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15 Musical Theatre Duets That Make Me Believe In Love Again

Hi! This is a follow-up on my other list: 15 Musical Theatre Female Solos That Make Me Feel Things. This time, I’m going to talk about 15 musical theatre duets that make me believe in love again (obviously, as the title suggests). Love songs are beautiful and special, and I always love listening to them. You don’t even have to be in a relationship to really enjoy them. You just have to listen and feel the music and lyrics. 

Musical theatre love songs are a whole different story. I find them more meaningful because they’re part of a story. They help the story progress, as well as provide insight to the characters’ personality. And probably most importantly, these songs help make the audience understand the love these characters feel for each other. 

The following songs are my favorite romantic duets in musical theatre. Romantic duets are love songs sung by two people — usually, it’s sung when they profess their love for each other. I love them to bits, and I love how they made me feel. They’re also fun to sing along to! These songs are, in my opinion, incredibly romantic. They transcend me to a different place, and yes, they do make me believe in love again. Also, let me just remind you, that this is my personal list, so if you don’t agree, well then, you can always make a list of your own. 

(Disclaimer: I arranged these songs randomly to avoid favoritism, so this is not exactly a “ranking” list.)

1. Sun and Moon - Miss Saigon 

I was initially confused which song I would choose from Miss Saigon — this one or “The Last Night of the World.” I eventually chose this one because I liked the lyrics more. They’re so simple, but you can definitely feel the love between Kim and Chris with each word. 

This song is sung early on the show, where everything was going perfectly for the both of them. After spending the night, Kim and Chris fell in love unexpectedly while there is an ongoing war. He’s a soldier; she’s a prostitute. They come from a different world, but they found each other. It’s the perfect love song for them. 

Most memorable lyrics: How in the light of one night / Did we come so far?

2. Tonight - West Side Story

Just like Kim and Chris from Miss Saigon, Tony and Maria from West Side Story come from a different world. He’s a Jet; she’s a, well... Shark by relation? Anyway, this song is also an absolute favorite of mine. The music, the lyrics... are oh-so gorgeous. Even though they’ve only met one time prior to this song, they fell in love at first sight — and they fell hard. Both Tony and Maria were ready to risk their relationship with family and friends to be with each other.  

But before the story went into chaos, this song perfectly described the love they feel for each other. It’s a delightful song, and I love it to bits. I look forward to the day I sing this to a special someone who’s ready to defy everyone just to be with me!

Most memorable lyrics:  But here you are / And what was just a world is a star / Tonight

3. Ten Minutes Ago - Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Ever wondered what it feels like to fall in love at first sight? Well, Ella and Prince Topher can tell you — or rather, sing it for you. This song is just as beautiful as the costumes of this Rodger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella production. Seriously, this is unrelated, but you really need to check out the costumes for this show. It’s to die for!

Anyway, this song is the first duet of Ella and Prince Topher. The music is soaring; the lyrics are romantic; and the choreography is memorable. This song is absolutely marvelous and perfectly encapsulates the feeling of falling in love at first sight (one of my favorite musical theatre tropes). Also, you need to check out the Tony Awards performance of this song! 

Most memorable lyrics: In the arms of my love I’m flying / Over mountain and meadow and glen

4. Take Me As I Am - Jekyll & Hyde

Unlike most of the songs in this list, I haven’t delved into this musical as much as I want to. Nevertheless, I fell in love with this gorgeous song. I have a weakness for sopranos, so of course, this song caught my attention. Christiane Noll, who played Emma in the OBC recording, sounded so, so heavenly. 

Through this song, I got to know Emma and Jekyll’s love for each other. They’re professing their love for each other, promising that they would be on each other’s side no matter what happens. It’s a song that teaches us acceptance and love really go together. Truly one of my favorite romantic song ever. 

Most memorable lyrics: And when despair / Tears me in two / Who can I turn to but you?

5. I’ll Cover You - Rent

This particular song is more carefree and upbeat compared to most of the songs in this list. But that doesn’t make it any less romantic. This song sung by my favorite couple in Rent is the absolute best. When all the other couples are fighting, Angel and Collins just continued loving each other and enjoying the little time they have. They are so sweet, and I totally love their relationship. And this song is a huge testament why. 

