- 5 months ago
Get ready for a musical journey that will send shivers down your spine. Join us as we count down the most chilling opening songs from musicals that will leave you breathless. From classic shows like "Les Misérables" to modern hits like "Hamilton", these show-stopping numbers will give you goosebumps. With their powerful vocals, haunting melodies, and emotional storytelling, these opening songs set the tone for an unforgettable theatrical experience.
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00:00Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the show tunes that send
00:11shivers down our spine as the curtain rises. We don't want any chandeliers crashing down
00:16on us, but we are excluding overtures today as they deserve their own spotlight.
00:20Number 20, Heaven on Their Minds, Jesus Christ Superstar. Now that's a gutsy way to open a
00:36show. Judas comes out swinging with his blistering, cynical warning, and the second he starts singing,
00:41you feel the air shift.
00:50It's so electrifying, and his words speak to a universal truth that still resonates today,
01:02perhaps even more than ever. Every performer brings their own energy to it. Rage, fear, sorrow, spite,
01:09but there's always something painfully human pulsating behind each note and lyric.
01:20Heard live, the way it fills the air thick with tension, unbridled emotion, and Judas's inner
01:32turmoil is inescapable. You can practically feel it in your gut. Knowing how this story ends,
01:38this early warning becomes incredibly poignant and chillingly prophetic.
01:50Number 19, All That Jazz, Chicago. From the opening notes, this song grips you with its dangerous
02:01magnetic pull. The rhythm builds steadily, and before you know it, you're completely drawn in.
02:07It's just a noisy call, where there's a night wave for all and all that jazz.
02:17It's catchy and stylish, with a hypnotic quality that perfectly sets the show's theme.
02:23The way Velma starts soft and subtle almost makes you lean forward in your seat,
02:27like you're trying to listen in on some secret.
02:30Slick your hair and wear your buckle shoes.
02:35And all that jazz, I hear that father did, is gonna blow the blows.
02:41Now that she has you, she and the ensemble slowly build the number into a thundering crescendo.
02:47Roxy is introduced here too, mostly to prove Billy's point. With enough razzle-dazzle,
02:52you really can get away with anything. The sheer theatrical force floods the senses,
02:58leaving a thrill that chills.
02:59And all that, yeah, yeah, that jazz.
03:12Perhaps one of the biggest themes in cabaret is the Kit-Kat Club's escapism, skirting willful
03:22ignorance as fascism creeps across Europe.
03:24The MC welcomes the audience with charm, but there's always something off, like you sense
03:41something dark just out of sight behind the curtain. The MC clearly knows what's going on
03:46outside, but encourages the crowd to forget and lose themselves in hedonism.
03:50The music builds and booms at the end, like he's trying to drown out the horrors beyond
04:05the club's walls. Indeed, that might be the most haunting part of all. The music is catchy
04:11and playful, but it's hard to ignore that ominous undertone that makes your skin tingle.
04:25Right from the start, the song launches into a fast-paced, epic summary of Alexander Hamilton's life.
04:35How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore, and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten
04:43spot in the Caribbean, by providence, impoverished and squalor, grow up to be a hero and a scholar.
04:51It's packed with so much detail, and the music keeps growing bigger and bigger, giving a strong
04:56feeling of destiny. As more characters join, the chorus builds into a powerful, layered sound
05:02that transports you back in time.
05:04Alice and your Hamilton, Alice and your Hamilton, I'm waiting in the wings for you,
05:09will you, will you, will you never back down and never learn to take your time.
05:16This explosive opening sets the tone for the whole show. Somewhat uniquely, it reveals the ending
05:23early. Although, can you really ask history to come with a spoiler alert?
05:27We fought with him. Me, I died for him. Me, I trusted him. Me, I loved him. And me, I'm the damn fool
05:37that shot him. Knowing how the story ends makes every moment after feel heavier, like each step leads
05:43closer to inevitable doom. It raises the stakes, and gives you a spine-tingling rush, right away.
05:59Number 16, Road to Hell, Hadestown. Like Hamilton, this show opens with a number that introduces this world and its main players.
06:07Interestingly, this song wasn't even in the original score. It actually started as a piece of dialogue
06:23that grew in songwriter Anais Mitchell's head until it turned into this full-on opener. There's a lot to love here.
06:29Hermes' jazzy vocals, Orpheus' smooth tones, and the fates bringing fierce gospel fire.
06:36And there were three old women all dressed the same. And they was always singing in the back of your mind. Everybody needs the fates.
06:47Whether you know the story of Orpheus and Eurydice or not, this song makes it clear that this isn't an easy, happy tale.
06:54That grim reality, paired with a captivating, almost celebratory beat, creates a profound and chilling irony.
07:09Number 15, Aquarius, Hair.
