Which opening musical number gives YOU chills? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 Opening Songs from Broadway Musicals - ruclips.net/video/7sdXiyDaFAM/видео.html
Might be recency bias for me but, "Road to Hell" from Hadestown gets me incredibly hyped everytime I hear it. Live band on the stage and the energy Hermes brings and how they have the audience glued to the story immediately. I think it's so, so good!
It may not have made it to Broadway, but the stage version of Hunchback of Notre Dame took the already-chill-inducing opening song and kicked it up about ten notches, with a full choir and the actor transforming into Quasimodo on stage.
As a Canadian who was too young to be able to truly understand just everything that happened that day, I'm so proud of how such a small community showed the world just how kind we can be and how we can come together in times of need. I may be an Ontarian but have family roots in me from there and am so proud to be part Newfie. Come From Away is such an amazing story and to make it a musical and not just a documentary on TV is very unique and so special. It took such a horrid day and turned the heartwarming actions of a small town and educated the world what being neighbours to the North means.
I drove my parents through Canada to Vermont starting on Sept. 12. They had plane tickets to leave on the 12th. I will always be grateful for the support and compassion we received. Thank you, Canada. ❤
I was an American student going to college in Newfoundland when 9/11 happened. I can’t describe how supported and cared for I was by my friends, the staff and faculty and my other classmates. I can’t watch Come From Away without crying/laughing/crying the whole time. If I couldn’t be home for that horrible time, I’m so thankful I was there.
I can't make it through the soundtrack without crying. Made the mistake of trying to listen to it for the first time at work. Had to turn it off before I broke down at my desk.
Come from Away is such a good show!!! I was surprised that Ex-Wives from Six, or Welcome to the Moulin Rouge from Moulin Rouge weren’t ranked or listed, they never fail to give me chills
@@kathrynolsen1256 What? No. What song comes before Rent? It's literally the first words of the musical: December 24th, 9pm, eastern standard time from here on I shoot without a script.
IMO it just pales in comparison to the act 1 ending song of “climb every mountain”. The visuals of the movie are cool for the opening. But for the theater show they’re not able to capture those same visuals from the helicopter of her up alone in the mountains.
@@edifice2773 I fully expected that to be #1 for that reason alone. In the era when most musicals started with a big flashy chorus, the simplicity of Curly strolling onstage and beginning “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” unaccompanied, was especially thrilling.
As a student I was working as an usher in a cinema where Cabaret was playing. I saw the opening "willkommen". many, many times and it still gave me goosebumps.
I can think of a few: ."Arabian Knights"- Aladdin ."Bikini Bottom Day"- Spongebob The Musical ."Good Morning Baltimore"- Hairspray ."In the Heights"- In the Heights musical ."Santa Fe (Prolouge)/Carrying the Banner"- Newsies ."Rent"- RENT the Musical .The Into the Woods Prologue- Into the Woods
I'm so glad they included 'Deliver Us' from Prince of Egypt. Truly a masterpiece and moving opening! Gets me every time, especially when the mother starts singing.
Where is Ex-wives from Six? You can't say that opening with the drum leading into each wife mentioning their single word fate doesn't give you goosebumps.
I saw Sweeney Todd in it's original version on Broadway the first week it opened. I knew absolutely nothing about it except it was by Sondheim. I've never been so blown away in my life.
I know exactly what you mean!!! I had a very similar experience. "A Chorus Line" was sold out, so my friend got us for the new "Sondheim musical." All I knew was that Angela ("Mame") Lansbury and Len ("A Little Night Music") were in the show. I was blown away from the beginning until the end!
That's so cool! I saw the revival and it's definitely one of the best musical openings I've ever seen. Just the music along with the lighting was SO good!
Come From Away is a musical that speaks of the true stories that the writers discovered when they went to Gander Newfoundland on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. A number of the ‘plane people’ (the term that refers to those in the planes that landed in Gander when the planes were ordered to land at the nearest airport) travelled back to Gander and the surrounding communities to thank those who took in over 7000 people.
I agree with a lot of your picks, but the opening that I adore is Ragtime. It sets up the entire show, and the harmonies and power of the end of the song are incredibly beautiful.
"Just Another Day" is a great introduction to the dysfunctional Goodman family, and how they're determined to bottle up their respective traumas, sung under an upbeat melody.
For Les Miz, Instead of the "Prologue" I would have gone with "At the End of the Day" for those chills you're looking for. Those opening notes, with the brass and violins crashing in - complete shivers!!
