Film + TV

12 songs that absolutely must be in The O.C. Musical

by Shorey Andrews

The show that made us watch rich kids whine about how hard it is to be a teenager — a.k.a. The O.C. a.k.a. One of the greatest shows of all time — is now being turned into a musical.

So far we know that The O.C. Musical involves the producers of Cruel Intentions: The Musical and will be directed by Jordan Ross. According to the official Twitter account, the show will happen for one night only on August 30th in Los Angeles.

Of course, The O.C. was (and still is) praised for its successful spotlight on indie bands of the time like Rooney, Death Cab for Cutie, and Imogen Heap. In honour of that fact and this musical, here are 12 songs that more than deserve their second moment.

Joseph Arthur – “Honey and the Moon”

By the end of the pilot, Ryan Atwood the badass from Chino got kicked out of the Cohens’ family home. He was already head over heels for the girl next door so naturally he stared at Marissa Cooper through the window as Sandy slowly drove away, a scene that reoccurred throughout the series.

Death Cab For Cutie – “Movie Script Ending”

“Do not insult Death Cab” were words made famous by Seth Cohen when Summer Roberts took her road trip frustrations out on him. She picked on him for being a geek and he schooled her on the importance of emo music. It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Rooney – “I’m Shakin’”

When the gang went to the Rooney concert we fell in love just as much as they did. Then, Oliver had to show up, make a drug deal and ruin everything. Classic Oliver.

Patrick Park – “Something Pretty”

It was one of the many times Seth and Summer gave us major relationship goals; when she sold kisses for charity, he took control of the situation by demanding that he would be the only one who got to kiss her. Teen love prevails in this video.

Nada Surf – “If You Leave”

Remember that moment when Anna left the O.C. and Seth thought it was because of him so he rushed to the airport and begged her not to go? She still left, but not without bestowing upon us her best piece of wisdom. Say it with me: “Confidence, Cohen.”

Jeff Buckley – “Hallelujah”

A classic in its own right, this song was used multiple times throughout the series, including a version by Imogen Heap that played during Marissa’s death scene. I’m still not ready to talk about it.

Imogen Heap – “Hide & Seek” 

Remember that time Marissa shot Ryan’s brother with a gun? ‘Nuff said.

Coldplay – “Fix You”

Who doesn’t want to hear Coldplay at a musical? Another epic mouth to mouth moment occurred between Seth and Summer as Ryan and Marissa slow danced — Oh, and Caleb died right in front of Julie’s eyes.

Matt Pond PA – “Champagne Supernova” 

Summer dumped Zach, Sandy and Kirsten reunited, and Marissa kissed Olivia Wilde. But, by far the most important moment shared during this Oasis cover is the famous Spider Man kiss between Seth and Summer.

Finlay Quaye – “Dice”

In season one, Oliver really put a damper on the never ending love story of Ryan and Marissa. The most notable moment occurred during this scene when he tried to steal the much sought after New Year’s Eve kiss. Of course Ryan swooped in with literally seconds to spare and we all got to witness their slow motion make out sesh.

South – “Paint the Silence”

Possibly the most important song of the series, “Paint the Silence” shows up in season one when Ryan and Marissa share their first kiss. It plays again when Marissa makes Ryan a mixtape (before he burns down the model home — by accident) and finally once more in season three when Marissa has flashbacks of her and Ryan just before passing out. To add insult to her literal injury, we learn that Ryan was listening to the song on his mixtape while she was busy fainting.

Phantom Planet – “California”

In the words of Summer Roberts: “Duh!”