Our Favorite Things: Sopranos of Broadway

Until then, we are reminiscing about some of our favorite performances of Broadway past, and where better to start than the anchors of the classic musical - sopranos. Below, we've curated a list of some of our favorite soprano performances of musical theatre. From Audra to Kelli, Barbara to Rebecca, and back to Audra again, this list is sure to give you some luminous soprano performances that you may (or may not) know.

So grab some vanilla ice cream and your Mr. (or Mrs.) Snow, because somebody somewhere must love these iconic soprano moments as much as we do!

10. First up, is an oldie but a goodie. Kate Baldwin brings Glocca Morra to life in her beautiful interpretation of “Look to the Rainbow” from the 2009 Broadway revival of Finian’s Rainbow:

9. Next up, is an iconic reprise from The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Although the original “Moonfall,” sung by Patti Cohenour, is beautiful on its own, the slightly lesser known reprise is where all the fun begins! This version turns the original song on its head, by raising the key and turning it into a spooky mash up. Check it out below:

8.  This list wouldn’t be complete without a performance from the incomparable Victoria Clark. Although the options are endless, we chose this musically lush tune featured in Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (though originally written for Main Street to Broadway). Check it out below:

7. Up next, is the gorgeous “When Did I Fall in Love” from Fiorello, made even more gorgeous by Broadway icon, Audra McDonald. We love this particular version because it’s only slightly rearranged from the original, but made ever so more glorious. Check it out here:

6. Much like Victoria Clark’s, the Barbara Cook catalogue is iconic and well-revered. Although, this pick from Candide is more of a choral moment, it is completely sublime and worth a listen. (Also, we hear you, Soprano 1s! Give us those high Cs!)

5. Aside from its soaring vocals, the chemistry is palpable in this tragic tune by Lucy Simon (Fun fact: sister of Carly Simon!) Check out the below clip of “How Could I Ever Know” from The Secret Garden, sung by Laura Benanti and Steven Pasquale:

4. Many incredible Broadway ladies have put their own stamp on this next piece. We chose it because it just might be one of the most beloved songs of the Golden Age canon. Listen to Renee Fleming’s stunning take on “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the 2018 revival of Carousel. Just try not to cry. We dare you!

3. What’s better than one iconic soprano performance? How about three! Broadway legends Judy Kuhn, Marin Mazzie and Audra McDonald join forces in this medley of love songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This one’s truly not to be missed (x3!):

2.  Next up, is a song from the incredible The Bridges of Madison County, written by Jason Robert Brown. Although Kelli O’Hara sings this entire Tony-winning score flawlessly, her vocal depth and expressivity shines brightest in this Act 2 showstopper, “Almost Real.” 

1. Rounding out our list is a classic from the late, great Rebecca Luker.  Her interpretation of “My White Knight” perfectly captures her performing style: subtle, luminous, and truly breathtaking. Check out a clip from the 2000 Broadway revival of The Music Man. It doesn’t get better than this…

What do you think? What Soprano show-stoppers did we overlook? Let us know on Instagram or our Facebook Page!