Someone in the Crowd (La La Land)
In La La Land, “Someone in the Crowd” is more than a fun musical number—it’s a lesson in economics. As four aspiring actresses head to a party, the song captures…
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Something from Nothin (DEAD OUTLAW)
Something from Nothin (DEAD OUTLAW) Some of the most successful entrepreneurs create new markets where one did not exist before. In Something from Nothin, we hear about this in a…
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Franklin Shepard, Inc. (Merrily We Roll Along)
“Franklin Shepard, Inc.” illustrates the economic tension between artistic integrity and commercial success. The song highlights the opportunity cost of creative pursuits – Charley values artistic fulfillment, while Frank prioritizes…
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New Money (The Great Gatsby)
“New Money” From The Great Gatsby examines the economic divide between wealth derived from hard work and that inherited from old money. In this song, the characters reflect on social…
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Make a Wish (Kimberly Akimbo)
Kimberly sings about what she would want with her three wishes. These three things give her what economists call utility, which is a measurement of satisfaction. Sometimes, the things that…
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How To Wash A Check (Kimberly Akimbo)
The gang is learning about check fraud and we can learn about the economics of crime through “How to Wash a Check”. Lyrics for How to Wash a Check
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My Personal Property (Sweet Charity)
Charity is singing about how New York City is like her own personal property. We use this to explore the benefits of property rights and the tragedy of the commons.
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Hey Big Spender (Sweet Charity)
The dancers try to entice the “big spender”. This song is a good introduction to a lesson on rent seeking. The “big spender” could provide a big payoff – and…
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It Sucks to Be Me (Avenue Q)
The humans and monsters who live on Avenue Q sing about their lives, and in it there are a lessons on unemployment, the economics of beauty, immigration, and more!
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Holding out for a Hero (Footloose the Musical)
The singer is “holding out for a hero”. There are other men available, but she wants one who has specific traits (strong, fresh from the fight, etc.). Having another boyfriend/partner…
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