Exploring Broadway's Villain Songs

In this episode of The Music in Me I’m delving deep into the thrilling world of villains from Broadway and their unforgettable songs. Buckle up and hold onto your seats as we explore why villains always seem to have the best tunes. Maybe it's their extra dose of drama, mischief, and flair that makes them irresistible! From spine-tingling solos to darkly funny duets, get ready for melodies that will have you singing along even when you know you shouldn't. These songs are the reason we love to root for the bad guys, just a little bit. So, let's embrace our darker sides and celebrate the deliciously wicked world of villainy in musicals! And don't forget to share this episode with your friends and fellow music fanatics to spread the villainous vibes far and wide. Let's hit play and dive into the magic of Broadway's most iconic villains and their unforgettable songs!

VILLAIN SONGS AND VILLAINS MENTIONED:
Last Midnight from Into the Woods sung by The Witch
Hello Little Girl from Into the Woods sung by The Wolf
You'll Be Back from Hamilton sung by King George III
Stars from Les Miserables sung by Javert
Master of the House from Les Miserables sung by The Thenardiers
Little Girls from Annie sung by Miss Hanigan
The Neva Flows from Anastasia sung by Gleb Vaganov
Why We Build the Wall from Hadestown sung by Hades
World Burn from Mean Girls sung by Regina George
Phantom of the Opera from The Phantom of the Opera sung by The Phantom and Christine

