Songs by female composers and lyricists to add to your book NOW (part two!)

We all know that the vast majority of musical theatre composers out there are men - and they have some amazing things to offer! But let's take a moment to explore and celebrate the breadth of work by female composers and lyricists gracing the world with their stories and melodies. 

Georgia Stitt 

Ever been at the beginning of a relationship and stepped in ever so lightly and took things really slow? You might related to this fun, sincere contemporary power ballad. 

“Not Yet” from Mosaic 

Lisa Lambert, The Drowsy Chaperone 

Let’s see those high kicks, splits, belting chops and anything else you list under “special skills” on that resume in this song from the hilarious Drowsy Chaperone by Lisa Lambert. 

“Show Off” from The Drowsy Chaperone 

Cyndi Lauper: Kinky Boots

It doesn't get much better than Billy Porter, and he delivers this vulnerable and powerful song with grace and sincerity that will break your heart and make you feel warm and fuzzies all at once. 

“Hold Me in Your Heart” from Kinky Boots

Zina Goldrich (and Marcy Heisler), Ever After, Dear Edwina, Junie B Jones 

Although my heart still swells thinks of my 8th grade production of Dear Edwina and my glorious rendition of “Say No Thank You”, this female dream team has a new musical making it’s way to Broadway based on the film and loosely following the Cinderella story. 

“My Cousin’s Cousin” from Ever After

Kait Kerrigan (…Samantha Brown, Tales from the Bad Years)

Kerrigan and Lowdermilk are a dream team for contemporary musical theatre that pulls at your heart strings. If you don’t swoon over “Run Away with Me”, I’m not sure what will. 

“Run Away With Me” from The Unauthorized Biography of Samantha Brown

Kristen Anderson-Lopez: Frozen, In Transit 

Well, of course, there’s Frozen, which needs no introduction or explanation. For your next audition, you could join the ranks of every pre-teen girl and bust out “Let It Go” or you could choose something from Kristen Anderson-Lopez’s slightly lesser known musical - In Transit. Give it a listen next time you’re on the metro. 

“Do What I Do” from In Transit

Nell Benjamin: Legally Blonde, Mean Girls

If you're a fierce contemporary MT belter, of course you could look to "World Burn" from Mean Girls, but if you're look for a sweet character ballad, try this on for size

“Ireland” from Legally Blonde