It’s a song that tells the audience that Angel and Collins just love being together and that they truly love one another. They were together through thick and thin, through Angel’s sickness until the very end. They weren’t kidding when they sang “I’ll be there and I’ll cover you.” And yes, the reprise version of this song is the definition of pain and sadness. 

Most memorable lyrics: But sweet kisses I’ve got to spare / I’ll be there and I’ll cover you

6. As Long As You’re Mine - Wicked

Whenever I listen to this song, I always describe it as “sensual and intimate.” This song may not be promiscuous or anything like that, but it’s so passionate and sexy in an innocent way. It’s a beautiful love song, and when performed right, truly make me fall in love. The lyrics are perfect for what Elphaba and Fiyero are going through, and the music is beyond catchy.

When they do release the movie version of Wicked — which is probably never at this point — I hope they cast actors who have amazing, off the roof chemistry. This song is one of my favorites, and I would love to see it done well on the big screen. Elphaba’s cheeky last line “For the first time, I feel... wicked” is probably my favorite line in the show. 

Most memorable lyrics: Borrow the moonlight / Until it is through / And know I’ll be here / Holding you / As long as you’re mine

7. Only Us - Dear Evan Hansen

One of the purest romantic songs ever. Though Evan may not be your ideal perfect guy, you can’t deny that this song is plain sweet. This duet between Evan and Zoe is cute and relatable — anyone who fell in love before can identify with the lyrics. And even though you’re not a fan of musical theatre, I’m pretty sure you’re still going to like this fan favorite.

This song is one of my favorite song in “new” musicals. It’s sung by teenagers in the show, but the lyrics and music are perfect to attract younger audiences. It’s a good song to sing along to, and probably a good dedication song for your significant other.

Most memorable lyrics: You and me / That’s all that we need it to be / And the rest of the world falls away

8. Seven Wonders - Catch Me If You Can

The first time I listened to the musical, I was in high school. I didn’t know it was based on a movie. I didn’t know who Frank Abagnale even is! The reason why I even cared about this musical is because of Aaron Tveit, which made me listen to the cast recording, then watch the movie (which is really good). I fell in love with this song the first moment I listened to it. It’s catchy and pure and beautiful. 

The duet is sung by Frank and Brenda in the musical. The lyrics (and Aaron Tveit) are probably the highlights of the song for me. It’s hilarious and, at the same time, really sweet. Imagine having a guy you like say that you couldn’t compare to all the beautiful places in the world because you’re perfect! And then imagine Aaron Tveit singing that to you. But seriously speaking, this song is goshdarn cute and romantic. 

Most memorable lyrics: I’ve been a lot of places / Yes, I’ve traveled near and far / But now I know that home is where you are

9. Happiness - Passion

This is the first song of the musical, and from there, I’m already in love. Giorgio and Clara’s song is simply enchanting. It tells the story of two people just being happy in each other’s arms. We don’t know who they are — as the musical only started — but we just know that they’re completely in love with each other, satisfied and contented.

Indeed, this is one of my favorite love songs ever. It’s warm, delightful, and deeply sensual. Giorgio and Clara’s love story may not be perfect (as we realize later on the show), but this song is perfect for their relationship in the beginning. 

Most memorable lyrics: Some say happiness / Comes and goes / Then this happiness / Is a kind of happiness / No one really knows

10. Say It Somehow - The Light in the Piazza

This musical has one of the best scores ever. It’s astonishingly pleasant to the ears. This particular song, on the other hand, is one of the best love songs I’ve ever heard. In this song, this is when Fabrizio (spoiler alert?) professes his love and proposes to Clara (a different one from the previously mentioned musical). 

Who does not want a declaration of love with a song like this? It’s everyone’s dream — or rather, my dream. It’s a gorgeous song with flawless music and lyrics. And I know you’re getting tired of hearing it but yes, this is one of my favorite songs.

Most memorable lyrics: Say it somehow / Anyway you can / You know me / You are good

11. Something to Believe In - Newsies

The first few notes of this song is already set to make me fall in love, and it succeeds. This love song is amazing and fun to sing along to. It’s catchy (especially the chorus) and above all, romantic. Jack and Katherine are not only friends, but they also know how to work together and that’s important in any relationship. 