Transcript

Speaker A: 0:21

Hey everybody, welcome to the music in me, the podcast where we journey through the most captivating tunes and vibrant stories in the world of music. I'm your host Terry, and today we're taking a walk on the wild side because we're diving into the thrilling world of villains from Broadway and their unforgettable songs for my Broadway themed episode of the month. I'm very excited about this because I love villains. Why do villains have the best songs? Maybe it's because they bring an extra dose of drama, mischief and flair to the stage. You know, I've always dreamed of playing a villain on stage myself. It just seems like the most fun you can have in a musical. So get ready for our spine tingling solos, darkly funny duets, and melodies that will have you singing along even when you know you shouldn't. These songs are the reason we love to root for the bad guys just a little bit. So let's embrace our darker sides and celebrate the deliciously wicked world of villains and musicals. And remember, if you're loving this episode, share it with your friends and fellow music fanatics. Let's spread the villainous vibes far and wide. Alright everybody, buckle up for an adventure because we're about to hit play. There will be no Disney villain songs in this episode. But don't worry, Disney villains and their showstopping tunes will get their own special episode. They deserve it. But for now, were focusing on the dark and deliciously wicked side of the stage. You know, ive always been drawn to the allure of the bad guys in movies, television shows and musicals. Theres just something utterly captivating about seeing what makes them tick. As you know, my all time favorite character is the Wicked Witch of the west from the wizard of Oz. So you can imagine how much I enjoy exploring the world of iconic villains. From the cunning and conniving to the mysterious and malevolent, these baddies have a way of stealing the show and leaving a lasting impression. So without further ado, lets dive into the world of Broadways most iconic villains and their unforgettable songs. Villain songs in a Broadway musical are a thrilling mix of melody and mischief designed to showcase the devious and delicious side of our favorite antagonists. These tunes often have a theatrical flair, a touch of dark humor, and a healthy dose of bravado, making them instant showstoppers that audiences love to hate. The purpose of villain songs is to give us a glimpse into the minds of the bad guys and gals that we love to loathe. They provide insight into their motivations, dreams and schemes adding depth to their characters and making them more than just one dimensional baddies. These songs often serve as pivotal moments in the story, revealing the villains true intentions and propelling the plot forward. What sets villains songs apart from other musical numbers is their unique blend of charisma and cunning. They often feature bold theatrical arrangements, dramatic orchestration and clever lyrics that capture the essence of the characters malevolence. Whether its a slow, seductive ballad or an upbeat, sinister march, villain songs have a neck for getting under your skin and leaving you both intrigued and entertained. Alright now lets dive into some of my favorite villains and their iconic songs. As I mentioned earlier, we wont be covering any Disney villain songs on this list, but instead well be exploring some unforgettable villains and songs from other musicals. Be warned though cause these discussions will include major plot points so a spoiler alert is warranted. Let the villainous fun begin. Are you excited? I am. Last Midnight is a pivotal song from into the woods, where Stephen Sondheim lets the witch, one of the most unforgettable villains, truly shine. Shes got all the charm of a bad apple and the sass of a magical diva, making her the ultimate frenemy. In the show, the plot heats up to a rolling boil as the characters quest crash and burn around them. Enter the witch with last midnight fed up to her pointed hat with everyone else's nonsense. After trying to play fairy godmother for the bunch and watching them repeatedly botch their own missions, she decides it's time to give them a magical wake up call. In the song, she vents her frustration with a theatrical explosion, promising to let them face the music on their own and not the sweet kind, mind you. The witch's mix of no nonsense attitude and sass is what makes her such a dynamic villain. She's more than just a broom riding baddie, she's got depth and heart. Sure, her methods are a bit, shall we say, creative, but her motivations make sense. All she wants is to protect her daughter Rapunzel and reclaim her youthful glow, which is pretty relatable, right? Last midnight is the witchs moment to shine and maybe cackle a little. With Sondheim's sharp lyrics and haunting melodies, the witch channels her inner fury, leaving the audience both awestruck and a little scared. This song marks her dramatic exit from the stage, bringing an end to her magical mayhem and leaving a darkly comic mark on the story. All in all, the Witch's character and and last midnight are the perfect