By Theatre Trip
Whether it’s a romantic duet or an angsty ballad about what love feels like, love songs go hand in hand with Valentine’s Day. As well as our favorite Valentine's Day theatre streams, here's the music that'll accompany our February 14.
"Dance With You" from The Prom
Matt, Theater Team
The Prom is a musical that opens with some big chaotic energy - in the best way! We get big attitudes, big energy and big songs that illustrate what a big mess the characters are in. But “Dance With You”, halfway into the first act, is the first moment that we as the audience are given that chance to step back and realize what the whole show is about. Two girls just want to be able to dance together. That’s it. It’s a powerful statement that is beautifully encapsulated in this wonderful number.
"You Matter to Me" from Waitress
Sophie, Editorial Team
Just hearing the opening chords sets off the waterworks for me (and want my own Dr. Pomatter). All four times I saw Waitress in London, I had to mentally prepare myself for this love duet. Its heartfelt lyrics and simplicity packs an emotional punch and just relaxes me whenever I’m feeling anxious.
"In His Eyes" from Jekyll & Hyde
Geri, Theater Team
“Lily’s Eyes” from The Secret Garden
Geri, Theatre Team
So, these are actually two different songs from two very different musicals, but they are both Act 2 power ballads about eyes and worth listening to on repeat. In “In His Eyes,” two women sing about their love for the same man (or men, considering he is both Jekyll and Hyde) and in “Lily’s Eyes,” two brothers sing about their love for Lily, Archibald’s deceased wife. Come for the feelings, stay for the harmonies. And stay for the full cast recordings of both fabulous musicals, while you’re at it!
“If I Loved You” from Carousel
Suzy, Marketing Team
“People Will Say We’re In Love” from Oklahoma!
Suzy, Marketing Team
Okay, allow me the theater nerd out for a bit. I know these are some old school love tunes, but there’s something so Golden Age™ musical theatre about a good ol’ conditional love song. My musical theater history loving self will always be obsessed with these Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes.
"Too Much in Love to Care" from Sunset Boulevard
Quinn, Operations Team
I remember hearing this song as a bonus track at the end of a special edition Phantom of the Opera recording when I was probably 12 or 13 years old. I just remember being completely blown away by the music at first (it’s Adrew Lloyd Webber...so of course). It starts off slow and quiet and builds into this incredibly beautiful power ballad. There’s just something about the lyrics that gets me every time!
"Gimme Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie
Zoë, Product Team
When it comes to the catalogue of Broadway love ballads, this upbeat number from “Thoroughly Modern Millie” sticks its jazz hands out and demands your attention. Though she sings about the boy in another number, ‘Gimme Gimme’ is all about Millie (played iconically by sweet baby Sutton Foster) falling in love with love itself, gradually getting more and more excited about the idea until she breaks into a bright, ecstatic belt. I doubt anyone has ever been able to make it through without tapping their toes or smiling from ear to ear.
"Secret Love" from Calamity Jane
Joseph, UK Ticketing Operations Team
Who doesn't love a bit of Calamity Jane? By this point in the musical we get to see the softer side of Calamity Jane, she has fallen in love but has kept it a secret. Then the moment arrives for her to declare her love, “Now I shout it from the highest hills” and they all live happily ever after. I love simplicity in musicals as I think sometimes it can speak volumes.