The 2024 Tony Awards season may have come and gone, but our love for musicals lives on! Let’s revisit some of the iconic songs and dance numbers from unforgettable movie musicals that are also Tony Award-winning Broadway shows. These scenes have left an indelible mark on Filipino theater and Broadway fans for a reason.
If you haven’t seen a lot of musicals, prepare to be dazzled. Or if you have, you’re more than welcome to watch them again on Disney+ and relive the magic that these fantastic movie musicals bring.
HAMILTON (2020) – “Alexander Hamilton”
A killer opening that grabs you right from the first note, pulling you into an epic tale of remarkable characters and dynamic music combined with raw and passionate lyrics. The wildly talented ensemble teases their complex relationships with Alexander Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda) and their historical journeys, brilliantly setting the stage. That iconic line, “How does a bastard, orphan, son of a w***e…” instantly gives the audience all the feels for Hamilton’s struggles and dreams, and when he says, “There’s a million things I haven’t done, but just you wait,” it means that everyone is in for one wild ride.
Hamilton’s Broadway production amassed a record-tying 11 Tony Awards from its record-breaking 16 nominations in 2016. Its wins included Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score (both awarded to Lin-Manuel Miranda), Best Actor in a Musical (Leslie Odom Jr.), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Daveed Diggs), and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (RenĂ©e Elise Goldsberry).
NEWSIES (2017) – “Seize the Day”
This song marks a pivotal moment where the newsboys unite against powerful newspaper magnates to rally for justice. With high energy and impressive choreography featuring jaw-dropping leaps and flips, this visually striking number amps up the excitement as the characters move with courage and solidarity. The audience can't help but cheer as the newsies bravely sing, “Proud and defiant, we'll slay the giant. Let us seize the day!”
Newsies garnered eight nominations at the 2012 Tony Awards, and secured wins for Best Choreography (Christopher Gattelli) and Best Original Score (Alan Menken and Jack Feldman).
THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965) – “Do-Re-Mi”
Get ready to be charmed! In this scene, Maria (Julie Andrews) is not just teaching music – she's unleashing a whole vibe. Her infectious creativity and energy break through the von Trapp family’s ice-cold walls, turning a basic music lesson into a straight-up adventure. Audiences find themselves humming along in no time as Maria sings with glee: “When you read you begin with A, B, C. When you sing you begin with do-re-mi.” It’s catchy and simple, and it brings all ages together in one exceptional musical journey.
The Broadway production of Sound of Music secured five trophies from its nine nominations at the 1960 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Actress in a Musical (Mary Martin), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Patricia Neway), Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Oliver Smith), and Best Conductor and Musical Director (Frederick Dvonch).
INTO THE WOODS (2014) – “No One is Alone”
Toward the movie’s end, tears almost certainly flow as Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilia Crawford), The Baker (James Cordern), and Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) unite in this song, wrapping up every storyline with heart and soul. It’s like a big group hug after some major drama, giving them the comfort they need to heal and move forward. And Stephen Sondheim’s magic? Pure gold. His heartfelt melody and lyrics hit right in the feels:
“Witches can be right, giants can be good
You decide what's right, you decide what's good
Just remember, just remember someone is on your side (our side)
Someone is on your side
No one is alone”
The original Broadway production of Into the Woods won three Tony Awards in 1988, out of its ten nominations: Best Score (Stephen Sondheim), Best Book of a Musical (James Lapine), and Best Actress in a Musical (Joanna Gleason).
MARY POPPINS (1964) – “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
Perfectly capturing Mary Poppins’ (Julie Andrews) whimsical spirit, this song shows how she brings joy and excitement to everyday life. And what makes it stand out? The crazy wordplay, of course! Trying to say the title is a challenge in itself, but it’s all part of the fun. It’s even reflected in the lyrics: “It's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Even though the sound of it is something quite atrocious. If you say it loud enough you'll always sound precocious. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” And with energetic choreography to match, it’s a total spectacle that leaves viewers feeling elated.
The imaginative and detailed set of the Mary Poppins Broadway production was honored at the 2007 Tony Awards. It bagged the Best Scenic Design of a Musical recognition for Bob Crowley, the show’s only win out of its seven nominations.
WEST SIDE STORY (2021) – “America”
Anita, played by the amazing Ariana DeBose (who is also this year’s Tony Awards host), tries to convince Bernardo (David Alvarez) that America has more to offer than the opportunities they have in Puerto Rico. It’s a whirlwind of song, dance, and color, diving deep into the complexities of the “American Dream” and the characters' hopes, frustrations, and aspirations. Not to mention, the lyrics are outstanding – witty, sharp, and with clever wordplay and cultural digs:
“Life can be bright in America
If you can fight in America
Life is all right in America
If you're all white in America”
And don’t forget the vibrant, fast-paced, and totally mesmerizing choreography that gets everyone’s mood upbeat.
The original Broadway production of West Side Story received two Tony Awards in 1958, out of its six nominations. It took home Best Choreography (Jerome Robbins) and Best Scenic Design (Oliver Smith).
Through their memorable melodies, compelling lyrics, and stunning choreography, these iconic songs and dance numbers continue to enchant audiences across generations and cultures, reminding everyone that the power of music and storytelling knows no bounds.
Enjoy these wonderful movie musicals that are all available on Disney+.