I was looking for that. the overture with the chandelier is the quintessential chill-giving opening...c'mon now lol. unless this list just had songs with words/lyrics (vs. just music)
I don’t know it if this song qualifies but when I first heard the opening Little Shop Of Horrors (movies and musical with the same title) I was on locked in.
I was in fiddler on the roof last year. I played an ensemble daughter but it was SO much fun. Each group is so unique. The song tradition had so much energy and it was fun getting to see the awe in people’s faces every night.
I just finished my fiddler run two weeks ago! I was an ensemble mama and I relate with everything you said! Some refugees came to our show and felt very moved and really enjoyed it too which was so exciting to hear it was able to touch people
@@dawnieb.7394 Yeah, this theatre company is for people under 19 but run by adults. It’s a semi professional theatre company and anyone of age can join
I love "Aquarius" but then I was a child in those days and everything (to me) was so colourful and pretty. It was my halcyon years so I didn't know how truly ugly the world was at that time LOL.
“Prologue: Old Red Hills of Home” from Parade in my mind is a perfect opening number. It’s a beautiful timely melody that does a stunning job setting up the culture of a town bred in pride and hatred; while subliminally alienating the main character. From the first 8 minutes of the show, it shows you how it was possible for all events to take place the way they did
I thought of that too, but I think they're going for a bit more of a haunting feel. This number gives me chills in a different way, with the harmonizing and just the sheer power of the voices.
Just a few other openings I think are... *chef's kiss* Miracle from Matilda: The Musical Roaring On from The Great Gatsby The Whole Being Dead Thing from Beetlejuice When You're an Addams from Addams Family Overture/Prologue: A Warning to the Audience from A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder Lost in the Darkness from Jekyll and Hyde Ex-Wives from SIX: The Musical In from Carrie Welcome to the Moulin Rouge! from Moulin Rouge Prologue/The Day I Got Expelled from Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Prologue: Into the Woods from Into the Woods Company from Company Time from The Notebook Epiphany from Bare: A Pop Opera Wow I really didn't think I had that many others on my mind
100% agree with number one. The ending of the number where the chorus are repeatedly singing “Sweeney” like the violin stabs in the Psycho score giving way to the first entrance of Sweeney himself is a pure goosebump moment.
Ex Wives from Six. "Divorced." "Beheaded." "Died." "Divorced." "Beheaded." "Survived." Always gets me. Oh What A Beautiful Morning from Oklahoma! The song that made me fall in love with musical theater when I was young. Alexander Hamilton from Hamilton. Can't avoid goosies every time I hear it.
Yes, but there's a few 'meh' songs in your list that I would replace with songs such as Good Morning Baltimore - Hairspray, Prologue - Into the Woods, Willkommen - Cabaret, Company - Company, I Hope I Get It - A Chorus Line,
29 дней назад
"IN" from Carrie - the musical gets me every time. No matter what you might think of the idea of turning the story into a musical, the songs are incredible.
I’m surprised that Into the Woods didn’t even make an honorable mention. That opening song covers SOOOOOO much and is integral to getting all of the many storylines established and connected with the characters going “Into the Woods”.
I agree it's fabulous! BUT, I think their criteria of giving you "chills" is why it didn't make the cut. I think their definition leans more toward the melancholy/haunting side.
The opening number that really stands out for me is "Ex-Wives" from Six: the Musical! What better way to introduce the 6 wives of King Henry VIII than through this powerful number!
MSMOJO I am shocked! I love your lists but the ones you picked vs the ones left off (and not even honorable mentions?!?) blew me away! Where were the following?!? -Prologue: Into the Woods -I Hope I Get It: A Chorus Line -9 to 5: 9 to 5 -OMIGOD You Guys: Legally Blonde -Good Morning Baltimore: Hairspray
I was surprised - pleasantly - to see Maybe as one of your choices! Annie was the first musical I saw on Broadway, and that opening number will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget the chills I got hearing the orchestra playing the Overture but when that curtain rose and Annie started singing Maybe I just fell in love with the entire spectacle of live theater. ❤
I think Prologue from Ragtime deserves a mention. Weaves so much together and then the end when all three groups are singing it just sets up such an underrated musical.
From the first time I ever heard it, "Seasons of Love" from Rent has always given me goosebumps and a tear in my eye. It is one of the most beautifully haunting songs I've ever heard.
The management team at Arena Stage in DC rescued this show from the trash can! The writers tried to make it work -- without any success and were giving up. Molly Smith at Arena focuses on American plays and saw through to the heart of this show. Some considerable workshopping later we Arena Stage subscribers were treated to a wonderful and rewarding musical play. From the trash can to The Pulitzer Prize. Quite the journey!
