.png)
Valentine's Day is here and love is all around us. At this most romantic time of the year, we can't help but wonder... what is the greatest Broadway love song ever? BroadwayWorld continues our great tradition of finding that consensus- and this year we have more answers than ever! We've gathered responses from over 1500 performers, composers, industry professionals, and entertainment personalities from all over the world.
This year's list is presented by The Notebook, now in previews on Broadway. Based on the best selling novel that inspired the iconic film, this new musical follows Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, as they share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart, in a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love.
Performer
Puffs
"Tonight" from West Side Story is an absolute classic. "Being Alive" from Company perfectly encapsulates the complexities of love. "When You're Home" from In The Heights is my favorite to dance to. When the orchestration comes in on "One Second and a Million Miles" from The Bridges of Madison County, my heart swells. However, everyone knows the greatest Broadway love story of all time is the one between Sweeney Todd and his razors. Sing "My Friends" to your crush on Valentine's Day and watch them swoon!
Performer
Come From Away
My favorite Broadway love song is "Till There Was You" from The Music Man. Not only is the music of the song just plain beautiful, but the way it perfectly expresses the changes love has made in Harold and Marian's life is magical. Well played, Mr. Willson.
Performer
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Billy Elliot | Ghost | Kinky Boots | Fiddler on the Roof
For sure "Unchained Melody," which is totally a Broadway love song thanks to Ghost The Musical! Also, I was in it for the 2.5 seconds it ran on Broadway, so I'm partial.
Performer
Bandstand | Cinderlla
"Heather on the Hill" from Brigadoon. It's so first date/cute/ flirty...Imagine meeting someone at a bar and being like "All the clouds are holding still, so take my hand and let's go roaming through the heather on the hill.” I think you'd get a second date.
Performer
Waitress | If/Then | Catch Me If You Can
My favorite Broadway love song is "Til There Was You." My wife and I were fortunate enough to have Kelli and Emily Firth sing and play a beautiful arrangement they’d done of it at our wedding last summer. It was stunning, and will always be one of the many highlights of the day. Simple, beautiful lyrics, and a gorgeous melody!
Performer
Natasha | Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
My favorite love song is "Written in the Stars" from AIDA! It just captures all the longing, yearning and passion that happens in a star-crossed love. That kind of love that makes your soul and heart ache.
Performer
The Phantom of the Opera | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Les Miserables | Shrek the Musical | Big Fish | On the Twentieth Century
I think it counts because of Movin' Out- I've always loved Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are." Simply saying to be yourself because individual differences are what make people fall in love. My wife & I danced to this at our wedding and it still gets me every time
Director
Significant Other | Take Me Out | Six Degrees of Separation
My favorite Broadway love song is "If I Loved You." The lyric is so brilliant because they can't say it, so they say IF I loved you.
Performer
Puffs
"’If I Loved You," from Carousel. It's such a tough love story, but that song is so clear and beautiful. It pops into my head all the time, whether I want it to or not. It sort of speaks perfectly to wanting to tell someone how you feel, and that moment right before you jump of the cliff. Gorgeous melody!
Performer
Aladdin | Disaster!
There are so many Broadway love songs that I love, but I have to especially suggest from GUYS AND DOLLS, "I've Never Been In Love Before." It was my favorite song when I played "Sky Masterson" for 6 months in Las Vegas (1977). I also love Barbra Streisand's recording of the same. It suggests love is fresh and new and intoxicating!
Director
Big River
"If I Loved You" is my favorite love song. I ust find it so incredibly moving and so fragile and strong at the same time.
Performer
Sunset Boulevard | Ghost | Legally Blonde
My favorite Broadway love song is "Too Much In Love To Care." It's a little bit more complicated than you're average love song and I love singing it.
Performer
Puffs
The quartet of "Johanna" from the second act of Sweeney Todd will forever remain my favorite love song because it captures so many different types of love simultaneously: the young, idealistic determined love of Antony and Johanna, the paternal/homicidal love of Sweeney, and the love of not being on fire of the Beggar Woman. The fact that this beautiful love song is accompanied by members of the ensemble getting to slide down slides after doing some particularly fun blood-spurt acting is but the whipped cream on the proverbial murder-pie.
