10 Underappreciated Musical Theatre Songs

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10 Underappreciated Musical Theatre Songs
by Mei Lin Barral Photography

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Contemporary musicals like Hamilton and Six have cultivated a new audience and an even greater extension of the musical theatre community. I love contemporary musicals as well as the traditional musicals, and there are ten songs I love especially that I’d love to introduce to you (that you may never have heard of before).

I hope you’ll enjoy listening to them and be sure to leave a comment to let me know what songs you think are underappreciated!

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Disclaimer: these songs are in no particular order

A Terrible Ride | Lizard Boy

I love the start of this song especially; I was hooked from the first three seconds. This is easily a song you can sing along to in the car driving with the windows down without a care in the world.

Diva’s Lament (What Ever Happened to My Part?) | Spamalot

Spamalot is well-known, but I love this song particularly because of its humor and the magnificence of the solo. If you love comedic songs that don’t take themselves too seriously (even if the character takes herself seriously), then this song may be right up your alley.

Cecily Smith (Bonus Track) | Fly By Night

This version of the song is sweet and tender and so lovely. I was enamored by the sentiment behind the song and as someone who photographs weddings, this felt like it could be someone’s vows within an unassuming and unpretentious song.

Fine | Ordinary Days

A light-hearted & fun song, Fine has the essence of a rom-com. The lyrics alone are really wonderful. It has the essence of The Last Five Years if it were happier and lighter (and by that, I mean way happier and way lighter).

Times Are Hard for Dreamers | Amelie the Musical

Phillipa Soo starred in this short-run musical that unfortunately wasn’t nominated for any Tonys. It’s a hopeful song that makes you feel inspired and ready to start a new fulfilling adventure. And yes — it is based on the French film Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain.

A Better Version | 36 Questions the Musical

I can’t sing enough praise for 36 Questions the Musical (pun intended). It’s a musical podcast which means you can listen to the *entire* musical from the comfort of your own home. (Not just the soundtrack, the entire 3 act musical)! Jessie Shelton & Jonathan Groff’s gorgeous voices star in this musical featuring a duck named Henry. This song especially makes me tear up every time I listen to it. It’s candid and romantic and deeply moving.

One Day | Groundhog Day the Musical

This musical in general I feel is underappreciated and I could have listed If I Had My Time Again, but I really love One Day. It’s has a sarcastic undertone which makes it really funny in addition to being a great soaring ensemble song. Barret Doss’ voice is incredible, what a powerhouse with such a rich and amazing quality.

It’s All Happening | Bring It On the Musical

This is another song that’s great to jam out to while driving on a warm breezy day. If you enjoy Hamilton, you’ll probably enjoy this style of musical. P.S. music written by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda!

Leave Luanne | 35 mm a Musical Exhibition

[*TW* | Abuse, rape, suicide]
Drawn to this piece as a musical theatre enthusiast and photographer, I so wish I could see this in person. It’s a combination of photographs and performers explaining the backstories to them through song and performance. This is a truly powerful and beautiful song despite the content. The Ballad of Sara Berry is also a great song. And best part? If you love Lindsay Mendez you should definitely check out this piece of theatre. (Who doesn’t love Lindsay Mendez?)

Right Hand Man | Something Rotten

Ending on a lighter note, this song is jovial, quirky, and endearing. The entire musical is light, hilarious, & fanciful. It combines the Renaissance and contemporary musical theatre.

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10 Underappreciated Musical Theatre Songs
by Mei Lin Barral Photography

A Terrible Ride | Lizard Boy
Diva’s Lament (What Ever Happened to My Part?) | Spamalot
Cecily Smith (Bonus Track) | Fly By Night
Fine | Ordinary Days
Times Are Hard for Dreamers | Amelie the Musical
A Better Version | 36 Questions the Musical
One Day | Groundhog Day the Musical
It’s All Happening | Bring It On the Musical
Leave Luanne | 35 mm a Musical Exhibition
[Leave Luanne *TW* | Abuse, rape, suicide]
Right Hand Man | Something Rotten