5:31 I live in New Zealand, so I didn't hear until 9/12. But I do remember exactly where I was. I was sitting in my classroom, six years old and hearing about these Twin Towers I'd never even known existed. No "Beautiful" from Heathers? For shame! That summed up the setting, the characters, the theme and the backstory all in one go. I still get chills the second Veronica runs out in her blue blazer and miniskirt.
i completely agree with #1, i was lucky enough to see one of the last shows of the recent Sweeney Todd run with Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster and i had chills that lasted the entire time. a truly incredible musical
I vote for "Magic To Do" from Pippin and "Walk HIm Up" from Purlie. Walking HIm Up being probably the most energetic opening number I have ever seen in 50+ years of theatre going.
Come from Away was one of the best musicals I've ever seen. I had zero expectations, and have never laughed and cried within one performance as I had with that.
I actually just saw Wicked for the first time a week ago at the time of this comment. It was such an amazing show, and I’d not heard this song before seeing it live so I was caught off guard and in a good way.
YOU ARE DISEASED - how in God's name do you skip "I Hope I Get It" you from _ACL_ when it was obviously the #1? I rarely watch your videos anymore because you pull this kind of crap, but whenever I do, you always remind me why I don't.
So, "That Give Us Chills" excludes A LOT of opening numbers that are upbeat and joyous (see: "Good Morning, Baltimore" from Hairspray, and many more), and the "Us" makes the choices inarguable, but okay, fine, whatever; I'll toss in my two cents worth. For this list, in addition to overlooking some worthy newer (1980s-present) musical numbers like "I Wish" from Into the Woods and "Prologue: Ragtime" from Ragtime, the MsMojo list-makers seem afraid to include or unaware at all of earlier musicals, with maybe three "usual" exceptions. Here, I am astonished that the opening of one of those three musicals they do tend to be aware of, "Prologue/The Jet Song" from West Side Story is not even in the Honorable Mentions. (But "Requiem for Evita" is here? Please.) Where is the haunting and, yes, chills-inducing "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess?? Where is "I, Don Quixote" from Man of La Mancha? Where are the three great "We're about to put on a great show for you" songs: "Another Openin', Another Show" from Kiss Me Kate; "Comedy Tonight" from "A Funny Thing . . ."; and "Magic to Do" from Pippin? (Done right, that last one can be chills-inducing too!) Where is "Wilkommen" from Cabaret? I'll stop now; but I call on Ms. Mojo (again) to stop being so "presentist" and expand their horizons beyond the last 40 years, and especially the last 20.
THANK YOU for the Man of La Mancha shoutout. Incredibly overlooked, yet a 💯% stirring score. I never get over the fact that that man didn't have another good musical left in him.
@@tejaswoman Musicals are a team sport, so it's very hard to capture lightning in a bottle twice, much less multiple times. Man of La Mancha was a near-miracle -- the source material, the absolutely perfect leading man, the score, the aspirational ending, etc., etc., all came together perfectly -- and then almost never again for most of the team. But the show, done right, is just wonderful!
@@jwsel Pippin was written off for a long time as an outdated product of its time -- the "disappointed 70s" after the idealism and grand expectations of the 60s. It has proven significantly more enduring and deeper than that, and the opening number sets it up so well: it seems like a throwback to the "Hey, kids, let's put on a show" idealism of a much earlier time, but toward the end of the show, that opening seems much darker and more complicated. Great stuff!
if you would count it i would say carrying the banner from newsies is up there because the harmony’s give you chills and the dancing oh my god the dancing
Lots of amazing musicals in this list! I know it’s not a “song” technically, but how did Overture from phantom of the opera not make the list or honorable mentions?! 😭🤣
I had a chance to see Come From Away this spring in Lexington, and thanks to my friend I actually got to go. I knew I was going to get emotional, especially at Me and the Sky, but Welcome to the Rock hit me so hard. I was nearly bawling by the end of the show, but that certainly didn't do me any favors at the top.
All that Jazz from Chicago, Urinetown from... well Urinetown, Tower of Babble from Godspell, Ex Wives from SIX, In from Carrie, Beautiful from Heathers and In the Heights from In the Heights are all really strong contenders
![BabyChiefDoit - Too Slow (feat. STAR BANDZ) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zayaxws7RPg/mqdefault.jpg)
Which opening musical number gives YOU chills? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 Opening Songs from Broadway Musicals - ruclips.net/video/7sdXiyDaFAM/видео.html
The entire opening of Titanic!
