Musicals: 60 Powerful Songs for Male Performers to Break the Fourth Wall

Understanding the "House Number"

In musical theater, a "House number" is a song where the performer acknowledges the audience, breaking the invisible fourth wall that typically separates the characters from the viewers. These songs are rare but incredibly impactful when executed well.

Types of House Numbers

1. True House Numbers: The performer is fully aware of the audience and steps out of the narrative to engage them.
2. Songs to the Audience: The character sings to a stage audience within the plot, which can be extended to include the real audience.
3. Soliloquies: These are introspective songs that, while not directly addressing the audience, can be performed in a way that feels outward and engaging.

True House Numbers

These songs are designed to break the fourth wall explicitly. Here are some prime examples:

• "If You Want to Die in Bed" and "American Dream" from Miss Saigon
• "Oh What a Circus" from Evita
• "Comedy Tonight" and "Everybody Ought to Have a Maid" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
• "Invocation to the Gods" and "Instructions to the Audience" from The Frogs

Songs to the Audience

These songs are performed to a stage audience within the plot, making it easier to extend the performance to the real audience:

• "Master of the House" from Les Miserables
• "Willkommen" and "If You Could See Her" from Cabaret
• "The Museum Song" and "Bigger Isn't Better" from Barnum
• "Springtime for Hitler" from The Producers
• "Beautiful Girls" from Follies

Soliloquies

These songs are introspective but can be performed in a way that engages the audience:

• "Funny" from City of Angels
• "What Is It About Her" from Wild Party
• "Don't Take Much" from The Life
• "All I Need Is the Girl" from Gypsy
• "Tonight at Eight" and "She Loves Me" from She Loves Me

Expanding Your Repertoire

Tribute Musicals

Tribute musicals offer a wealth of House numbers:

• "That'll Be The Day" and "Johnny B. Goode" from Buddy
• "I Want to Break Free" from We Will Rock You
• Virtually any song from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, including "Sugar Daddy" and "Angry Inch"

Lesser-Known Gems

• "My Unfortunate Erection" from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• "I Can Do That" from A Chorus Line
• "Anthem" from Chess
• "Make Them Hear You" from Ragtime
• "If I Were a Rich Man" from Fiddler on the Roof

Sondheim's Masterpieces

Stephen Sondheim's works are a treasure trove for House numbers:

• "The Ballad of Booth" from Assassins
• "Everybody Says Don't" from Anyone Can Whistle
• "These Are My Friends" from Sweeney Todd

Performance Tips

The key to a successful House number is direct communication with the audience. Use plenty of eye contact and make your performance feel personal and engaging.

Conclusion

House numbers are a powerful tool in a musical theater performer's arsenal. Whether you're performing a true House number, a song to the audience, or a soliloquy, these songs can help you create a memorable and impactful performance. Enjoy connecting with your audience in a way that few songs allow.

For more insights into musical theater, check out Playbill and Broadway World.

Interesting Stats

• According to a study by the Broadway League, musicals accounted for 80% of Broadway's total gross revenue in the 2018-2019 season (source).
• The longest-running musical on Broadway is The Phantom of the Opera, which has been performed over 13,000 times since its debut in 1988 (source).

By understanding and utilizing House numbers, you can elevate your performances and create unforgettable moments for your audience.