By Mary Olsen ‘17/Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer As Halloween fast approaches, musical fans search through their favorite soundtracks to find that perfect playlist to get into a spooky mood. To make this task a bit easier, here are the Top 10 musical numbers to give you the perfect Halloween atmosphere.
10. “Phantom of the Opera” Phantom of the Opera Original Broadway Cast
Julia Udine and James Barbour in The Phantom of the Opera. Photo Credit: Joan MarcusAs Christine descends to the Phantom’s lair, a haunting and terrifying power duet between the two emerges. The mix of organ and electric guitar rattles the theatre and the souls of even the bravest audience member. Its ominous nature and intense music create an eerie feel, especially when you pair it with tons of candles and plenty of haze.
9. “No Good Deed” Wicked Original Broadway Cast
Rachel Tucker in Wicked. Photo Credit: Broadway.comWitches certainly have their time to shine as Halloween season comes around. Though Elphaba is trying to rid herself of the “wicked witch”persona, this spell-casting song fits perfectly into the Halloween mood; plus, there will be countless people dressed up as her walking around on October 31.
8. “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” The Book of Mormon Original Broadway Cast
Andrew Rannells, Josh Gad and the company of The Book of Mormon. Photo Credit: Joan MarcusThough not a Halloween-like musical overall, this particular number in The Book of Mormon has some terrifying content, especially for Mormon people. Elder Price takes the audience through his nightmare featuring Jesus insulting him and some dancing coffee cups (very scary to Mormons since their religious practices prohibit any caffeine). With lots of red lighting and dancing demons, this number is perfect for the Halloween season.
7. “This is Halloween” The Nightmare Before Christmas Movie Soundtrack
The Nightmare Before Christmas. Photo Credit: Tim Burton/DisneyIf there is one thing to be expected from the collaboration of Tim Burton and Danny Elfman, it’s some creepy music. The opening number of this duel-holiday classic focuses on the traditions that Halloween Town have for the spookiest day of the year. The best part of this film is that it’s relevant for the span of October to December, so it can be binge watched for even longer.
6. “The Destruction” Carrie the Musical Soundtrack
Molly Ranson and the cast of Carrie. Photo Credit: Broadway.comThe prom scene from the 1976 film Carrie is a pillar in the horror genre. When this movie was made into a musical in 1988, this scene was brought to life through an intense musical number. The destruction of the high school gym was underscored by Carrie’s desperate attempt to rationalize her terrible treatment. This number is a great addition to a classic horror scene and highlights the power that Carrie unleashed on her cruel classmates.
5. “When You’re an Addams” The Addams Family Original Broadway Cast
The Original Broadway Cast of The Addams Family. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus/Broadway.comThe Addams family has touched the dark side of the hearts of many generations from the television show to the movies to the musical adaptation of 2010. They have been a part of Halloween and an example of how family gets along even with their quirks. This number gives exact qualifications to be part of the creepiest family around. Their love for death and the dark never gets in the way of their love for each other. Not to mention the Addams Family Mansion is a very popular aesthetic this time of year.
4. “Come Little Children” Hocus Pocus Movie Soundtrack
Kathy Najimy, Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker in Hocus Pocus. Photo Credit: DisneyHocus Pocus is an iconic 90s Halloween movie featuring leading stage ladies Sarah Jessica Parker and Bette Midler. It features some great Halloween songs, but “Come Little Children”is clearly the creepiest (but Bette Midler singing “I Put A Spell on You”is a great scene as well).
3. “Prologue/ Little Shop of Horrors” Little Shop of Horrors
Jake Gyllenhaal, Ellen Greene and Eddie Cooper in Little Shop of Horrors. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus/Broadway.comThis cult musical turned cult film is a staple for this time of year. A plant is sent to Earth with the sole purpose of eating the human race, what else is needed for a spooky movie night? This peppy opening number actually serves as a warning for the terrifying tale that is about to play onstage. It is a perfect upbeat addition to a Halloween playlist.
2. “Time Warp” The Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie Soundtrack
Tim Curry in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox.Need a dance for a Halloween party? This song is perfect to dance to and the instructions are right in the lyrics! The Frankenstein place is certainly creepy and has a cast of characters that aim to scare. Riff Raff serves as an eerie lead vocalist with some sinister ladies joining him. This Halloween cult classic still lives as live performance and in films, and is featured in several movie theaters especially this time of year.
1. “Prelude/ The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Original Broadway Cast
Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Photo Credit: Playbill.comThis song, though cut from the film version of the musical, creates the perfect creepy atmosphere for any Halloween party. It starts off with a low organ, only to be interrupted by a sudden shrill whistle that automatically puts you on edge. This track gives the background of one of musical theatre’s bloodiest characters.