You can't forget "Fall Fair" from "Ride the Cyclone". It is SO GOOD on setting the scene and mood of the rest of the show.
For me not quite chills, but god damn “I Need To Know” from Jekyll and Hyde just pulls me in, I love it so much
I hope I get it from A Chorus Line needed to be on this list!
@@LJTanWho am I, anyway…?
Might be recency bias for me but, "Road to Hell" from Hadestown gets me incredibly hyped everytime I hear it. Live band on the stage and the energy Hermes brings and how they have the audience glued to the story immediately. I think it's so, so good!
I second this statement
AIGHT!!
My initial thought. It should be around Hamilton
Rent, they had one of the most amazing openings. It set up the story, set up each character, and was huge. This should have been a top 3.
It may not have made it to Broadway, but the stage version of Hunchback of Notre Dame took the already-chill-inducing opening song and kicked it up about ten notches, with a full choir and the actor transforming into Quasimodo on stage.
YES omg it gives me chills every time!
Came here to say this. One of the best openings, that choir gives you goosebumps for days!
Thank you! Yes. That whole album is goosebump-inducing ear candy.
YES!
Agreed! The whole show is very underrated!
As a Canadian who was too young to be able to truly understand just everything that happened that day, I'm so proud of how such a small community showed the world just how kind we can be and how we can come together in times of need. I may be an Ontarian but have family roots in me from there and am so proud to be part Newfie. Come From Away is such an amazing story and to make it a musical and not just a documentary on TV is very unique and so special. It took such a horrid day and turned the heartwarming actions of a small town and educated the world what being neighbours to the North means.
“And I turn on the radio…”
I remember *exactly* what I was doing…and this segue *always* brings tears.
I was old enough and for my money, the “Newfies” saved the world.
I drove my parents through Canada to Vermont starting on Sept. 12. They had plane tickets to leave on the 12th. I will always be grateful for the support and compassion we received. Thank you, Canada. ❤
I was an American student going to college in Newfoundland when 9/11 happened. I can’t describe how supported and cared for I was by my friends, the staff and faculty and my other classmates. I can’t watch Come From Away without crying/laughing/crying the whole time. If I couldn’t be home for that horrible time, I’m so thankful I was there.
As a newfie, come from away always makes me proud when I see it on a top 10 list
It's my favorite show of all time. It's incredible!
It’s so good! The reason I clicked this video
I was so glad this was included!! It brings tears to my eyes every single time.
I can't make it through the soundtrack without crying. Made the mistake of trying to listen to it for the first time at work. Had to turn it off before I broke down at my desk.
@@hprotz6600 the final 'No I'm fine Tom, I'm fine' gets the waterworks going for me
“Once upon a time.” “I wish.” Into the Woods, Prologue. That opening chord brings chills to my spine every time I hear it.
Came here to say this!
@@lrokrasz me too
Was just coming to post this opening!! Love it and always will!
I thought this would be. Number 1!
“More than anything.”Best Musical Ever!!
Come from Away is such a good show!!! I was surprised that Ex-Wives from Six, or Welcome to the Moulin Rouge from Moulin Rouge weren’t ranked or listed, they never fail to give me chills
"All That Jazz" from Chicago is such a great opening!!
Yes! Perfectly sets the tone and builds the world
How did Disney justify the inane "live action" version of "Lion King" when this brilliant staging was there all the time just waiting to be filmed?
Probably because they wouldn't get ALL the profits.
It has been filmed. And already been released to the public.
Because we ae more interested in the Uncanny Valley than styized storytelling. The technicals on that show are AMAZING.
"Opening/I Hope I Get It" from A Chorus Line and "Rent" from RENT
Except “Rent” is multiple songs in.
It's inexcusable they didn't name "I Hope I Get It" as the top pick.
@@kathrynolsen1256 What? No. What song comes before Rent? It's literally the first words of the musical: December 24th, 9pm, eastern standard time from here on I shoot without a script.
@@T123456788 In the movie they sing Seasons of Love first. In the play the voicemail and tune ups come first.
@@Azraline Movie doesn't count but I forgot the tuneups/voicemail are considered separate tracks
I still get goosebumps whenever I hear the opening song of The Sound of Music
IMO it just pales in comparison to the act 1 ending song of “climb every mountain”. The visuals of the movie are cool for the opening. But for the theater show they’re not able to capture those same visuals from the helicopter of her up alone in the mountains.
“Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!
Agreed. That song changed musical theater forever.
