40 of the Best Musical Theatre Songs for Large Groups

Written by Tiffany Wilkie

August 11, 2019

“We’ve Got The Beat” from Head Over Heels

Why it works: If you have an inkling to do an uptempo mega-hit from the 80s set in the 16th century featuring powerhouse vocals then this number will work for your mostly girl group!

“It’s Time to Dance” from The Prom

Why it works: This song is all about having fun, dancing, and being inclusive. It’s a fun number to feature two strong female leads and a dancer/singer ensemble.

“Prologue” from The Great Comet

Why it works: This group number works splendidly with singers who are fantastic storytellers.

“Why We Build the Wall” from Hadestown

Why it works: “Wall” features a bass singer, (which is rare) and an ensemble of strong singers. It’s a good number for singers who move.

“Day O (The Banana Boat Song)” from Beetlejuice The Musical

Why it works: Haven’t you always wanted to recreate this iconic number from Beetlejuice? “Day-O” features quirky character actors who sing and move. The director can have a lot of fun with a table and chairs.

“Big Fun” from Heathers

Why it works: All the kids love Heathers, so this number will be big fun for your group of singers who move.

“Wild Party” from Wild Party

Why it works: A fun, period piece for a group of confident singer-dancers.

“I Feel the Joy” from Hands on a Hardbody

Why it works: Hands on a Hardbody is about Ten contestants vying for a “hardbody” truck in Longview, Texas. The last contestant who has his or her hands on the truck wins it. The truck is a Nissan “hardbody” pickup (on stage). The lives of each contestant, along with the car dealer and a radio announcer are revealed during the “hardbody” contest.The cast has to create the illusion that they are all standing around a car. A fun character-y song for singer/actors.

“You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen

Why it works: A number that requires a strong male tenor and an equally strong supporting cast, “You Will Be Found” will leave the audience in tears, literally. Can be staged minimally using cell phone as props.

“Fearless” from Mean Girls

Why it works: “Fearless” is an uplifting number about moving past old fear and embracing a new, more powerful you. The number highlights three strong belting sopranos a dancing/singing ensemble.

“Keep It Gay” from The Producers

Why it works: Any number that features dancing, signing boys is sure to bring the house down, and this one does not disappoint if you have a sassy group of character actor-singers who dance then your sure to have a gay old time with this one.

“Brand New Day” from The Wiz

Why it works: The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the context of modern African-American culture. If you have a solid group of singer/dancers with joy in their hearts, then this is a perfect number for you.

“Breaking All the Rules ” from Catch Me If You Can

Why it works: This is challenging number for a strong male tenor and an ensemble of talented singer/dancers. Bonus points if you use the hats!

“What’s Inside/Opening Up” from Waitress

Why it works: A great number for three strong female leads. It introduces the audience to the characters and the diner where they all work.

“38 planes (reprise) / Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere” from Come From Away

Why it works: A great number for strong character-actor singers. Minimal choreography, requires more creative staging.

“Super Sea Star Savior” from Sponge Bob the Musical

Why it works: It’s a gospel style number for sardines. You can’t go wrong!

“Toldeo Surprise” from The Drowsy Chaperone

Why it works: It’s a fun ensemble piece with standout roles for many actors. It has a complete beginning, middle, and end. It. Is. Funny! A choreographer can have a lot of fun with the staging to create a big finish.

“Two by Two” from Book of Mormon

Why it works: Let’s face it: if you have 16 boys who can sing, act, and dance, there is nothing like seeing this number on stage.

“On My Way” from Violet

Why it works: The music is gorgeous. The actors are challenged to create the illusion of people on a long bus ride. It’s a standout number for Violet with some great individual roles for others.

“We’re in the Money” from 42nd Street

Why it works: If you are up for going the classic route, consider this number. Kids love to tap. When this number was first choreographed only three of the students could tap, by the end they all could. The choreographer can use the original choreography. The set crew will enjoy building the dimes. It is a standout number for a talented male tap dancer. The actors will be challenged to act, sing, and dance at the same time.

“Raise it Up/Just Be” from Kinky Boots

Why it works: The message alone is perfect for a high school theatre audience: “Just be / Who you wanna be / Never let ‘em tell you who you ought to be.”

“The Jitterbug” from The Wizard of Oz

Why it works: Most people love the Wizard of the Oz. This mostly unknown number is fun to stage. The choreographer will have a great time with the jitterbugs. It is also a great time for the four actors who are tasked with creating the Lion, Tin-man, Scarecrow, and Dorothy.

“A Musical” from Something Rotten

Why it works: If you want to blow the audience out of their chairs consider “A Musical”. From the show-stopping nods to other musicals and the fun characters, this number is sure to be a success.

“Our Favorite Son” from The Will Rogers Follies

‘Why it works: The choreography alone is incredible to watch. The music isn’t difficult to sing, either! It is also fun to see one guy surrounded by so many highly energetic ladies.

“Step in Time” from Mary Poppins

Why it works: Who doesn’t love to see the classic chimney sweeps joyfully dancing? Actors will learn to sing in a cockney dialect. The music is powerful and playful. The dancing is challenging. The school prop master will have fun creating the chimney sweeps. The actors will be challenged to create individual characters. There are standout moments for Bert and Mary, but it is a true ensemble piece.

“It’s Hot Up Here” from Sunday in the Park With George

Why it works: It is a challenge for the actors in this piece to bring the classic painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. When executed well, it is magical to watch.

“Murder, Murder” from Jekyll and Hyde

Why it works: From the first note in this song the audience is hooked. It is a compelling story about murder that will leave the audience in chills.

“Freak Flag” from Shrek

Why it works: This is a great number for funny character actors. The scene before the number sets up the story nicely. Actors will be challenged to use their bodies to physicalize the fairytale creatures. The choreographer will have a lot of fun staging the number. The music is great.

“I Got You” from Bring it On

Why it works: The music is upbeat. The characters are fun. It includes cheerleader stunts and group choreography.

“Ugg-A-Wug” from Peter Pan

Why it works: The combination of dance and percussion lend themselves well to performance. If done with commitment and high energy, this number is sure to leave the audience feeling uplifted and inspired.

“Raise Your Voice” from Sister Act

Why it works: If you have 16 great actresses who can sing and act, then this number is great to do. It’s a standout number for one comedic actress with fun ensemble roles, including the piano player. The music is fun and builds throughout the song.

“Seize the Day” from Newsies

Why it works: This number is the shortest on this list, but in that time it packs a serious punch. It is another great number for a group that can sing and dance. The choreographer may cast some girls or all boys. It is inspiring and fun to do.

“Play” from Finding Neverland

Why it works: Pirates singing and dancing about when they used to be kids lends itself to this fun and zany number. The actors will enjoy the duality of playing pirates and children in the same song. The story within the number is complete, and there are many standout roles for individuals.

“Brand New You” from 13 the Musical

Why it works: The music is fun to sing. There are many standout moments for individual vocalists. The choreographer can have a lot of fun using the space in creative ways.

“Anything Goes” from Anything Goes

Why it works: For a tap number, there are not many better than this one. It is a standout number for a female. If executed with precision it can blow the room away.