Broadway Songs for Running

In my alternate universe, I am a Broadway dancer. (I would say Broadway star, but anyone who’s heard me sing knows that’s a stretch, even in fantasy.) But I love everything there is to love about Broadway. The music. The singing. The genius sets and brilliant playwrights who bring magic to the stage and mostly, those amazing songs perfect for running!

Despite my Broadway musical love, however … I’ve never actually seen one. The closest I’ve come is walking by a line of people waiting for Newsies while on my way to a New York book event. This is something I will change in the near future, so for now, whenever my inner dancer craves the spotlight, I live out my Broadway dreams by running to show tunes.

I just pity whoever’s near me when I sing along.

Want to check out my favorites? Here you go – a mix of old and new with descriptions of why I love them below.

Steal Your Rock ‘N’ Roll from Memphis: Man, this song makes me imagine I’m on a stage, singing at the top of my lungs, because you know what? I play it. Obey it. Love it, love it with my feet.

My Shot from Hamilton: I don’t need to explain my love for this song, right? Right.

*Bonus Trivia: It took Lin-Manuel Miranda a year to write this song!

Raise You Up / Just Be from Kinky Boots: Lord, I really, REALLY want to see this musical, especially if it’s as fantastic as their Just Pee video!

Hot Honey Rag from Chicago: It wouldn’t feel right not including this jazzy little number.

Seasons Of Love from Rent: Okay, perhaps the beat isn’t perfect for running, but this song always makes me sing along because really, how do you measure a year in the life?

Tear Me Down from Hedwig and the Angry Inch: Neil Patrick Harris. Gonna just leave it at that.

Stronger from Finding Neverland: And Matthew Morrison. ‘Nuff said.

Freak Flag from Shrek: We all have a freak flag that needs and deserves to be waved. Use this song as a reminder.

One from A Chorus Line: Again. Not the best choice for running but Oooo! Sigh! Give her your attention, tell me this doesn’t make you want to step-ball-change right along?

Buenos Aires from Evita: Seeing as how Evita is my second favorite musical, I had to include this. Now, a purist might be dismayed over my choice to include Elena Roger’s version instead of Patti Lupone … but I like Elena’s more. And her Another Suitcase in Another Hall. But I Dreamed a Dream is all Patti, though.

Superstar from Jesus Christ, Superstar: I need to get my rear to church.

You Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray: The world keeps spinning round and round and you can’t stop me from moving when this song comes on.

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord from Godspell: With this being from my third favorite musical, just had to include it. The London Theater’s rock version is seriously awesome, though!

Defying Gravity from Wicked: Okay, the Idina Menzel version in my Spotify playlist is not from the official Wicked cast recordings. But I love it. Don’t bring me down.

Legendary from Bring It On!: Have to admit. I have considered removing this song from the playlist many times, but each time it comes on, I run a little faster. Guess that means it should stay!

Dancing Queen from Mamma Mia!: I love Abba, I love this musical, I love the movie, I even love Muriel’s Wedding because Muriel loved Abba, and I am a dancing queen and I’m in the mood for a dance.

Find Your Grail from Monty Python’s Spamalot: Tim Curry. That is all. Oh, and this song is gorgeous.

Fabulous, Baby from Sister Act: Another song that almost didn’t make the cut, but I AM FABULOUS, BABY, and I’m trying really hard to make myself believe this. So the song stays.

Seize the Day from Newsies: Remember me saying how I walked by folks lined up to see this on Broadway while going to a book signing event? I seriously wanted to join them.

Time Warp from Rocky Horror Picture Show: It’s just a step to the left, y’all. And about, what … 2,000 running steps to the front for a mile?

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough from Motown: Got hills in your route? Whatever. No wind. No rain. Nothing can stop you, baby. And if that isn’t enough motivation, go to the next song…

One Day More from Les Misérables: I just had to include something from my all-time favorite musical. Think it doesn’t fit? Yeah, well, change it to One Hill More. It’s perfect now, right? And needless to say, starting at 8:12 is my very favorite Carpool Karaoke song EVER.

Goodbye from Catch Me If You Can: Aaron Tveit. And this gem of a song is perfect for ending your run with!

Now, what about you?

QOTD: For my fellow Broadway lovers, what are your favorite tunes to run to? Better yet, if you have a Spotify list, please share – my inner dancer would love to check it out!