6 Showtunes to Beat the Blues

I’ve been posting on this blog every week since the beginning of quarantine. The summer of 2020 is different. It's tinged with fear, sorrow and melancholy.

Here are six showtunes to help you get through summertime sadness.

Carnaval del Barrio, In The Heights - This song always makes my heart swell. It encompasses the hot, feverish, fun of summers in NYC. And there is also such beauty in the people singing so proudly and joyfully about their heritage.

Livin’ It Up On Top, Hadestown - Hadestown is my favorite musical score from the past few years. This song is a celebration of summer and of making do with what you have.

La Vie Boheme, Rent - The fun this encapsulates reminds me of a hot July afternoon. And it makes me long for the days when I could gather with a large group of friends. Who knew our last brunch would be our last for so long?

All That Jazz, Chicago - Another moment that doesn’t actually take place in the summer, this musical theatre classic screams theatre camp to me. Something about the jazz hands and the t-strap heels. Plus, I could go for some cold gin right about now.

I Am Moana, Moana - While technically not musical theatre, this song makes me cry every time. Maybe because I just love the idea of a young girl of color finding her own way. Besides, what’s more summery than an ocean adventure?

Summertime - Porgy and Bess - There's not much to say about Audra McDonald and her absolutely insane vocals that hasn't been said. This is the ultimate achingly beautiful, sad summer song.

What musical numbers have you been listening to this summer? I'd love to hear them in the comments.

Hang in there, theatre folks. Love and theatre, Krista