recipe for a wickedly good time, and into the woods you'll find yourself spellbound by her dark humor and memorable theatrics long after the curtain falls. The Witch from Into the woods is one of my most favorite villains in all Broadway and I love her song last midnight. I love to sing it and I told you if you listen to one of my first episodes of this podcast, I told you that I used to do movies with my niece and nephew during the summer. So the one movie we wrote, I based my character on the Witch from Into the woods because it was around the time that the movie came out. So I played the witch in my movie. It was based strongly on the into the woods witch because she was my favorite. She's still one of my favorites. Hello Little Girl is another one of the standout villain songs from into the woods. Since into the woods has multiple baddies, I could not skip this one. The song features the wolf, a smooth talking operator who knows how to make a grand entrance. In the plot, the wolf creeps up to Little Red Riding Hood in the woods, turning her casual walk into a questionable conversation. The song is essentially a playful duel of words as the wolf turns on the charm and convinces little red to share her plans. Hes the kind of character who could sell sand to a desert using his silver tongue to nudge little red off course. What makes the wolf a great villain is his blend of charm and danger. His mix of suave and sinister keeps the audience both entertained and a little on edge as he tries to win Little Red over. Hello Little Girl is a standout villain song thanks to its jazzy, swing like beat that oozes confidence and menace. The lyrics are filled with playful teasing and flirtatious comments, allowing the wolf to display his smooth talking charm. Sondheim's clever use of language shows how the wolf cleverly navigates his intentions, pulling Little red into his web. The audience can't help but enjoy the playful back and forth, but there's an undercurrent of danger, like a cat toying with a mouse. In the end, hello Little Girl is a fun and slightly sinister song that showcases the wolf's charisma and mischievous nature. It's a memorable and entertaining moment that keeps everyone on their toes. Now, I said I seen the movie version of into the Woods and Johnny Depp did a pretty good job, but the Broadway version is also really good. And also, side note, I did see into the woods at the Muni in St. Louis and it was awesome. And Heather Headley was the witch and she did a great job because she's a great, great Broadway actress. I've also heard the new cast, which featured Sarah Bareilles as the baker's wife. She's not the villain. And then it had patina Miller singing last midnight and Gavin Creel's version of hello Little Girl is very, very good. It's quite funny actually. You'll be back is a hilarious and entertaining villain song from Hamilton with music, lyrics and book by Lin Manuel Miranda. The song is performed by King George III, the extravagant and quirky king of England, during the American Revolutionary War. In the show youll be back arrives on the scene after the american colonies declare their independence. King George III responds with a comedic yet slightly menacing message to the colonies, basically telling them youll miss me when Im gone. King George III makes a fabulous villain thanks to his exaggerated portrayal of hes both oblivious and overly confident, misunderstanding the gravity of the situation and acting as if the colonies are just going through a phase. His dismissive attitude and belief that the colonies will come running back to him add a humorous and sinister quality to his character. Youll Be Back is a standout villain song because it marries catchy, upbeat music with witty laugh out loud lyrics. King George III performs the song like a jilted lover, simultaneously charming and absurd. Lines like you'll be back soon, you'll see and you'll remember you belong to me showcase his entitlement and arrogance. The song's style evokes classic british pop ballads, complete with a melody you can't help but hum along to. King Georges theatrical delivery and exaggerated expressions turned this song into one of the most memorable and entertaining moments in Hamilton. I love it so much that its my ringtone, so every time I hear it I think my phone is ringing. King George IIIs performance of youll Be Back is a masterful blend of humor and menace. His over the top confidence and cluelessness make him a delightful yet formidable villain, and the songs catchy tune and clever lyrics make it an instant classic in the world of musical theater. I love this song and thank goodness for Disney because I did get to see Hamilton on Disney, which I watch quite often. And that part where Jonathan Groff sings he will be back is the funniest, funniest part of the whole show. I love it so much. I mean he gets really into it. You can see his spit and he's like spitting. It's hilarious. If you have Disney, please watch Hamilton because it is well worth it, at least for that song. But all the other songs, Hamilton is a great, great show and I will be doing a Hamilton episode closer to my birthday because guess what?