@@edifice2773
I fully expected that to be #1 for that reason alone. In the era when most musicals started with a big flashy chorus, the simplicity of Curly strolling onstage and beginning “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” unaccompanied, was especially thrilling.
Oklahoma was one of the first movie musicals I ever saw, and I was blown away by Joel McCray singing that song.
@@reneestockdale-homick343 You mean Gordon McRae?
@@edifice2773 OMG, yes, you’re right! Sorry I got that mixed up. SMH
Cabaret's "Willkommen" is one I really enjoy. Strongly recommend for any bookmark/reprise style list in the future
I was so surprised “Willkommen” was not featured on the list.
I was expecting it to be on this list.
As a student I was working as an usher in a cinema where Cabaret was playing. I saw the opening "willkommen". many, many times and it still gave me goosebumps.
@@davidrosenberg9615me too!
I can think of a few:
."Arabian Knights"- Aladdin
."Bikini Bottom Day"- Spongebob The Musical
."Good Morning Baltimore"- Hairspray
."In the Heights"- In the Heights musical
."Santa Fe (Prolouge)/Carrying the Banner"- Newsies
."Rent"- RENT the Musical
.The Into the Woods Prologue- Into the Woods
Road to hell
Come from away is one of my favorite musicals ever! Had me BAWLING
Never cried as much in a theatre and that's saying something ngl
"Magic to Do" from Pippin is my personal favorite. It's a masterfully ominous buildup that is simultaneously enticing and unnerving
The opening of Ragtime should’ve been on this list. Hands down one of the best. It gives me chills every single time.
Was coming here to say that. It is amazing!
9.5 minutes of magic. I got to be in the ensemble a few months ago 🙂
I was gonna come here to say this too. It's a crime it's so forgotten.
SHOCKED it didn’t make the list!
PREACH!
I'm so glad they included 'Deliver Us' from Prince of Egypt. Truly a masterpiece and moving opening! Gets me every time, especially when the mother starts singing.
Come from Away is the one that got to me the most. But I’m from Atlantic Canada, so I’m totally biased
I’m not though - and I completely agree 😊
My vote is for RENT. Powerful, punchy, tells you where these misfits are heading without giving away too much. Love it! ❤🧡💛
Yessss!!!!!
@@WerthFamilyIt’s not really an opening number though because it doesn’t begin the show
@@theozucconi6350 it's the first complete song, though.
Where is Ex-wives from Six? You can't say that opening with the drum leading into each wife mentioning their single word fate doesn't give you goosebumps.
I saw Sweeney Todd in it's original version on Broadway the first week it opened. I knew absolutely nothing about it except it was by Sondheim. I've never been so blown away in my life.
I know exactly what you mean!!! I had a very similar experience.
"A Chorus Line" was sold out, so my friend got us for the new "Sondheim musical." All I knew was that Angela ("Mame") Lansbury and Len ("A Little Night Music") were in the show. I was blown away from the beginning until the end!
@@mervyngreene6687 We were two lucky people!
So. Jealous.
That's so cool! I saw the revival and it's definitely one of the best musical openings I've ever seen. Just the music along with the lighting was SO good!
Come From Away is a musical that speaks of the true stories that the writers discovered when they went to Gander Newfoundland on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. A number of the ‘plane people’ (the term that refers to those in the planes that landed in Gander when the planes were ordered to land at the nearest airport) travelled back to Gander and the surrounding communities to thank those who took in over 7000 people.
I agree with a lot of your picks, but the opening that I adore is Ragtime. It sets up the entire show, and the harmonies and power of the end of the song are incredibly beautiful.
"Just Another Day" is a great introduction to the dysfunctional Goodman family, and how they're determined to bottle up their respective traumas, sung under an upbeat melody.
For Les Miz, Instead of the "Prologue" I would have gone with "At the End of the Day" for those chills you're looking for. Those opening notes, with the brass and violins crashing in - complete shivers!!
phantom of the opera theme always gives me chills
I was looking for that. the overture with the chandelier is the quintessential chill-giving opening...c'mon now lol. unless this list just had songs with words/lyrics (vs. just music)
@@cuttlefishagainthey said at the beginning that the list doesn’t include overtures because they should have their own ranked list
@@horsechick818 oh ok, thanks. I didn't watch the intro lol
It was my late daughters absolute favorite.
I was in Jesus Christ Superstar. Heaven on Their Minds got the whole cast pumped up to perform.
Come From Away is great considering the emotion derived from that moment.
Ragtime should be on this list. The opening number sets up the show.
I don’t know it if this song qualifies but when I first heard the opening Little Shop Of Horrors (movies and musical with the same title) I was on locked in.
