In the rich tapestry of musical theater, certain duets resonate, leaving lasting impressions over the years. This piece shines a spotlight on the most notable female musical theater duets. Even if musicals aren’t usually your jam, there’s something undeniably enchanting about these selections.
These songs have been performed by some of the greatest actresses to ever grace the stage, and they are all incredibly memorable. Let’s get started.
Contents
- 1. “First Time in Forever Reprise” – Frozen the Musical
- 2. “In His Eyes” – Jekyll & Hyde
- 3. “Apex Predator” – Mean Girls
- 4. “For Good” – Wicked
- 5. “Actuary Song” – I Love You Because
- 6. “I Still Believe” – Miss Saigon
- 7. “How the Other Half Lives” – Thoroughly Modern Millie
- 8. “Does Anybody Have a Map” – Dear Evan Hansen
- 9. “Perfect Strangers” – The Mystery of Edwin Drood
- 10. “When You Believe” – The Prince of Egypt
- 11. “Sisters” – White Christmas
- 12. “If Momma was Married” – Gypsy
- 13. “I Know Him So Well” – Chess
- 14. “Defying Gravity” – Wicked
- 15. “Unsuspecting Hearts” – Carrie
- 16. “Peas in a Pod” – Grey Gardens
- 17. “Getting Married Today” – Company
- 18. “Baby, Dream Your Dream” – Sweet Charity
- 19. “Take Me or Leave Me” – Rent
- 20. “Marry the Man Today” – Guys and Dolls
- Final Thoughts
1. “First Time in Forever Reprise” – Frozen the Musical
This iconic duet is sung by Elsa and Anna in “Frozen the Musical”, and it is one of the most beautiful songs in the entire show. Frozen the Musical was first performed on Broadway in 2018, and it is based on the hit Disney movie of the same name.
2. “In His Eyes” – Jekyll & Hyde
“Jekyll & Hyde” is a musical based on a very famous novella from 1886. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1997 and the duet “In His Eyes” is sung by the characters Lucy and Emma, as they question their love for the same man.
3. “Apex Predator” – Mean Girls
“Mean Girls” is a musical based on a hit movie of the same name, and it premiered on Broadway in 2018. “Apex Predator” is sung by Cady and Regina, two of the main characters in the show. This song is incredibly catchy and will get stuck in your head!
4. “For Good” – Wicked
“For Good” is one of the most popular songs from “Wicked”, a musical based on “The Wizard of Oz”. Wicked first premiered on Broadway in 2003, and it tells the story of the witches of Oz. This duet is sung by Elphaba and Glinda, two of the main characters in the show. It’s an iconic musical theatre duet that stood the test of time.
5. “Actuary Song” – I Love You Because
“I Love You Because” is a musical based on the classic novel “Pride and Prejudice”. This duet is sung by Marcy and Diana. “I Love You Because” premiered off-Broadway in 2006.
6. “I Still Believe” – Miss Saigon
“Miss Saigon” is one of the most popular musicals of all time, and it tells the story of the Vietnam War. This duet is sung by Kim and Ellen, two of the main characters in the show. “Miss Saigon” premiered in London, England in 1989 and closed 10 years later with a striking 4000+ performances.
7. “How the Other Half Lives” – Thoroughly Modern Millie
This number is a delightful slice of 1920s charm. Dive into the contrasting worlds of Millie and Miss Dorothy as they navigate the hustle and glamour of New York City. With playful banter and cheeky harmonies, this duet showcases their budding friendship and the juxtaposition of their worlds. It’s a feel-good tune that’s bound to put a little swing in your step.
8. “Does Anybody Have a Map” – Dear Evan Hansen
This musical duet is sung by Heidi and Cynthia in “Dear Evan Hansen”. “Dear Evan Hansen” is a musical that premiered on Broadway in 2016. It’s a soulful track that tells the story of a high school student who struggles with mental issues.
9. “Perfect Strangers” – The Mystery of Edwin Drood
“Drood” is a musical that comes with a side of mystery and intrigue. “Perfect Strangers” is a beautifully crafted duet that gives listeners a taste of that Victorian-era drama.
This piece, sung by Rosa Bud and Helena Landless, is an exploration of uncertainty and the unfolding relationship between two women from vastly different worlds. Their voices blend in a way that’s both haunting and reassuring, revealing layers of their characters and their shared journey.
10. “When You Believe” – The Prince of Egypt
“The Prince of Egypt” is a musical based on the hit animated movie of the same name. This is one of the best female theater duets of all time. It was sung by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston in the movie adaptation of this musical.
11. “Sisters” – White Christmas
“White Christmas” is a musical based on a classic film of the same name. This duet is sung by Betty and Judy, two of the main characters in the show. White Christmas premiered on Broadway in 2008.
12. “If Momma was Married” – Gypsy
“Gypsy” is already a treasure in the world of operas, but when you narrow down to this duet, it’s pure gold. The playful, sometimes wishful tones between sisters Louise and June are just adorable. If ever there was a song that talked about the dreams of young girls, with a sprinkle of familial love and just a dash of teenage sass, it’s this one.
13. “I Know Him So Well” – Chess
“Chess” is a musical with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, two of the members of abba. This duet is sung by Florence and Svetlana, two of the main characters in the show. “Chess” premiered in 1986.
14. “Defying Gravity” – Wicked
This powerful duet is sung by Elphaba and Glinda in “Wicked”. It tells the story of the witches of Oz, and it premiered in 2003. It was sung by Idina Menzel in the movie adaptation of “Wicked”.
15. “Unsuspecting Hearts” – Carrie
Another duet from “Carrie” is “Unsuspecting Hearts.” This duet is sung by Carrie and Gardner. As mentioned before, Carrie is a musical based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, it premiered in 1988.
16. “Peas in a Pod” – Grey Gardens
You wouldn’t think a musical based on the eccentric lives of Jackie O’s relatives would give us such a gem, but it did. This number serves a concoction of emotions.
It’s heartfelt, it’s complicated, and it beautifully portrays the intricacies of a mother-daughter relationship. When you listen, it feels like you’re peering into a world where love is abundant, but so are the complications that come with it.
17. “Getting Married Today” – Company
The romantic comedy “Company” is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It premiered on Broadway in 1970 and the duet “Getting Married Today” is sung by Amy and Paula, two of the main characters in the show. It was critically acclaimed and was even made into a movie.
18. “Baby, Dream Your Dream” – Sweet Charity
“Sweet Charity” is a musical set in the 1960s. It tells the story of a woman who works as a dancer at a nightclub. This duet is sung by Charity and Nickie. “Sweet Charity” premiered on Broadway in 1966.
19. “Take Me or Leave Me” – Rent
Another duet co-performed by Idina Menzel is “Take Me or Leave Me” from “Rent”. This duet is sung by the characters Maureen and Joanne, two of the main characters in the show. It is an award-winning theater play that made its premiere on Broadway in 1996.
20. “Marry the Man Today” – Guys and Dolls
The last duet on the list is “Marry the Man Today” from “Guys and Dolls”. It is sung by Sarah and Miss Adelaide. “Guys and Dolls” is a musical set in the 1920s. It premiered on Broadway in 1950 and was made into a movie in 1955.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of the great female musical theater duets out there. Each of these duets has something special that makes them stand out.
Whether it’s the music, the lyrics, or the performances, these duets are sure to entertain. So if you’re looking for some great female musical theater duets to enjoy, be sure to check out any of the ones on this list. You won’t be disappointed!