07:12This show wastes no time welcoming the audience into its tribe with a dreamlike, almost otherworldly melody.
07:19That feels like an invitation to join this trip. You know the kind.
07:23When the moon is in the seventh hole, and Jupiter aligns with Mars.
07:32The Age of Aquarius promises peace, unity, and transformation. And the cast makes it feel real, often breaking the fourth wall to bring you into the vision.
07:42Set against the Vietnam War, their hope for a freer, kinder world hits so hard. Harder still if you're lucky enough to see it live.
07:49Harmony and understanding.
07:51Sympathy and trust about me.
07:52Harmony and understanding.
07:53Sympathy and trust about me.
07:54No one wants to talk to regions.
07:56Cold and living dreams are visions.
07:58Hearing that kind of wide-eyed idealism now, when it feels so far away, is honestly kind of heartbreaking.
08:05And yet, you yearn for it. And that's what gets you.
08:08Aquarius. Aquarius. Aquarius.
08:20Number 14. The Bells of Notre Dame. The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
08:25For what's technically a Disney opening number, The Bells of Notre Dame goes way harder than you'd expect.
08:30It's massive, ominous, and beautifully layered. Right from the start, it feels like a force bearing down on you.
08:46And they lived and they grew and awoke to the music of the bells.
08:53The bells of Notre Dame. Those Latin choral voices, the tolling bells, and that sweeping orchestration all create this overwhelming sense of something huge unfolding.
09:10There's tension and grandeur in every bar, and it sets the mood in a way that pins you to your seat.
09:16It starts soft and eerie, then builds into this thunderous wave of sound that practically crashes over you.
09:30It's sacred, dramatic, a little terrifying, and absolutely unforgettable.
09:36It practically shakes the ground before it begins.
09:39Bells, bells, bells, bells, bells of Notre Dame.
09:51Number 13. The Old Red Hills of Home. Parade.
09:55This song addresses the reality of soldiers before they head off to war and after they come home.
10:00For these old hills remind me of a wave of life that's pure, of the truth that must endure.
10:15The first half feels wide-eyed and innocent, with the eagerness of a soldier chasing promised glory, completely unaware of the true horrors.
10:23On the surface, it's a stirring, patriotic ode to the South, its land, its people, its heritage, and the Confederacy.
10:42The lyrics evoke a strong sense of pride and a yearning for a bygone era, often seen as simpler and purer.
10:49That's where it gets complex and unsettling.
10:52The melody may be stirring, but underneath, the song reveals how this romanticized pride can feed an us-versus-them mindset that breeds prejudice and violence.
11:01The Old Red Hills of Home.
11:13Number 12. Into the Woods. Into the Woods.
11:16Once upon a time, there was a baker, his wife, a boy with a cow, a girl in a red hood, and a damsel missing a shoe.
11:23Their lives become entwined by one thing. A wish.
11:27I wish.
11:28With his wife.
11:29More than anything.
11:31More than the moon.
11:32I wish.
11:33The king is giving a festival.
11:35More than life.
11:36I wish.
11:37I wish to go to the festival.
11:39This fifteen-ish minute opening number is like a slow walk through the woods.
11:43It starts gentle and curious, introducing each character, then grows more urgent as their deepest heart's desire turns desperate.
11:50The melody builds gradually, wrapping around you like vines, stirring both wonder and unease.
11:56Into the woods.
11:57It's time to go.
11:58It may be all in vain.
11:59I know.
12:00Into the woods.
12:01But even so, I have to take the journey.
12:03Into the woods, the path is straight.
12:05I know it will.
12:06Well.
12:07Like the magic at the heart of the story, this prologue casts a spell on its audience, filling
12:11us with awe, delight, and just enough danger to send a shiver down the spine.
12:16Into the woods.
12:17Into the woods.
12:19Into the woods.
12:20Into the woods.
12:21Into the woods.
12:22Into the woods.
12:25And only dark dark.
12:27Number 11.
12:28Ragtime.
12:29Ragtime.
12:30It's practically impossible not to be moved by the way this prologue builds so carefully,
12:35and yet hits you where it hurts.
12:47What starts as three separate worlds, upper-class New Rochelle, Harlem, and the immigrant communities,
12:53slowly begins to layer and overlap, both musically and thematically.
12:58It's precise, it's tight, and that structure alone creates a sense of momentum you can feel in your chest.
13:04And there was music playing, catching a nation in its prime.
13:11Beggar and billionaire, everyone and everywhere, moving to the ragtime.
13:20But there's tension underneath all the optimism.
13:23They might be singing in harmony, but the dissonance between the groups is still there.
13:27It sums up this pivotal moment in American history perfectly, full of hope, yet fractured at its core.
13:33That contrast stays with you.
13:34That contrast stays with you.