Yeah, that qualifies
Oh hell yeah 'Little Shop' ...that Motown Sound just hooks you right in and never let's go.
That's my favorite!
Yes - "Downtown" is an incredible opening number from a musical. So glad that someone else thought so too.
I was in fiddler on the roof last year. I played an ensemble daughter but it was SO much fun. Each group is so unique. The song tradition had so much energy and it was fun getting to see the awe in people’s faces every night.
I just finished my fiddler run two weeks ago! I was an ensemble mama and I relate with everything you said! Some refugees came to our show and felt very moved and really enjoyed it too which was so exciting to hear it was able to touch people
i did fiddler my junior year of high school and it was my favorite show i’ve done! i played fruma sarah and a mama as well!
@@northernwords9966 that's amazing! Do you perform in community theatre?
@@dawnieb.7394 Yeah, this theatre company is for people under 19 but run by adults. It’s a semi professional theatre company and anyone of age can join
I'm surprised that the classic opening number "Jet Song" from West Side Story did not make it to this list.
Agreed!
I love "Aquarius" but then I was a child in those days and everything (to me) was so colourful and pretty. It was my halcyon years so I didn't know how truly ugly the world was at that time LOL.
FIddler opening with "Tradition" really sets the viewer up for a play which shows how traditions are blown apart for Tevye's community.
“Prologue: Old Red Hills of Home” from Parade in my mind is a perfect opening number. It’s a beautiful timely melody that does a stunning job setting up the culture of a town bred in pride and hatred; while subliminally alienating the main character. From the first 8 minutes of the show, it shows you how it was possible for all events to take place the way they did
I sobbed during this I was in ensemble and omg the final night we all struggled to get through the song
I was really hoping that would be on here! I can't even describe the emotions I get from that musical, and particularly "The Old Red Hills of Home."
I would have put “Hello” from The Book of Mormon on the list.
I thought of that too, but I think they're going for a bit more of a haunting feel. This number gives me chills in a different way, with the harmonizing and just the sheer power of the voices.
That doesn’t give one chills…just the giggles. Different countdown. 😏
Just a few other openings I think are... *chef's kiss*
Miracle from Matilda: The Musical
Roaring On from The Great Gatsby
The Whole Being Dead Thing from Beetlejuice
When You're an Addams from Addams Family
Overture/Prologue: A Warning to the Audience from A Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder
Lost in the Darkness from Jekyll and Hyde
Ex-Wives from SIX: The Musical
In from Carrie
Welcome to the Moulin Rouge! from Moulin Rouge
Prologue/The Day I Got Expelled from Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Prologue: Into the Woods from Into the Woods
Company from Company
Time from The Notebook
Epiphany from Bare: A Pop Opera
Wow I really didn't think I had that many others on my mind
The opening of West Side Story is so icon and the music was ground breaking for musical at that time. Gets me every time!
100% agree with number one. The ending of the number where the chorus are repeatedly singing “Sweeney” like the violin stabs in the Psycho score giving way to the first entrance of Sweeney himself is a pure goosebump moment.
Ex Wives from Six. "Divorced." "Beheaded." "Died." "Divorced." "Beheaded." "Survived." Always gets me.
Oh What A Beautiful Morning from Oklahoma! The song that made me fall in love with musical theater when I was young.
Alexander Hamilton from Hamilton. Can't avoid goosies every time I hear it.
Yes, but there's a few 'meh' songs in your list that I would replace with songs such as Good Morning Baltimore - Hairspray, Prologue - Into the Woods, Willkommen - Cabaret, Company - Company, I Hope I Get It - A Chorus Line,
"IN" from Carrie - the musical gets me every time. No matter what you might think of the idea of turning the story into a musical, the songs are incredible.
Sound of music deserves more than just an honorable mention!
The movie was one of my musical theatre geek baby steps
"Overture/Prologue/In Every Age" from Titanic is an incredible opening.
I’m surprised that Into the Woods didn’t even make an honorable mention. That opening song covers SOOOOOO much and is integral to getting all of the many storylines established and connected with the characters going “Into the Woods”.
I agree it's fabulous! BUT, I think their criteria of giving you "chills" is why it didn't make the cut. I think their definition leans more toward the melancholy/haunting side.
The opening number that really stands out for me is "Ex-Wives" from Six: the Musical! What better way to introduce the 6 wives of King Henry VIII than through this powerful number!
The opening of rent is incredibly moving.
Great list. I thought of Into the Woods, Cats, Pippin, Hello Dolly, Cabaret.