Needless to say, this song is the perfect for the both of them. Jack and Katherine truly believed in each other. They’re one of my favorite couples in musicals, so I’m pretty happy that they got a really good song. It’s also one of those songs that you can play for your friends who don’t often listen to musicals. 

Most memorable lyrics: And if I’m gone tomorrow / What was ours still will be / I have something to believe in / Now that I know you believed in me

12. One Second and a Million Miles - The Bridges of Madison County

Honestly, I’m not sure if this is an “actual” love song, but what the hell, I love this song and I’m making the list so I’m going to include it. The entire musical is heartbreaking, but oh-so romantic and beautiful. The songs are exquisite and gorgeous, especially this big song in the second act wherein Robert tells Francesca to leave everything and run away with him. 

It’s a song of reassurance, that whatever the risks they’re going to take, it’s enough because they love one another and they’re going to be there for each other. It’s an incredible song and no matter how many times I listen to the cast recording, Kelli O’Hara and Steven Pasquale’s vocals give me chills every time. 

Most memorable lyrics: And you and I are just one second / Spinning by in just one second / You and I have just one second / And a million miles to go

13. All I Ask of You - The Phantom of the Opera

My. Favorite. Duet. Of. All. Time. I mean, I think most of my followers here are from the “Phandom” so you just know that I have to include a song from this musical. This song is the absolute best, which of course, truly made me believe in love again. It’s beautiful. Raoul and Christine’s relationship is the best, as the both of them love each other very much.

In this song, Raoul promises Christine to be there for her all the time no matter what. He promises his love for her and more. It’s a wonderful and romantic song that has been covered endless times by popular artists outside musical theatre (my favorite would’ve been Josh Groban and Kelly Clarkson’s version). And I swear, if I ever get married in the future, this will be the song that I would play on my first dance with my husband.

Most memorable lyrics: Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime / Say the word and I will follow you / Share each day with me, each night, each morning / Say you love me / You know I do

14. All I’ve Ever Known - Hadestown 

Anaïs Mitchell originally wanted this to be a solo for Eurydice, but I thank the gods everyday that she turned it into a duet. It’s my favorite song in the musical, and it’s absolutely wonderful. For a really long time, Eurydice was on her own and very independent. She didn’t trust anyone. But now, she was ready to open up and love Orpheus with all her heart. 

Furthermore, the choreography in this song is absolutely amazing. It showed the intimacy of Eurydice and Orpheus’ relationship through their dance. It went perfectly well along with the song as well! I love this song very much, and it’s on repeat. 

Most memorable lyrics: All I know is you’re someone I have always known / And I don’t even know you / Now I wanna hold you, hold you close / I don’t wanna ever have to let you go

15. I Have Dreamed - The King and I

Tuptim and Lun Tha are only supporting characters in their musical, but their songs are my absolute favorites. This and “We Kiss in a Shadow” are two of my favorite songs in the musical. Their songs, especially this one in particular, left a long-lasting impression to me. Even though I’m not in love, this song makes me feel like I am. 

My first version of this song is Lea Salonga and Peabo Bryon’s version (which you should really check out if you haven’t!) Their rendition of this song is super good — it’s like you’ve died and gone to heaven. The lyrics are amazing and perfectly written. To top it all of, this song is very romantic, and I love it so much. 

Most memorable lyrics: In these dreams, I’ve loved you so / That by now I think, I know / What it’s like to be loved by you / I will love being loved by you

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And that brings us to the end of this list. These 15 songs truly made me believe in love again, and I suggest you give them a listen! Who knows, maybe you’d like them as well. 

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Hey, everyone! The Rich in Color bloggers have gotten together to discuss Elizabeth Acevedo’s second novel, WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH. As always with a group discussion, there will be spoilers ahead! But if you’ve already read the book, be sure to let us know what you thought about the novel!

Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, Emoni Santiago’s life has been about making the tough decisions—doing what has to be done for her daughter and her abuela. The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness.

Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible. Yet despite the rules she thinks she has to play by, once Emoni starts cooking, her only choice is to let her talent break free.

Audrey: One of the things I immediately loved about WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH was that this novel wasn’t about the question of if Emoni should continue with her pregnancy. Instead, we were dropped into Emoni’s life after the fact, when she is a senior in high school and a teen mother to a toddler. It was refreshing to have a book about the afterwards of the decision to keep a child and all of the challenges that came with it. It wasn’t all cute baby snuggles (though there were plenty of those)–Emoni had to deal with Tyrone and his family, her family’s financial difficulties, school issues, and a lot of stigma regarding her teen parenthood.

Crystal: Yes, this really gets into some of the complications of teen pregnancy. We see Emoni’s struggles along with the love she has for her daughter. I also appreciated that Emoni thinks through why she was with Tyrone in the first place. She realizes, “So much of my decision to have sex had more to do with being chosen than it did with any sexual attraction.” That’s something that many people can relate to.

Jessica: To be honest, I was just excited to be reading a new book by Elizabeth Acevedo, and I didn’t really know anything at all about what it was about. So I was (pleasantly) surprised to discover when it took place in Emoni’s life. You kind of uncover Emoni’s backstory gradually, just like you would gradually get to know someone in the non-fictional world. That was pretty amazing.

K. Imani: I agree with you Audrey that it was refreshing to have a novel that didn’t deal with the “will I or won’t I” and showed what life was like after. I was reading this as my students were doing their rice baby project and reading Gaby Rodriguez’s The Pregnancy Project, which has my students reevaluate their opinions of teen moms, and I feel like Acevedo’s novel is a wonderful companion book as it shows us how Emoni did struggle but also how she succeeded.

Audrey: Parenting–and what makes a good parent–was a major theme in the novel. Emoni’s own mother died in childbirth, while her father kept flitting in and out of her life, and Emoni was keenly aware of the things she had sacrificed in order to be a mom and what she might end up sacrificing in the future. One of my favorite scenes in the novel was when ’Buela, a mother(-figure) three times over, admitted that she just needed some time to be herself and not a (grand)mother. I loved that we got to see ’Buela having a life outside of Emoni and Babygirl.

Crystal: Family was certainly a major part of this story. The way people are connected and communicating with each other via food is one aspect. Chosen family is also an emphasis. While Emoni’s father never stays, she tries to focus on ‘Buela who does stay and chose her. Keeping this focus is so much better than just dwelling on the feelings of abandonment she has. She says we make choices about who we will hold close and who we are fine without.

Jessica: So glad you brought up chosen family! I feel like in fiction, there’s often two extremes: It’s all about your biological family, or it’s about your completely unrelated friends-as-family family. Here, there’s a sort of in-between: A chosen family that is Emoni’s best friend, grandmother, aunt, etc. An inter-generational family made up of your relatives and your friends is a beautiful thing.

K. Imani: I like that the novel showed that families are complicated and messy and that there is no such thing as a perfect family. I also really liked how all the teens had adults in their lives in some way – even though Tyrone’s mom was horrible to Emoni, she was there for her son. I feel like showing all the different types of family showed that it really does take a village and that family can be what you make of it, but also the family you are born with.

Audrey: Of course, we can’t forget to talk about the food in this novel! I really liked how WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH showed the intersection between the “home” and “professional” culinary spheres and how there are a different set of challenges when switching between the two. Moving from one to the other was a struggle for Emoni, but I was thrilled when she went back to the class and dedicated herself to learning the information, skills, and discipline that would put her on track for a future career in a restaurant.

Crystal: I could relate to Malachi’s relationship to cooking so much. I had a boxed macaroni and cheese disaster when I was in elementary school cooking for my younger sibling and father while my mother was at work. His cooking was out of necessity and while he didn’t hate it, cooking wasn’t his love. Malachi and the others in the class learn and maybe enjoy cooking, but Emoni is pure magic with food. I almost couldn’t imagine her having a food disaster. Aside from her talents, the food she prepares nourishes people physically, but also emotionally. I loved this aspect of the story. Many people have someone in their life who cooks with love you can feel. For me it was my Gram, but her abilities seemed to go even beyond that.