13:35Coming in Birmingham, where I'm exploding.
13:38A century spinning in.
13:40This is a fascinating.
13:42Middle and wild.
13:43But people call it ragtime.
13:45Number 10.
13:46Just another day.
13:47Next to normal.
13:48Next to normal.
13:49In its opening notes, this tune draws us into a world that feels instantly recognizable.
13:54Like slipping on a familiar mask to hide the struggles within.
13:57And if other families live the way we do.
14:01If they love each other, or if they just fake it.
14:05Its seemingly mundane lyrics clash with a desperate plea to keep the grip from slipping, creating
14:10a subtle tension beneath the surface.
14:12It almost feels like a calm facade, barely containing a brewing storm, just waiting to break free.
14:28The melody starts relatively calm, and gradually builds with heavier chords and more intensity,
14:33mirroring the mounting anxiety.
14:35Also, Diana falls out of rhythm toward the end as the mask begins to slip.
14:40If that doesn't send shivers down your spine, we don't know what will.
14:44The perfect loving family, I will keep the place off spinning.
14:48And the world just keeps on spinning.
14:52And I think the house is spinning.
14:54Number 9.
14:55Maybe.
14:56Annie.
14:57Annie wastes no time hitting us in the feels, with a song where the titular orphan sings about
15:01parents she hopes to reunite with one day.
15:03He may be pouring her coffee.
15:08She may be straightening his time.
15:12Beginning softly, the song reflects Annie's profound sense of loneliness.
15:16Yet as she sings of hope and reunion, the music gradually swells, echoing her growing desires.
15:22The melody's pretty simple, leaving plenty of room for the heartfelt lyrics to shine.
15:37With its childlike innocence and optimism, Annie's yearning will hit you right in the gut.
15:42By the time the last note fades away, it almost feels like her feelings have seeped into our own, stirring up something deep inside us.
15:49They'll be there calling me baby, maybe.
16:00Number 8.
16:02Tradition.
16:03Fiddler on the roof.
16:04From the first note, this song bursts with a vibrant energy, underscoring the importance of tradition to Tevye and his community.
16:11Tradition.
16:12Tradition.
16:13Tradition.
16:14Tradition.
16:15Tradition.
16:16Tradition.
16:17Tradition.
16:18Tradition.
16:19Tradition.
16:20Tradition.
16:21Tradition.
16:22It's happy and festive, but if you listen closely, you'll hear hints of their struggles too.
16:28Still, when everything comes together, the strong beat, the booming music, those surprising harmonies, and the passionate singing, it's just awe-inspiring.
16:37It's almost like a big celebration of everything that unites the Jewish community of Anatevka.
16:52Any time everyone joins together for a triumphant chorus of tradition, we just want to join Tevye for a lively dance.
16:59As the melody crescendos, we start to feel as shaky as a fiddler on the roof in anticipation of what's to come.
17:06Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.
17:21Number 7.
17:22No one mourns the wicked.
17:24Wicked.
17:25Any song that starts with
17:26Good news!
17:30She's dead!
17:33The winds of the west is dead!
17:35Is sure to send chills down our spines.
17:38Right from the start, this song grabs you and then dives into introducing our two leading ladies, albeit in very different ways,
17:45and makes us question everything we thought we knew about them.
18:00The song shows how easily people can get swept up in sensational language, and in this case, a catchy tune.
18:06The harmonies between Glinda and the mob are absolutely breathtaking.
18:20Even though we might not realize it yet, Glinda's sweetness against the harshness of the mob tells us there's a lot more to the story than meets the eye,
18:28and it already has us hooked.
18:30No one mourns the wicked.
18:40Number 6.
18:41Welcome to The Rock, Come From Away.
18:43If you ask anyone old enough to remember what they were doing on September 11, 2001,
18:48they could probably tell you without missing a beat.
18:51I'm sitting in my car.
18:52I'm in the staff room.
18:53I'm in the library.
18:54And I turn on the radio.
18:56You are here at the start of a moment.
19:03Indeed, that's where this song finds us.
19:05The residents of Gander, Newfoundland sing about getting on with their daily routines,
19:09totally unaware that the world as they know it is about to change.
19:13As news of the tragedy spreads, the music shifts, reflecting the resilience and unity of the community.
19:19When the sun is coming up and the world has come ashore.
19:22If you're hoping for a harbor, then you'll find an open door.
19:25Their stirring harmonies capture their solidarity and humanity's capacity for strength and compassion in the face of adversity.
19:32It's a really moving tribute to the extraordinary acts of kindness and courage that emerged from the darkest of times.
19:38If the version from DreamWorks' animated movie gave you chills, just wait until you see it performed live.
19:59The music itself is incredibly moving, with its haunting melody and powerful vocals.
