The Friday 5: 5 Title Songs: 1988 - 1995

This week, we start with the biggest hit with the longest run, and end with a high-profile, star-powered flop. Just goes to show that the longest-running show and a disappointing show can both have great title tunes. I hope you enjoy the versions I picked - not all are original Broadway casts. Enjoy!

THE FRIDAY 5:

5 Broadway Title Songs

1988 - 1995

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Opened January 26, 1988 at the Majestic Theatre)



My favorite song in the show, and here, sung gloriously by Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo, the song sounds better than ever!

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN (Opened May 3, 1993 at the Broadhurst Theatre)



Ah, Chita! Sexy, sultry, mesmerizing... one of the best title songs from one of the best musicals of all time.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Opened April 18, 1994 at the Palace Theatre)



Here's a clip from an old Today Show that has Broadway's original Mrs. Potts, Beth Fowler singing this lovely song to a waltzing Andrea McArdle and Stephen Blanchard. Pass me a Kleenex...

SUNSET BOULEVARD (Opened November 17, 1994 at the Minskoff Theatre)



Here's your two-fer. First up, this is international star Kris Philips (Fei Xiang) singing the song with The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Beiging.



And here's the Broadway original, Alan Campbell. (If I'm being totally honest, I think the revival's Joe Gillis, Michael Xavier, was my favorite.)

VICTOR/VICTORIA (Opened October 25, 1995 at the Marquis Theatre)



I love this title tune. It is catchy, full of witty word play, and so Broadway! Plus, there's Julie Andrews, Tony Roberts, Michael Nouri and Gregory Jbara!

(Click "Watch this video on You Tube" and fast-forward to 1:33. The sound is fine at that point, too.)

#1982