Top 10: Broadway’s most heartfelt numbers of the 21st century

For some time now, Broadway has grown its audience as well as its music stylization. From traditional musical theater, we have grown to incorporate rock ‘n roll, pop, and even country into our modern day theater music. However, the elements of a musical still press on as the backbone of all musicals today, with storytelling plus musical expression. Today we are going to look at what I believe are the best touching moments/numbers of a Broadway show in the last 13 or so years.

10 – Harden My Heart / Shadows of the Night

Performers: Amy Spanger, Michele Mais, a few other cast members

Granted, these songs were written decades ago, but they’ve been compiled to produce the hit musical for which this number originates, Rock of Ages. In this scene with music originally by Quarterflash and Pat Benatar but arranged by Ethan Popp, this mash-up highlights the event in which Sherrie, a woman from a small town in Kansas who arrived in Hollywood to chase her dream of becoming a famous singer, finds herself on the street alone and depressed, meek and vulnerable from her heartbreak with Drew. Unfortunately, there were mixed messages and signals that were unintentionally and unknowingly communicated. Then there’s Justice, owner of the gentleman’s club, who takes her in and under her wing. I saw this musical a month ago, and what really made it to the top 10 list is how the actresses performed it on stage. The style of execution has such a grand and heart-pounding effect on the audience members, especially the last note she holds out for a long while (it’s not done on the soundtrack, but on stage the last note held is extremely effective). The manner in which it is compiled and arranged is genius -- props should be given to Ethan Popp for mashing these two hit songs together to tell the story of Sherrie’s emotional breakdown.

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