13 Songs of Wedded Bliss From the Cast of Big Love
50 brides and 50 grooms await 50 sets of wedding bells (with varying degrees of enthusiasm) in Charles Mee’s Big Love, now running off-Broadway at the Pershing Square Signature Center. Each of the play’s 11 main characters tout different philosophies on the subjects of romance and wedded bliss, with the occasional assist from a handy musical number — because nothing captures the true essence of love like a pop ballad. In anticipation of everyone’s favorite Hallmark holiday, TheaterMania decided to probe the cast’s newfound expertise and ask which hit song they think does it best (or songs for some of the cast’s bigger lovers).
(© Tristan Fuge)
Song: “Dream a Little Dream of Me”
Artist: Mama Cass
“For me the most simple, sweet, and melodic sound in the romantic world is Mama Cass singing ‘Dream A Little Dream Of Me.'”
Song: “Eternal Flame”
Artist: The Bangles
“Because marriage is supposed to last forever! And hopefully, my love for the person I marry will burn like an eternal flame. (i.e. forever!)”
Song: “I Want to Know What Love Is”
Artist: Foreigner
“Because it explores the struggle, confusion, and pain that is an inevitable part of the journey to find love.”
Song: “My Romance”
Artist: Rodgers and Hart
“Despite all the beautiful romantic imagery in Lorenz Hart’s lyric, its message is clear and direct in the last line: ‘My romance doesn’t need a thing but you.’ That’s what marriage should mean, and thankfully, my romance allows me to enjoy Big Love every day.”
Song: “Ain’t Nobody’s Business”
Artist: Freddie King
“Because love is such a fickle animal and we all get to choose how we want it to go down. Plus I just love his voice and guitar-playing. He means what he says.”
I think it is in true Big Love spirit that I have two dueling answers for one question:
Song (1): “In My Eyes”
Artist: Robyn
“I think if we’re lucky, marriage is a partnership wherein in sickness and in poorer that special someone has your back no matter what, and will push you to pick yourself up and do your best.”
“Little star, I got you! I got you. You’ll be okay.”
Song (2): “Hyperballad”
Artist: Björk
“In my less optimistic hours I think marriage might involve solo fits of aggression in the early mornings, clearing one’s headspace in order to accept his or her situation.”
“I go through all this before you wake up so I can feel happier to be safe up here with you.”
Song: “Ready for Love”
Artist: India.Arie
“In this song she sings about being in love and being ready to be loved and giving yourself completely over to that love. This is the one of the best ways to make a marriage work (or any relationship, for that matter).”
(© David Gordon)
Song: “I Will Follow You Into the Dark”
Artist: Death Cab for Cutie
“I’m learning that true love is actually the opposite of romantic ideal — the willingness to follow, support, and accept another person through the unknown and darkness even more steadfastly than through the joy.”
(© Matthew Murphy)
Song (1): “Let’s Stay Together”
Artist: Al Green
Song (2): “You & Me”
Artist: Dave Matthews Band
“It’s a toss up between ‘Let’s Stay Together’ by Al Green (I mean, come on!) and ‘You & Me’ by Dave Matthews. The first song talks about how loving another person makes one feel complete. The second song is about how doing anything together will make it better. Both of those sentiments kinda rock my world.”
Song: “So High”
Artist: John Legend
“I believe your spouse should be someone who makes you want to be your best self…one whose presence enhances your life bringing you to your highest potential.”
Song: “As”
Artist: Stevie Wonder
“Love is everywhere and it is eternal, we just have to see it! It is the highest law.”
For tickets to Big Love, click here.
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