It also introduces the characters and the plot. The song is so catchy and talks about the ending and the audience doesn’t fully realize it. So when the show ends and before they sing “Road to Hell Reprise” you hear genuine gasps from the audience!

[kristashafer]

“Overture” from The Phantom of the Opera is my favorite opening song! As it plays and the music swells, we watch the opera house restored to its former glory and beauty!

[happychaosofthenorth]

My list for part 2...

10. Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats
9. Heaven on their Minds - Jesus Christ Superstar
8. What's Inside - Waitress
7. Rock Island - The Music Man
6. Into the Woods - Into the Woods
5. Urinetown - Urinetown
4. Another Opening Another Show - Kiss Me, Kate
3. Welcome to the Rennaisance - Something Rotten
2. Look Down - Les Miserables
1. Road to Hell - Hadestown

[MsJubjubbird]

The Sound of Music should have been in it. Especially with Julie lending her voice

[Anime_theatre_lover]

Why in the heck wasn’t there the into the woods opening? It’s a masterpiece

[kelleyceccato]

I wish there had been a spot in the Honorable Mentions for "In the Heights."

[thomasbradley]

Ragtime was definitely missing. It sets up all the stories, introduces all the characters and uses all the musical styles that will used throughout the show

[taravignola]

The opening song of Rent, "Rent" is awesome and VERY impactful when setting the stage for the story. I'm shocked it's not on here!

[annarosales]

The Circle of Life from The Lion King is breathtaking . I watched the play 2x and the opening still took my breath away.

[kkmmrew]

As soon as I read the title, I immediately thought of Tradition. It sets the show up so beautifully. I am a firm believer that you need a strong ensemble number to start a show and Fiddler knocks it out of the park. It gives the exposition on the characters and draws you into the community and their lives. Plus as an actor it is just the most enjoyable opening I have ever performed.

[The.Lilomay]

There’s no way All that Jazz is an honorable mention
It is legendary

[rafaelz]

The Ballad of Sweeney todd will always be my number 1. A perfect song to start a perfect musical and sets the tone beautifully with haunting lyrics and sweeney’s feature at the end of it really bringing it all together

[phoenixhope]

Look Down from Les Miserables would definitely be No.1 on my list, it is an epic masterpiece. 🤯 and Sound of Music too

[garveyneal]

0:36 10. Welcome to the Rock - Come from Away
2:03 9. I Hope I get it - A Chorus Line
3:18 8. No one mourns the wicked - Wicked
4:41 7. Hello! - The Book of Mormon
6:04 6. Willkommen - Cabaret
7:23 5. Good Morning Baltimore - Hairspray
8:43 4. Circle if Life - The Lion King
9:53 3. Oh What a beautiful mornin - Oklahoma!
11:25 2. Alexander Hamilton - Hamilton
12:51 Honorable Mentions:
A. Prologue: Little Shop of Horrors - Little Shop of Horrors
B. All that Jazz - Chicago
C. Prelude: The Ballad of Sweeney Todd: 'Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd' - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
D. Magic to do - Pippin
E. Ex-wives - Six
15:06 1. Tradition - Fiddler on the Roof

[trinaq]

Just like the original movie did many moons ago, "The Circle of Life" warms my heart, it's such a superb way to open the story! ♥️😍