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My Top 5 Showtunes: Christine Allado

The actress tells us the musical numbers she couldn’t live without

(© Photo by Roberto Vivancos Studio www.robertovivancos.com)

Christine Allado is currently starring in the Olivier Award-winning musical In the Heights.

Her previous theatre credits include From Here to Eternity and Here Lies Love.

We caught up with Christine and asked her: "If you were stranded on a desert island which five showtunes could you not live without?"


1. "I Had Myself a True Love" from St. Louis Women

Probably the most beautiful song ever written. I came across this song while obsessing over Audra McDonald and knew I just had to try it for myself. The way blues fused with a classical sound really appealed to the shizoprano in me.

2. "Say it Somehow" from Light in the Piazza

Light in the Piazza is hands down my favourite musical and my one wish is that it comes to town! I listened to this duet on loop after watching the recording of the piece at Lincoln Centre. If the sweeping orchestrations and intricate harmonies don't get you, the text and story surely will!

3. "Circle of Life" from The Lion King

I moved to London on a whim because I saw a production of The Lion King in Singapore for my 21st birthday. The moment "Circle of Life" began I was an emotional MT geek wreck! Nothing is quite as epic and encompassing as this powerful opening number!

4. "So Many People" from Saturday Night

There is an album which is a compilation of Stephen Sondheim's most beautiful songs and it includes a commentary about him and his work. In it he says that when he writes love songs, he doesn't directly use those three words. To me, this song is the most heartfelt and pure of love songs. Simple and lovely like a pearl.

5. "Satisfied" from Hamilton

Probably the only contemporary song in my list, I mean who isn't in love with Hamilton these days! This song brings out the rapper in me, Sam Mackay will have to give me lessons! I just love the character of Angelica and her witty feisty solo is just beautiful story telling with a modern take.

In the Heights is booking at the King's Cross Theatre until 30 October 2016.