Side note, I just had to try the tembleque recipe at the beginning of the book. I don’t think it affected anyone’s emotions, but it certainly delighted our taste buds. It was refreshing, subtly sweet and perfect for a warm, sunny day.

Jessica: The food! I wanted to start cooking as of, like, page one. I really want to try every single recipe in this book. Funnily enough, I was watching a Taiwanese drama about cooking around the same time I was reading this, so I got a double dose of the chef lesson “respect the recipe before you mess with it” via two different mediums. All the food imagery and the depictions of people’s relationship to food was just so vivid throughout. And I loved the hints of magical realism sprinkled throughout, with Emoni’s cooking affecting people emotionally — it reminded me of Like Water for Chocolate just a tiny bit, a classic I accidentally read when I was in, like, elementary school (yeah, WAY too young…).

K. Imani: I was reminded of Like Water for Chocolate too Jessica, especially as I saw the recipe on the very first page. I got all sorts of excited. I loved the way Acevedo described the different food Emoni made and even how she came up with her ideas. There is an art to good cooking and I felt like Acevedo show how much Emoni was an artist with her cooking. I feel like it also showed the hard balance artists (of all types) must learn when wanting to create, but having to maintain a living. Emoni having to learn that she must stick to a recipe, even when she disagrees with it, and even having the customer in mind at a restaurant, allowed her to understand that she can still be a full creative in the kitchen, just sometimes artists have to make choices to make money. I feel like including this idea, the tension between cooking professionally versus cooking for family, was an essential part of her growth and a good lesson for teens to learn.

Audrey: Emoni’s identity was front and center in this novel, and I really enjoyed how she embraced all her different facets, especially when it came to her Philly and Puerto Rican side: “This stuff is complicated. But it’s like I’m some long-division problem folks keep wanting to parcel into pieces, and they don’t hear me when I say: I don’t reduce, homies. The whole of me is Black. The whole of me is whole.” As a biracial reader, that line about folks wanting to parcel her into pieces really resonated with me.

Crystal: I agree that what Emoni said about her identity was powerful, but I also think the way she said things is noteworthy. The way these words go together is very lyrical and visual. Another good example is when Emoni describes the world as a turntable with people choosing which tracks to sit out and which ones, “inspire us to dance.” Acevedo is poetic and clever with words even in prose.

K. Imani: Fun fact – Emoni’s name is just a different spelling of my name, so I loved being able to connect to such a wonderful character in such a meaningful way. Emoni being so open about her identity and making sure everyone understood her position was powerful, especially from someone so young.

Audrey: Another thing I appreciated about WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH was showing Emoni’s support network and how things were changing as she approached legal adulthood: “And although her trust should make me feel better, I feel a slight pang in my chest. Every day it seems ’Buela is stepping back, not just giving me full rein in Babygirl’s life, but also in my own. And I know I should love the freedom, but I don’t think I’m ready for all the safety nets to be cut loose. Doesn’t she know I still need her? That I still wish someone would look at the pieces of my life and tell me how to make sure they all fit back together?” We don’t normally get a “coming of age”-type novel when someone’s already a parent, but I really enjoyed that duality of Emoni growing up just as Babygirl was.

Jessica: Going back to the chosen family thing — I love Emoni’s support network, and the way it’s woven into the story. Emoni is incredible, talented, and going places, but it’s her network of family and friends that keep her going. There’s just such a powerful feeling of: “You got this. We’ve got you. We’re in this together.” And seeing all these people come together for Emoni, while having their own rich and varied lives, honestly made me tear up a little.

K. Imani: I mentioned earlier that this novel showed that it truly takes a village for all to be successful, but her relationship with ‘Buela, and ‘Buela slowly pulling back is such a healthy depiction of an young adult/parent relationship that allows a young adult to become a functional adult in our world. I’m glad that “Buela always gave Emoni advice, but then reminded her that her decisions are her own and she’ll support Emoni no matter what. That allowed Emoni to take risks and make mistakes, but also allowed her to problem solve, and discover her identity which is essential to becoming an adult.

So what did you think of WITH THE FIRE ON HIGH? Let us know!