Curtain Up: The Magic & History of Broadway Music

May 19, 2025

There’s something undeniably magical about a Broadway melody.

From the first swell of the overture to the final standing ovation, Broadway music has a way of wrapping around your heart and holding on long after the curtain falls. Whether it’s the sweeping romance of Phantom of the Opera, the electric energy of Hamilton, or the haunting nostalgia of Les Misérables, these songs are more than just musical numbers—they’re emotional time machines.

A Stage Steeped in Song

Broadway’s musical legacy dates back over a century, with roots in operetta, vaudeville, and Tin Pan Alley. The 1920s and ’30s introduced us to the golden age of songwriting, when legends like George Gershwin and Cole Porter turned the stage into a space for both glamour and grit. By the mid-20th century, Broadway had become a cultural compass, giving voice to changing times through the unforgettable songs of West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, and Cabaret.

These weren’t just catchy tunes—they were conversations. Songs that told stories, pushed boundaries, and made us feel seen.

Why Broadway Music Still Moves Us

Broadway music taps into something universal: love, loss, hope, identity, transformation. Whether it’s the soaring optimism of “Defying Gravity” or the bittersweet beauty of “Send in the Clowns”, Broadway has always had a way of translating the human experience into something transcendent.

And when we hear those songs again—maybe years later—we don’t just remember the performance. We remember who we were, where we were, what we felt.

Where Music Meets Memory… and Scent

At Mixtape Candles, we believe the most potent experiences come from layering the senses. That’s why we created a candle inspired by the timeless music of Broadway—a scent experience designed to pair perfectly with a curated playlist of show-stopping hits.

Each note in the candle was chosen to echo the emotion of the music: a scent that steals the show. Damask Plum & Velvet Cashmere is rich, smooth, and utterly dramatic—just like a night on the Great White Way. Lush plum takes the lead with deep, juicy notes, while velvet cashmere lingers like a final bow in satin gloves.

Think spotlight glamour, backstage whispers, and the magic of a story told in scent.

And when you press play on our Broadway Hits playlist, the room doesn’t just smell like a dream—it sounds like one too.

Light the Candle, Cue the Music

Whether hosting a musical-themed dinner party, having a self-care Sunday with show tunes, or craving that backstage buzz of creativity, our Broadway-inspired candle is your ticket to the perfect mood.

Because scent, like music, is a memory in motion, and Broadway has given us some of the most unforgettable ones of all.

Take a bow. Then take it home.

Shop Broadway Bound + Listen to the Playlist