The Friday 5: 5 Title Songs: 1983 - 1987

Last year, we began a series of the Best Title Songs From Broadway Shows. Over the next few weeks, we'll finish that up. This week, it's all about the mid-80's. There were so many wonderful title tunes during this period, that narrowing it down to 5 tough, so we cheated and named a few Honorable Mentions at the bottom.  Enjoy!

THE FRIDAY 5:

5 Broadway Title Songs

1983 - 1987

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Opened August 21, 1983 at the Palace Theatre)



Ok, so this isn't the best version of this number, but I love the song... and the lyrics are catchy, too. And it beats the hell out "The Best of Times," possibly the worst earworm in the history of earworms!

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Opened May 2, 1984 at the Booth Theatre)



Not my favorite Sondheim show, but I do enjoy Dot in this number. And I really loved Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford in this revival.

ME AND MY GIRL (Opened August 10, 1986 at the Marquis Theatre)



I wish I could find video of Robert Lindsay and Maryann Plunkett performing this number. They were magical. And the show was amazing, too!

STARLIGHT EXPRESS (Opened March 15, 1987 at the Gershwin Theatre)



This one's for you, Mike! What is so sweet about this song is it's childlike repetition and earnestness.  And this video allows us an up-close look at the costumes and make-up. I'm a proud fan of Starlight Express.

INTO THE WOODS (Opened November 5, 1987 at the Martin Beck Theatre)



Before you send me ugly emails, please know that I picked this Tony Awards medley from Into the Woods revival for some (I think) good reasons. First, the video/sound are clearer. And there's the opportunity to see the late, great John McMartin in action, along with Christopher Sieber, Laura Benanti, and Vanessa Williams! Bonus: Chad Kimball in full Milky White drag!

HONORABLE MENTION: The Rink, Sweet Charity (revival version) and Smile

#1976