Performer
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Les Miserables | The Producers | Sister Act | Gigi
My favorite: "Some Enchanted Evening." Romance, suspense, and questioning. The perfect way to woo is to do it in third person
Performer
Kinky Boots
"Hakuna Matata." I am a romantic but everyone has the romantic song. Why not light some candles, stand in a tux, ask her to dance and then "HAKUNA MATATA- WHAT A WONDERFUL PHRASE!" If she laughs, you're in.
Performer
Groundhog Day | You Can't Take It With You
"Unworthy of Your Love" from Assassins. Who doesn't want that crazy-eyed ode to obsession and martyrdom playing in the background of her Valentine's Day dinner? But actually, "Make Our Garden Grow" from Candide is such a beautiful, simple plea for love and a commitment to a future. It makes my heart swell when I hear it.
Performer
Fade
This might be a bit grim but I think “Married” from Cabaret is one of the most beautiful love songs out there. Its melody and lyrics are so uncomplicated but the message is profound: A dark, despairing existence can change dramatically simply because someone else has chosen to love you and spend their life at your side. I think it’s very powerful.
Performer
Puffs
"I Got Lost In His Arms" from Annie Get Your Gun. Beautiful melody about the vulnerable surrender and indescribable nature of falling in love.
Performer
The View Upstairs
"What I Did For Love" from A Chorus Line. I love this song for its multiple meanings. It could very well tell the story of a romantic relationship — a person honoring the past, while bravely looking forward to the future. And, at the same time, it tells the story of sacrifice and joy that artists make as they pursue a life in the theatre. … and also, I may have had my first kiss when this song was playing the background
Performer
Bandstand | Once | Company
To pick one love song is tough, but if there is one thing I have learned about love- it is that it isn’t easy or magic. It is real, messy, simple, complicated and a choice. I think that is beautifully human. So I choose "Marry Me a Little."
Marry me a little,
Love me just enough.
Warm and sweet and easy,
Just the simple stuff.
Keep a tender distance
So we'll both be free.
That's the way it ought to be.
I’m ready. I’m ready now.
Sondheim is such a genius with the way he captures the essence of love. Complicated, simple, and a choice.
Performer
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | The Producers | Wicked | 9 to 5
"Make Our Garden Grow" from Candide. Just the most beautiful piece of music... reminds me of my husband. God, so sappy but true!
Performer
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
My favorite love song is "You're Gonna Stay" from the musical Shrek. It might not be your typical love song but the dragon loves donkey and eventually he realizes he loves her too. Plus, I loved singing it backstage with my friend, Haven, during the show run at North Shore Music Theater.
Performer
Puffs
I'm going to say "Tonight" from West Side Story. Because it's so full of hope and optimism. Love helps them see the world as it can be. As wondrous.
Performer
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
"All I Ask of You" from The Phantom of the Opera as it is asking if you will love me always and forever and not just a short term thing.
Industry
American Pops Orchestra | National Broadway Chorus
“50 Percent" from Ballroom. I love this song because it shows that you can find love at any age and that often love comes in many forms.
Performer
The View Upstairs
"Totally Fucked" from Spring Awakening. ‘Cause that's when you know he loves you.
Performer
A Bronx Tale. Les Miserables | Leap of Faith
“On My Own” - Les Miserables. I know it's not a traditional "love song" but it describes such an intense longing and undying love. I guess it's sort of a stalker fantasy song, but I'm sure we've all loved someone from across the room. Right? Right?
Performer
A Bronx Tale
My favorite love song is "Only You" by The Platters. I think the lyrics are so simple and beautiful. It's makes you feel like you are back in time.
.jpg)
Performer
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory | Cinderella | The Addams Family | Spamalot
My valentine broadway song of choice this year is appropriately "Sara Lee." Any song that talks about cheesecake and brownies and other delicious treats is so very romantic to me!
Performer
Significant Other
My favorite Broadway love song is "Two People In Love" from Baby. The music without any lyrics makes you feel good. It's already swelling before it starts. It's the beginning honeymoon part of the relationship where life is great and we're singing duets and we're singing in harmony. I could listen to that song at the gym, which is kind of embarrassing but true.
Videos
TICKET CENTRAL
Recommended For You
Get Broadway's #1 Newsletter
Get the best news & discounts for Broadway & beyond.
