Tag Archives: Broadway musical

Arachnophonia: Dear Evan Hansen

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Marissa (class of 2025) and features the vocal selections score for Dear Evan Hansen. Thanks, Marissa!

Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen

Premiering on Broadway in 2016, Dear Evan Hansen is a musical about Evan Hansen, a high school senior in therapy for social anxiety and depression. As an exercise, his therapist tells him to write a letter to himself about his feelings going into the first day of school. The musical also centers around Connor Murphy, another high school senior battling depression. On the first day of senior year, Evan and Connor bump into each other, and Connor ends up taking Evan’s letter. Later that same day, Connor sadly ends his own life, with Evan’s letter still in his pocket. Connor’s family later reads this letter thinking Evan must have been Connor’s best friend, and Evan goes along with it instead of telling the truth. Through classic songs like “Sincerely, Me” and “You Will Be Found“, Dear Evan Hansen tells the story of just how big a single lie can get, while also raising awareness for teen mental health and suicide.

Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Alex Lacamoire are responsible for bringing this world to life through their musical talents. Their music has been heard off and on-Broadway, on tours, and even in a musical movie. If you would like to learn how to sing these coming-of-age pieces through sheet music, you can check this item out now from the Parsons Music Library.

Arachnophonia: Waitress

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item(s) in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Nicole (class of 2024) and features the cast recording and vocal selections score for the musical Waitress. Thanks, Nicole!

Waitress

Waitress CD

Have you checked out Waitress yet? It’s a musical that serves up a slice of life with a side of humor and soulful tunes.

Based on the 2007 film, Waitress became an award-winning Broadway musical with lyrics and music by Sara Bareilles.

The story follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and exceptional pie-maker trapped in a tough situation of domestic abuse. She finds solace in baking and pouring her hopes and dreams into her pies.

The score, by pop singer Sara Bareilles, is a work of art. “Opening Up” and “What Baking Can Do” set the stage, while “She Used to Be Mine” steals the show with its powerful and heart-wrenching arrangement. Over the past few years, the musical has earned multiple accolades, including Tony and Grammy nominations. Another song favorite of mine is “Everything Changes,” which captures pivotal moments in Jenna’s life that eventually lead to her resurfacing power to get through adversity. As the story unfolds, it teaches the audience a lesson about resilience to get through life’s obstacles.

The ensemble members add depth and texture to the story, filling the stage with vibrant personalities. Whether they’re delivering pies, chatting over coffee, or sharing in Jenna’s triumphs and struggles, each member of the ensemble contributes to the vibrancy of the musical’s narrative.

Overall, Waitress serves as a story of resilience and human connection. The musical’s cast recording includes heartfelt performances, humor, and unforgettable melodies.

You can check out the Waitress score and cast recording at the Parsons Music Library!

Arachnophonia: The Phantom of the Opera

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Alexandra (class of 2026) and features the 2004 film version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Thanks, Alex!

The Phantom of the Opera (2004 film)

Phantom of the Opera - 2005 film poster

This is the 2004 film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s infamous 1986 musical The Phantom of the Opera, which is considered to be one of the most iconic productions of all time. It is the longest-running show in Broadway history, and second longest in West End history, indicating how well audiences have taken it over the years. The show ended its run in 2020 in London and in 2023 in New York, which has seen many viewers looking to the movie. For those who have not seen the musical, the film is an amazing way to experience the amazing songs and storytelling done by Webber. The movie tells how a woman, Christine, becomes the obsession of a disfigured man, the Phantom, who lives below the Paris Opera House.

One of my favorite things about the movie is the amount of involvement Andrew Lloyd Webber had with the entire process of production as well as the selection of the actors. It allowed his vision to match that of the vision of the musical, giving the movie the right feel. For those who have seen the musical, it is a great watch since it has so many similarities while also having elements not possible in a musical. For those who have not seen the musical, the movie version is a great introduction to the greatness of the musical and can make the plot a bit easier to comprehend on the first watch.

Arachnophonia: The Color Purple

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student [assistant / manager] [name] (class of 202*) and features the 2016 Broadway cast recording of The Color Purple. Thanks, Amy!

The Color Purple: New Broadway Cast Recording (2016)

The Color Purple: New Broadway cast recording (2016)

One musical masterpiece that has left a mark on the Broadway stage is The Color Purple. Beyond its powerful performances and captivating narrative, the new Broadway cast recording (released in 2016) stands as a testament to the emotional depth embedded in this timeless production. And seeing as the movie adaptation hit late last year, I thought I would bring some recognition to the musical it was inspired by.

The Color Purple, adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, weaves a rich tapestry of storytelling, empowerment, and redemption. The new Broadway cast recording, capturing the live energy of the performances, transports listeners into the heart of the narrative, enveloping them in the struggles and triumphs of its characters.

The cast of The Color Purple not only possesses remarkable vocal prowess but also embodies the emotional complexity of their roles. From the soul-stirring melodies of Celie to the powerful anthems of empowerment, each track showcases the diversity and depth of the performers.

The Color Purple new Broadway cast recording contributes to the cultural landscape by amplifying narratives that are often marginalized. The celebration of African American culture, the exploration of sisterhood, and the unapologetic embrace of individuality contribute to its enduring legacy.

Some of my favorite musical highlights are as follows:

“I’m Here,” performed by Cynthia Erivo, stands as a towering pinnacle of vocal prowess and emotional intensity. The raw vulnerability and strength she brings to this anthem of self-discovery resonate long after the final note.

“What About Love?” is a dynamic duet between Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo. Hudson and Erivo create a harmonious blend of two powerhouse voices. Their chemistry elevates the song, infusing it with a poignant sense of longing and hope.

“The Color Purple,” the titular track, performed by the ensemble cast, serves as the musical thread that ties the narrative together. Its hauntingly beautiful melody captures the essence of the characters’ shared journey and the overarching theme of resilience.

The Color Purple new Broadway cast recording is more than a compilation of songs; it is a journey through the human experience, a celebration of resilience, and a testament to the transformative power of music. As the notes linger in the air, they carry with them the echoes of a narrative that has touched the hearts of audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Broadway history.