I'm just curious, does anyone know any theatre songs about body positivity, for example, Big, Blonde, and Beautiful from Hairspray. Let me know if you can think of any :)
My first thought is "Beautiful" from Head Over Heels. The song itself is not about being plus sized, but a plus-sized woman sings it without any irony. (In the regional licensing, I believe Pamela is described as plus-sized, so it's not just because Bonnie Milligan originated the role).
"Find Out What They Like" from AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' is "body neutral" in the lyrics, but was performed all out by two large, but very sexy women. I always found it very "body liberating" and smoking hot!
ETA Although the show was performed by an all-black cast, this particular song doesn't mention race, IIRC.
In My Body is a new musical that premiered in Philadelphia - almost all the songs might fall into the category of body positivity. From their website (http://www.inmybodythemusical.com/): "COVERING and UNCOVERING gender identity, infertility, bullying, pride, aging, obesity, trauma, self-loathing, disability, passion, sexuality, love and so much more."
Arguably "This is Our Story" from Shrek though that's more of a general acceptance song. Same with "Tear Me Down" from Hedwig. Also arguably "Stepsister's Lament" from Cinderella. Sort of. "Gorgeous" from The Apple Tree assumes the singer is conventionally attractive but I guess it's technically body positive. I guess "I Am What I Am" from La Cage since identity is conflated with gender performance.
I think the best bet is Bella, the musical by Kirsten Childs. I just found out it's on Spotify when I was looking up answers to this question.
It's difficult because not a lot of musical theater characters explicitly call attention to their size...
joined:6/19/19
joined:
6/19/19
Posted: 6/19/19 at 4:39pm