Cabaret, of course! another good one
Pippin is one of my favorites as well! The Lead Player is my dream role, haha
MSMOJO I am shocked! I love your lists but the ones you picked vs the ones left off (and not even honorable mentions?!?) blew me away!
Where were the following?!?
-Prologue: Into the Woods
-I Hope I Get It: A Chorus Line
-9 to 5: 9 to 5
-OMIGOD You Guys: Legally Blonde
-Good Morning Baltimore: Hairspray
and dont forget Aquarius: Hair too! At least they added les mis but still, this one was not the best
I was thinking that about OMIGOD You Guys: Legally Blonde and really surprised "All that jazz" not in there.
Good Morning Baltimore and Omigod You Guys are fun opening numbers, but do they really give you chills? I don’t think they’re going for that
I think they're going for more "haunting" chills, rather than good-feeling chills.
Don't forget "Santa Fe (Prologue)" from Newsies!
I adored the opening number of "Big River." And "Sit Down John" from 1776 lays out the whole story really well.
I was surprised - pleasantly - to see Maybe as one of your choices! Annie was the first musical I saw on Broadway, and that opening number will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget the chills I got hearing the orchestra playing the Overture but when that curtain rose and Annie started singing Maybe I just fell in love with the entire spectacle of live theater. ❤
Titanic, Ragtime, Into The Woods are 3 that come to mind. All 3 are astounding!
I didn’t even think of Titanic! So haunting
I think Prologue from Ragtime deserves a mention. Weaves so much together and then the end when all three groups are singing it just sets up such an underrated musical.
From the first time I ever heard it, "Seasons of Love" from Rent has always given me goosebumps and a tear in my eye. It is one of the most beautifully haunting songs I've ever heard.
The management team at Arena Stage in DC rescued this show from the trash can! The writers tried to make it work -- without any success and were giving up. Molly Smith at Arena focuses on American plays and saw through to the heart of this show. Some considerable workshopping later we Arena Stage subscribers were treated to a wonderful and rewarding musical play. From the trash can to The Pulitzer Prize. Quite the journey!
I cry with the opening chords of Sunday In The Park With George.
It doesn't fit this list, but "Sunday" is #1 for full-body chills!
My all-time favorite is Sit Down, John from 1776.
Alexander Hamilton is the best in my opinion also loved sound of music
5:31 I live in New Zealand, so I didn't hear until 9/12. But I do remember exactly where I was. I was sitting in my classroom, six years old and hearing about these Twin Towers I'd never even known existed.
No "Beautiful" from Heathers? For shame! That summed up the setting, the characters, the theme and the backstory all in one go. I still get chills the second Veronica runs out in her blue blazer and miniskirt.
i completely agree with #1, i was lucky enough to see one of the last shows of the recent Sweeney Todd run with Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster and i had chills that lasted the entire time. a truly incredible musical
i went for the end of hush and annaleigh’s run and it was so amazing to be in the room with all the operatics
I vote for "Magic To Do" from Pippin and "Walk HIm Up" from Purlie. Walking HIm Up being probably the most energetic opening number I have ever seen in 50+ years of theatre going.
Lost In The Darkness for Jekyll & Hude always gives me goosebumps when I hear it
Come from Away was one of the best musicals I've ever seen. I had zero expectations, and have never laughed and cried within one performance as I had with that.
How did “The Old Red Hills of Home”, “Prologue: Ragtime”, and “Carryin’ the Banner” not at least get honorable mention?!?! 😮
The lack of Into the Woods and Pippin on here is astounding
I would've put In The Heights and Beetlejuice in the Honorable mention, personally. Both are great at setting the tone and establishing the narrative.
Pretty good list, but with so many HMs this should have been a Top 20.
wilkommen from cabaret. should at least get an honorable mention
“Willkommen” should have been on the list. It is just as memorable an opening as “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd”, “The Circle of Life”, and “Tradition”.
The exact “You are here” moment you played from “Welcome to the Rock” literally gave me chills both times I saw it on Broadway
Where Is Rent??!!! I think It deserved at least an honorary mention
It’s not the opening song.
@@kathrynolsen1256Rent is the opening number of Rent
I actually just saw Wicked for the first time a week ago at the time of this comment. It was such an amazing show, and I’d not heard this song before seeing it live so I was caught off guard and in a good way.
I think 'Food, Glorious Food' from Oliver! fits this category pretty well.
YOU ARE DISEASED - how in God's name do you skip "I Hope I Get It" you from _ACL_ when it was obviously the #1? I rarely watch your videos anymore because you pull this kind of crap, but whenever I do, you always remind me why I don't.