Speaker B: 11:58

Hamilton's coming to the fox around my.

Speaker A: 12:00

Birthday and I'm off so we're going to try to get tickets and go see it. I'm very, very excited because I was going to go see Hamilton but then COVID hit and it got canceled. So here's my second chance to Hamilton Alright Stars is a quintessential villain song from Les Miserables and it's a real showstopper. If you're into dramatic villains who are intense and unapologetically obsessed with their mission, then Inspector Javert is your guy. He's a stickler for law and order with a one trick mind that leads him straight to Jean Valjean, the misunderstood hero trying to make good s t A R s is Javert's big moment to shine under the night sky as he ponders his rigid worldview. Hes all about following the rulebook and the stars become his celestial guide, reminding him of his cosmic mission to hunt down lawbreakers. The songs sweeping melody perfectly captures Javerts relentless determination and paints a portrait of a man torn between his duty and his doubts. Javerts journey is as compelling as it is chilling. His unwavering devotion to justice is portrayed with the kind of passion youd expect from a character whos ready to take on the universe. And let's talk about the music. The rich orchestration adds an extra layer of drama as Javert wrestles with his unwavering belief in right and wrong. I've seen the song performed in the concert version and the movie adaptation of Les Miserables, and although Russell Crowe's rendition of Javert may not be my favorite, the song still shines as a standout moment. In both versions, S T A R S leaves a lasting impression on the audience, not only because of its haunting tune that you'll be whistling long after the curtain falls, but also because it reveals so much about Javert's complex character. His performance is filled with raw emotion and a sense of gravity that pulls you into his world. S T A R S is one of my favorite songs from a Broadway musical and it's one of my favorite villain songs. I just find it so beautiful and I love to sing along to it and I don't know why I always love to sing along to the male songs in the Broadway shows, but I do.

Speaker B: 14:25

Welcome to my interesting fact of the week. Broadway villain songs have a knack for mixing dark humor with a sinister edge, creating a truly unique experience for the audience. One moment you're chuckling at the villain's wickedly clever one liners and puns, and the next you're questioning your life choices as the music takes a turn for the macabre. It's the classic laughing while the house is on fire scenario, except the fire is probably the villains doing these songs. Let villains dazzle the audience with charm and wit, all while they're busy plotting their next diabolical ski. They might crack a joke about how they plan to run everyone's day or poke fun at their latest batch of henchmen. Dark humor is their secret weapon for gaining the audience's affection. It's this delicate balance of comedy and villainy that makes these songs so memorable. You'll find yourself grinning at the clever lyrics, only to realize that the punchline is as dark as the villain's soul. This emotional rollercoaster keeps you engaged and on your toes, much like trying to navigate a conversation with a mischievous cat. So next time you find yourself at a Broadway show and the villain bursts into song, brace yourself for a darkly comedic ride. You might end up enjoying the villains antics a little too much and questioning your morals on the way home. Now back to our episode.

