by Mallory Delchamp
10. Jamie and Cathy from “The Last 5 Years”
Probably the most believable pair in recent musical theatre, the young couple featured in the Jason Robert Brown hit are actually the only two characters in the musical and are only on stage together for a handful of scenes. However, their story captures the essence of young love. Filled with heartbreak and humor, Jamie and Cathy meet in New York City, fall in love despite their differences, get married and discover that love has its downfalls. The musical isn’t for the faint of heart but it tells a beautiful and poignant story that many of us can relate to.
9. Link Larkin and Tracy Turnblad from “Hairspray”
The Elvis Presley-esque Link and the pleasantly plump Tracy are a classic example of teen love. With wonderful duets such as “It Takes Two” and “Without Love” these two teen lovers make for an adorable pair in the Tony-award winning musical from Michael Shaiman about racial tensions of the 1960s.
8. Elphaba and Fiyero from “Wicked”
This Stephen Schwartz musical about the land of Oz prior to Dorothy’s arrival just celebrated its 10th anniversary on Broadway, that being said it would be a shame to not include its lead characters on our list. Elphaba, is the misunderstood, green girl with magical powers and Fiyero is the flirtatious and handsome prince. The two are living proof that opposites attract and their duet of the haunting love song “As Long as You’re Mine” solidifies them as one of musical theatre’s most memorable couples.
7. Angel and Collins from “Rent”
Adorable yet controversial, happy yet heartbreaking, Angel and Collins are one of musical theatre’s most inspiring examples of love and acceptance. Angel is an AIDS-stricken drag queen and Collins is an AIDS stricken homosexual. They meet on Christmas Eve night in the East Village, fall in love despite adversity, and inspire their group of friends to believe in love. They don’t have a particularly happy ending but they remain a favorite amongst fans of Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking rock opera.
6. Curly and Laurie from “Oklahoma!”
While there are several notable couples from the Rogers and Hammerstein repertoire, Curly and Laurie win the award for most aww-inspiring. As if the classic duet “People Will Say We’re In Love” wasn’t enough of a reason to fall in love with the country couple the reprise of the song seals the deal. Laurie, is an innocent and naïve farm girl and Curly is a charming cow boy and they make for an absolutely adorable musical theatre duo!
5. Cosette and Marius from “Les Misérables”
While many Les Mis fans would argue that the best couple of this tragic musical epic would be Éponine and Marius, Cosette and Marius are far more fitting for this particular list-mainly because they live (somewhat) happily ever after. Cosette is the adopted daughter of Val Jean and Marius is a young student, they meet and fall in love much to this dismay of Éponine, who has strong feelings for her male friend. With wonderful duets like “A Heart Full of Love” and “In My Life”, Marius and Cosette embody the idea of “love at first sight.”
4. Sweeney Todd and Ms. Lovett from “Sweeney Todd”
While one could argue as to whether or not you could consider this pair a couple, they do have some great duets but there love is one-sided. The quirky duo team up together to seek revenge on Sweeney Todd’s greatest enemy and in the process they manage to murder half of the neighborhood! Hailed as one of Sondheim’s greatest musical endeavors, “Sweeney Todd” has several classic songs including “By the Sea” and “Have a Little Priest.”
3. Maria and Captain Von Trapp from “The Sound of Music”
Set in the late 1930s in Austria, “The Sound of Music” tells the story of Maria, a nun who begins working as a governess for a wealthy family. The widowed father, Captain Von Trapp runs a tight ship in his house and spends very little time with his seven children. Maria steps in and teaches the Captain the importance of love and family. The two fall in love and eventually marry only to face the fear of the upcoming world war. The most noteworthy duet between the two lovers is “Something Good”, a beautiful and tender love song one can’t help but swoon!
2. Tevye and Golde from “Fiddler on the Roof”
While Tevye and Golde from “Fiddler on the Roof” may not be the ideal example of young, passionate love, this married couple from the classic Broadway hit still make for an excellent musical theatre couple! The two have been married for quite some time, they have children, and are very comfortable with each other. Unlike the remaining couples on this list Tevye and Golde capture the idea of happily ever after-in the more conventional way at least!
1. Tony and Maria from “West Side Story”
“West Side Story” is the classic Romeo and Juliet re-telling of two feuding groups of New Yorkers. Instead of the Montagues and Capulets we have the Jets and the Sharks. Tony is a Jet, Maria is a shark and like any memorable romantic couple the two overlook their social differences and fall in love. Similar to the Shakespeare classic, Maria and Tony have a very tragic ending. But, with songs including “Tonight” and “Somewhere” it is easy to forget this musical’s heartbreaking finale and just fall in love with this wonderful couple.
Ryan Burke as Tevye and Alexandra Goldstein as Golde. Photo courtesy of Montgomery College.