20:16Meanwhile, the lyrics tell an emotional tale of oppression and the hope for freedom that grips your heart and soul.
20:22Hearing the Hebrews crying out for deliverance live on stage especially strikes a chord.
20:27Every cast member pours their heart into the number, making sure nobody is left unmoved.
20:36If you ever get the chance to see it live, the performance from the whole company is absolutely stunning.
20:41It's one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful things you'll ever witness on stage.
20:46Number 4. Mama Who Bore Me – Spring Awakening
20:56Before teenage angst puts the rock in this rock musical, Vendla sings this contemporary ballad about the complexities of mother-daughter relationships.
21:04Frustrated by her mom's silence on the facts of life, Vendla voices how unprepared she feels as she comes of age.
21:23The melody and arrangement evoke vulnerability and turmoil, complemented perfectly by Vendla's expressive vocals.
21:29They light a candle and hope that it glows.
21:36She captures the confusion of being a teenager in a way that resonates with everyone, no matter how long it's been since 13 years.
21:43You can feel her conflict as she tries to figure everything out while feeling like nobody understands.
21:48That's why this song hits you right in the feels. It's just so honest and real.
21:53No sleep in heaven or Bethlehem
22:04Number 3. Prologue Les Miserables
22:07The prologue wastes no time immersing the audience in a central theme of the show, social injustice and poverty.
22:13I've died the wrong, sweet Jesus, hear my prayer.
22:19Look down, look down, sweet Jesus doesn't care.
22:25We meet Jean Valjean, a convict whose only crime was trying to feed his family, leading to a harsh 19-year sentence.
22:32Despite his freedom, Valjean remains haunted by his past.
22:35Only through encountering kindness does he find the resolve to break free from his history and become a force for good.
22:42You must use this precious silver to become an honest man.
22:50Prologue pulls at every single heartstring with profound frustration, despair and unfairness, all conveyed powerfully through the company's voices.
22:59Valjean's final note can set off a shockwave of chills.
23:03You almost expect the whole theater to start shaking with the power of it.
23:06Another story must begin!
23:20Number 2. Circle of Life – The Lion King
23:23Remember the first time you watched Disney's The Lion King and how you stood to attention like a meerkat at the first notes of this song?
23:30Come on, that's core memory material.
23:36Now imagine experiencing that live.
23:39From that very first note, the cast has you in their grip, hanging on every word they sing.
23:44The harmonious blend of English lyrics and Zulu chants casts its magic over us, drawing audiences deeper into the story.
24:01The melody builds and builds, holding the audience in a trance-like state.
24:05Till we find our place, if we're gonna put on rising.
24:16Then, when Baby Simba's introduced and the song hits its peak, well, the energy is electric enough to launch us right to the top of Pride Rock.
24:24Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
24:40Magic To Do – Pippin.
24:42A captivating invitation to extraordinary wonders and a thrilling touch of the unknown.
24:47With our magic to do, just for you, with a miracle place to play.
24:54In every age, Titanic – the tragic fate of the ship and its many passengers gives it a chilling undercurrent.
25:01Our task was to dream upon and then create a floating city.
25:11Floating city.
25:16Little Shop of Horrors. Little Shop of Horrors.
25:20That booming, ominous voice starkly contrasted with the upbeat, foreboding melody gives this song a hair-raising kick.
25:26Little Shop, Little Shop of Horrors. Little Shop of Horrors. Little Shop of Horrors. Little Shop of Horrors.
25:38Anybody Have a Map, Dear Evan Hansen.
25:40There are almost no words to describe how close to home this song hits, even if you're not a parent.
25:46Does anybody, anybody, anybody maybe happen to know how the hell to do this?
25:51I don't know if you can tell, but this is me just pretending to know.
25:55The Sound of Music. The Sound of Music. The way the music swells feels capable of making the very mountains tremble.
26:05The hills are alive with the sound of music.
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26:37Is there anything more hair-raising than a melody beckoning you into a tale shrouded in darkness?
26:42He shaved the faces of gentlemen who never thereafter were heard of again.
26:47He trod a path that few have trod, did Sweeney Todd.
26:51The soundtrack is known for its intricate harmonies and eerie chords,
26:55which create this unsettling tension that perfectly mirrors the twisted story.
26:59Unlike typical upbeat show tunes, Sweeney Todd's melodies feel offbeat, constantly keeping you on your toes.
27:06Its vocal style often booms with operatic grandeur, with these powerful soaring notes that add to the drama and intensity.
27:26Yet just as you settle into its rhythm, it swerves, plunging into moments of eerie calm that catch you off guard.
27:33The music itself becomes a character, intensifying the story's emotional heft.
27:49Which opening number from a musical never fails to give you chills?
27:52Let us know in the comments.
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27:55Of age
27:56Of age
27:57Of age
27:59Of 순간
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