Speaker A: 15:58

Welcome back everybody. I know we just talked about Les Mis, but since there are multiple villains in this musical, I had to include one of my other favorite villain songs from the show. Master of the House is a whirlwind of fun and mischief featuring the cunning and comical tenardies. This husband and wife duo are the ultimate opportunist, transforming their inn into a playground of pranks and schemes. They inject the show with a dose of dark humor, making them stand out villains you cant help but love to hate. My favorite rendition of Master of the House is from the concert version of Les Miserables. Its just a joy to sing along to and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Mister Thenardier, the self proclaimed master of the house, is a master of deception, while Misses Thenardier is his equally crafty partner in crime. Together theyre like a chaotic Bonnie and Clyde, swindling, cheating, and charming their way through life. Bonnie and Clyde are my favorite bank robbers and I always wanted to be just like them. I'm not saying I want to rob a bank, but they just seem so cool until they got shot up at the end, you know? Also, there's a musical about them, but I'll do an episode about the musical Bonnie and Clyde in a future episode. Okay, sorry I got off track. Bonnie and Clyde makes me excited. You know how I like villains. Master of the House is the thenardier's moment to shine or scam, depending on how you look at it. The song's cheeky banter, snappy lyrics and lively melody make it an absolute hoot to sing along to. It's like a rollercoaster ride through the wild and unpredictable world. The Thenardier's antics provide a delightful contrast to the more serious themes in the musical. Their wickedly funny tricks and witty repertoire keep the audiences laughing while highlighting their questionable morals. It's a much needed break from the heavier parts of the story, offering a playful look at the underbelly of 19th century France. The energy and charm of master of the house perfectly capture the thenardier's manipulative and oh so funny nature. Youll find yourself chuckling at their antics and tapping your feet to the catchy beat. This song is hilarious. I love this song. Little Girls is a deliciously wicked and thoroughly entertaining villain song from the musical Annie, one of my childhood favorites and still one of my favorites. The song is performed by Miss Hannigan, the hilariously grumpy and perpetually frazzled head of the orphanage where the spunky Annie resides. Miss Hannigan is the ultimate bad gal you love to hate. Running the orphanage with a no nonsense demeanor and a taste for the dramatic, Little Girls is a masterclass in dark humor and sassy showmanship. As she vents about the never ending antics of the orphans in her care, Miss Hannigan brings the house down with her side splitting complaints and witty zingers. From the constant noise to the endless shenanigans, she makes it clear she'd rather be sipping on a cocktail by the pool or out of her bathtub. If you've seen the movie, Miss Hannigan's villainous charm comes from her unapologetically selfish and exaggerated theatrical personality. She's got an acid tongue and a flair for the dramatic, delivering her grievances with relish. Her over the top antics and expressive delivery make her a scene stealer every time. Little Girls hits all the right notes for a top notch villain song. The catchy melody and clever lyrics perfectly capture Miss Hannigan's snarky and cynical view of her lot in life. The playful arrangement paired with her gleeful delivery creates a comical contrast to the otherwise grim reality of the orphanage. Little Girls is a delightful villain song that showcases Miss Hannigan's larger than life Persona and biting witness. Her performance is bursting with sass, making her a standout character in Annie. You'll find yourself chuckling at her escapades and tapping your feet to the infectious beat. Miss Hannigan's antics are the highlight of the show, keeping the audience laughing and engaged from start to finish. The next two songs I'm going to talk about I almost forgot, but thank goodness. The other day I was on a walk listening to my villain playlist and these two songs came on and I remembered to include them. So thank you to my villain playlist and also it's great for motivation. Great to get you motivated to walk or exercise or do anything. The Niva flows is an eerie and mesmerizing villain song from the musical Anastasia, a real departure from the original animated film. Instead of the mystical and dark rasputin, the stage version introduces us to a fresh face in villainy. Gleb Vaganov, a driven and conflicted officer of the secret police. This chilling song unfolds during a pivotal moment in the show as Gleb wrestles with his mission to capture Anastasia and bring her to justice. As he stares at the icy waters of the Neva river, he grapples with the burden of his duty and the haunting specter of Russia's past. It's a deeply introspective moment that lays bare his inner struggle and the toll of his allegiance. Gleb is a captivating villain because of his depth and moral ambiguity. Hes not your typical cackling baddie. Hes a man with his own convictions and doubts, which makes him all the more intriguing. His loyalty to the new regime in Russia is absolute, but his evolving feelings for Anastasia and his lingering sense of humanity add layers of complexity. The Neba flows is a standout villain song that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. The song's sweeping orchestration and haunting melody mirror the icy, foreboding setting of the Neva river. As Gleb sings of his duty and the weight of his mission, the audience is drawn into his conflict and fears. The lyrics resonate with glebs battle between following orders and following his heart. Lines like the Neva flows and no one knows where it may lead emphasize the uncertainty of his journey and the ominous nature of his mission. The Neva flows is a spine tingling and intense villain song that highlights glebs internal struggles and fierce determination. His performance is chilling yet poignant, leaving the audience captivated by his journey. The song's haunting melody and emotional depth create a powerful and memorable experience that keeps the audience hooked. I was lucky enough to see Anastasia at the Fox theater and this song is beautiful and that's why I wanted to include it in this episode, because I actually got to see it performed great villain song. Not not like scary and intense like some of them, but I find it beautiful and but still villainy. Next why we build the Wall is a spellbinding and thought provoking villain song from the musical Hadestown that will have you hooked. From the very first note, the song is performed by none other than Hades, the enigmatic and captivating ruler of the underworld, whose magnetic presence steals the show every time. Though I haven't had the chance to see this musical in person yet, my love for the song and the enchanting tale of Hadestown speaks volumes about my appreciation for its deep themes and enchanting melodies. When Hades sings about the towering barrier surrounding his domain, he's not just talking about a physical wall, he's describing his power, his control, and his iron grip on his world. Hades is not your run of the mill villain. He's a complex, charismatic figure who believes in order and control above all else. His smooth, velvety voice draws you in as he justifies the wall's existence to his followers, painting it as a fortress of safety and security even as it isolates