So, "That Give Us Chills" excludes A LOT of opening numbers that are upbeat and joyous (see: "Good Morning, Baltimore" from Hairspray, and many more), and the "Us" makes the choices inarguable, but okay, fine, whatever; I'll toss in my two cents worth. For this list, in addition to overlooking some worthy newer (1980s-present) musical numbers like "I Wish" from Into the Woods and "Prologue: Ragtime" from Ragtime, the MsMojo list-makers seem afraid to include or unaware at all of earlier musicals, with maybe three "usual" exceptions. Here, I am astonished that the opening of one of those three musicals they do tend to be aware of, "Prologue/The Jet Song" from West Side Story is not even in the Honorable Mentions. (But "Requiem for Evita" is here? Please.)
Where is the haunting and, yes, chills-inducing "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess?? Where is "I, Don Quixote" from Man of La Mancha? Where are the three great "We're about to put on a great show for you" songs: "Another Openin', Another Show" from Kiss Me Kate; "Comedy Tonight" from "A Funny Thing . . ."; and "Magic to Do" from Pippin? (Done right, that last one can be chills-inducing too!) Where is "Wilkommen" from Cabaret? I'll stop now; but I call on Ms. Mojo (again) to stop being so "presentist" and expand their horizons beyond the last 40 years, and especially the last 20.
THANK YOU for the Man of La Mancha shoutout. Incredibly overlooked, yet a 💯% stirring score. I never get over the fact that that man didn't have another good musical left in him.
Definitely Magic To Do. The original staging was phenomenal and the Broadway revival with the curtain drop was astonishing.
@@tejaswoman Musicals are a team sport, so it's very hard to capture lightning in a bottle twice, much less multiple times. Man of La Mancha was a near-miracle -- the source material, the absolutely perfect leading man, the score, the aspirational ending, etc., etc., all came together perfectly -- and then almost never again for most of the team. But the show, done right, is just wonderful!
@@jwsel Pippin was written off for a long time as an outdated product of its time -- the "disappointed 70s" after the idealism and grand expectations of the 60s. It has proven significantly more enduring and deeper than that, and the opening number sets it up so well: it seems like a throwback to the "Hey, kids, let's put on a show" idealism of a much earlier time, but toward the end of the show, that opening seems much darker and more complicated. Great stuff!
Tulsa '67 from The Outsiders gives me so much seratonin and one of the best openers since Hamilton
Last five years has an amazing opening number!
Yes!! I commented this as my favorite. I was literally in tears in less than a minute the first time hearing it
thank you for the ending 5 seconds where you've ask the question and answered it for me
Chicago-All That Jazz
I loved the opening number in Hadestown!
I know the movie killed it, (not in a good way) but what about CATS
It's not a "soundtrack"
It's a "score!"
These are good but ' I hope I get it' from Chorus line belomgs on this list.
if you would count it i would say carrying the banner from newsies is up there because the harmony’s give you chills and the dancing oh my god the dancing
I was surprised the opening of Ragtime didn't even make the honorable mentions!
Really should have SIX on this list….
Point of order: it is NOT a soundtrack, the proper term is CAST RECORDING
Criminal Bells of Notre Dame was left out of this list.
It's "Alexander Hamilton" for me
This is probably the worst broadway themed MOJO list ever. Usually they are on point.
Rent from Rent and now Tulsa 1967 from The Outsiders A New Musical and Six Wives from Six
Ragtime not even being listed when it has arguably the single most powerful and ambitious opening song in musical theatre history is... a choice.
Lots of amazing musicals in this list! I know it’s not a “song” technically, but how did Overture from phantom of the opera not make the list or honorable mentions?! 😭🤣
“Once Upon a Time” from Into the Woods
“Nippon, the floating kingdom” from Pacific Overtures
“Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd” OF COURSE.
Two I would put up there:
Hello from Book of Mormon
Born to Lead from Operation Mincemeat
Top would be Welcome to the Rock
I had a chance to see Come From Away this spring in Lexington, and thanks to my friend I actually got to go. I knew I was going to get emotional, especially at Me and the Sky, but Welcome to the Rock hit me so hard. I was nearly bawling by the end of the show, but that certainly didn't do me any favors at the top.
The fact into the woods isn’t on this list is evil
Newsies prologue Santa Fe is so good
All that Jazz from Chicago, Urinetown from... well Urinetown, Tower of Babble from Godspell, Ex Wives from SIX, In from Carrie, Beautiful from Heathers and In the Heights from In the Heights are all really strong contenders