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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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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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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No Friends (Almost Famous the Musical)
William is being paid to follow the band Stillwater on tour. He thinks they are great, but he is cautioned by Rolling Stone not to make friends with the band….
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With One Look (Sunset Boulevard)
Norma Desmond was the biggest star of Silent Movies. But when the talking movies came out, she was no longer a star. Here she laments her turn in life and…
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Give Them What They Want (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels)
Lawrence and his bodyguard sing about their scheme to con money from their wealthy victims: desperate ladies. Lawrence is planning to con money from these women by “giving them what…
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Anything You Can Do (Annie Get Your Gun)
In “Anything You Can Do”, Annie Oakley and Frank Butler playfully claim they can outdo each other with increasingly complex tasks. From singing softly to buying cheaply, Annie and Frank…
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Almost Real (Bridges of Madison County)
In “Almost Real”, Francesca is singing about how she came to America while reflecting on her life in Italy as a girl and young woman. As a young woman in…
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My House (Matilda)
In “My House”, Miss Honey reflects on the ownership of and belongings within her home – an old shed. Although her housing is meager, Miss Honey is content and happy….
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