them from the outside world. Why we build the Wall is a standout villain song because it delves into Hades cunning mindset. The haunting melody and pulsating rhythm creates a sense of urgency as he skillfully persuades his followers to embrace the wall as a necessity. Lines like we build the wall to keep us free, and we build the wall to keep us safe reveal his mastery of manipulation and his ability to control the narrative. His performance is both chilling and captivating, making him a standout antagonist in Hadestown. The song's thought provoking message and Hades hypnotic delivery keep the audience spellbound and fully invested in his story. I'm really excited about this next song because it is from a musical that was adapted from one of my favorite movies. Worldburn is an explosive and electrifying villain song from the musical mean girls. The song features Regina George, the iconic queen bee of North Shore High School, taking center stage as she makes her grand and fierce comeback. After a brief setback, Regina is ready to reclaim her throne as the school's top mean girl, and she doesnt hold back in this fiery anthem. World Burn is a pivotal moment in the show with Reginas confidence and determination roaring back like a wildfire, setting the stage for her dramatic return to power. What makes Regina George a formidable villain is her unapologetic confidence in razor sharp cunning. She wields her charm and ruthlessness like a weapon, leaving a wake of awe and fear wherever she goes. Reginas blend of charisma and cruelty secures her status as the ultimate high school villain. The songs fierce, high energy beats sets the tone for her unapologetic declaration of war against her rivals as she builds out her plans to take back her crown and exact revenge. Her fierce attitude and boldness are on full display. The lyrics are packed with clever wordplay and daring statements that reflect Reginas confidence and hunger for control. Lines like I will keep quiet, you won't even know I'm here, and I'll change the game, I'll rewrite the rules, showcase her mastery for manipulation and her intent to leave a trail of chaos in her wake. Her performance is intense and captivating, making her one of the most memorable villains in mean girls. The song's high octane style and Regina's fearless delivery keep the audience on the edge of their seats, ready for a wild ride. Now, I never got to see this on performed on Broadway, but I did watch the movie a couple weeks ago, and the movie's pretty good. And I listened to the cast recording, which is awesome. And that song is a great villain song because it reminds me of like, the bullies I had in high school. Remember I said I was bullied in high school? So I mean, it brings me back to that. There were mean girls in high school. There's mean girls in life. So it reminds you of all the mean girls out there who want revenge. The last song I want to talk about I wasn't sure I was going to include in this episode because I don't see this character as a villain, but I can understand how other people see him as a villain, and technically, he is a villain. I just loved him so much. But this character is one of my favorite characters of all time from one of my favorite musicals of all time. And I know I say my favorite a lot, but I can't help it. I have a lot of favorites, and my favorites do vary by day, week, month, year, minute, second. You never know what my favorite's gonna be cause I say my favorite a lot. So I categorize everything. Anyway, let's talk about this final song and one of my favorite characters of all time, the Phantom from the Phantom the Opera is a mesmerizing character who teeters between a villain and a tragic figure lurking in the shadowy catacombs beneath the Paris Opera house. He weaves manipulation and mayhem in the grand theater above. His sinister acts may seem dark, but they're fueled by his yearning for love and acceptance, which gives him a complex, layered charm. Now let's step into one of the most iconic moments in the musical, the Phantom of the opera duet. This hauntingly beautiful number immerses you in the eerie allure of the Phantom. As Christine and the Phantom glide through the dark passageways, the music swells, creating an atmosphere of suspense and enchantment. The phantom's voice carries a magnetic intensity, pulling Christine and you deeper into his world of mystery and intrigue. What makes this duet a classic villain song? The dark, dramatic and slightly sinister melody sets the stage for the phantom's enigmatic character. His hypnotic hold over Christine is both captivating and spine chilling, giving off serious beware of this guy vibes. While the Phantom may dabble in dubious deeds like his love of threats and, yes, murders, he's far from your run of the mill villain. Instead, he's a deeply wounded soul seeking refuge in his art and his love for Christine in this duality that makes him such a captivating character. Even though the Phantom might be a bit of a wild card, he secured a bonus spot on my favorites list because he injects a thrilling dose of dark charm into the Broadway scene. There's something undeniably magnetic about his enigmatic presence that keeps me coming back for more. So while he might walk on the tightrope of villainy, the Phantom will always have a special place in my heart as one of the most unforgettable characters to ever Grace Broadway. I love Phantom of the Opera so much, and funny story is that was the very first musical that my niece really got into, and she was like little, maybe five or six, I'm not sure, but we would watch it all the time. Like every time she came over, she wanted to watch the Phantom of the Opera. Now, I love that musical so much, but I got a little tired of watching it all the time, so I bought her her own copy, but every time she came over to my house, she still wanted to watch it. So, you know, that's why I love Phantom of the Opera so much. That and the music. And also it's Andrew Lloyd Webber, and we've talked about him before. And that wraps up our wild and wicked journey through the world of Broadway's most memorable villains and their iconic songs. From the Witch's spellbinding last midnight and into the woods to Regina, Georgia's fierce worldburn and mean girls, these tunes have brought drama, mischief and flair to the stage, making us root for the bad guys just a little bit more. But fear not, dear listeners, because there are many more villain songs left to uncover and our journey is far from over. So stay tuned for future episodes where we'll dive even deeper into the dark and delicious world of villain songs and look forward to a Disney villain song episode. Because in my opinion, Disney has the best villain songs, but it needs its own episode. So that'll be in the future sometime. And before we go, I just wanted to say I love villain songs so much and this episode was so much fun. I hope you enjoyed it. I always wanted to play a villain, just like I said. I think it was always because I was the good girl and playing a villain in a movie or musical or anything was my way of it would let me be bad without being bad in real life. You know, I could pretend to be bad, but not in trouble. I can't wait to share more villain songs and villainy with everybody, so mark your calendars and get ready to embrace my darker side once again. Remember to share this episode with your friends and fellow music fanatics to spread the villainous vibes far and wide. I want to thank you for joining me on this adventure. And until next time, keep the music in you alive and kicking. Peace out everybody.