The following are selections that will be performed by the Woodbridge Community Choir for the spring 2010 concert series. As you may notice right away these are all songs from contemporary Broadway Musicals. The majority of the musicals came out within the last 25 years but at least one dates back about 45 years ago. Most of the songs are simply beautiful and inspiring but some are just plan fun to sing or you might go so far as to say thrilling and spine-tingling.
Selections:
FEELING GOOD
From THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT THE SMELL OF THE CROWD - 1964
A show-stopping number from the 1960's musical "The Roar of the Greasepaint." Recently recorded by Michael Buble, it has a positive message that still rings true today. "Birds flyin' high, you know how I feel. Sun in the sky, you know how I feel...it's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me..."
GREASED LIGHTNIN
From GREASE 1971
This song features the guys with this 50s style raucous, rockin' Broadway blockbuster from "Grease!" Go! Go! Go!
ONE
From A CHORUS LINE 1975
This classic edition of the popular number from "A Chorus Line" continues to be a favorite with choirs and audiences year after year. "One singular sensation, every little step she takes..." Warning you may be tempted to break into a high-kick routine.
THE BALLAD OF SWEENY TODD
From SWEENY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET - 1979
A percussive piano theme underscores this haunting opening number from what many consider to be Sondheim's greatest musical score. An ominous chorus invites listeners to "attend the tale of Sweeney Todd" as they sing the textured lines and ear-gripping sonorities of this theatrical classic. This is a spine-tingling, blood-curdling thriller for both the choir and audience.
THE COLORS OF MY LIFE
From BARNUM 1980
"And if from by my side my love should roam, the colors of my life will shine a quiet light to lead him home." This concert setting of the romantic ballad from the show "Barnum" is charged with emotion and beautiful imagery in text and music.
FAMILY
From DREAMGIRLS 1981
"It's more than you, it is more than me. No matter what we are, we are a family..." This slow, soulful number from "Dreamgirls" speaks to everyone, young and old. "This dream is for all of us...no one can stop us now."
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
From LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 1982
From the score of the cult-classic musical "Little Shop of Horrors" by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, this is a kitsch-filled romp through 1960's nostalgia! Everyone will love it!
ANTHEM
From CHESS 1984
This is a beautiful song from the musical Chess that has a stunning patriotic theme. "I cross over borders but I'm still there now...My land's only borders lie around my heart." As performed by Josh Groban it is both inspiring and breathtaking.
A NEW LIFE
From JEKYLL & HYDE 1990
Who would have thought such an extraordinarily beautiful ballad could come out of a musical featuring the tragic life of the main character of "Jekyll & Hyde". Features an alto solo, "...as I go through life, just to play the game and to pursue life, just to share its pleasures and belong. That's what I've been here for all along."
CHILDREN OF EDEN
From CHILDREN OF EDEN 1991
This magnificent ballad from the musical "Children of Eden" resonates with all of us in our humanity. "Children of Eden, where have we left you? Born to uncertainty, destined for pain. Sins of your parents haunt you and test you. This, your inheritance: fire and rain..." A work of rare beauty and poignancy, this will make a lasting impression on all who experience it.
FINAL B (NO DAY BUT TODAY)
From RENT 1996
Winning the Pulitzer Prize and four Tony Awards, the musical "Rent" by the late Jonathan Larson changed the course of Broadway history. This is a powerful song with rock-anthem style harmonies and emotion-filled lyrics.
AS LONG AS YOURE MINE
From WICKED 2003
This is a poignant song that provides inspiration to the youth of today as they enter young adulthood. It is a powerful anthem of love and longing from the hit musical "Wicked". "See how bright we shine...I'll be here holding you, as long as you're mine."
LIVE OUT LOUD
From A LITTLE PRINCESS 2004
Full of joy and buoyant energy, Andrew Lippa's exuberant song from "A Little Princess" makes a delightful showcase for our choral group.
ELECTRICITY
From BILLY ELLIOT 2005
This uplifting song from the show "Billy Elliot" gives voice to Billy's powerful need to express himself through dance. It's a magnificent affirmation of the human spirit.
I BELIEVE
From SPRING AWAKENING 2006
Winning 8 Tony Awards, "Spring Awakening" has struck an especially strong chord with young audiences through its vivid, emotional score and story. This song, which closes Act I, is a powerful plea for love and acceptance. It stands alone beautifully in this full, rich choral setting.