This is a little late in the game, but I was just listening to the title song from La Cage aux Folles. About three and a half minutes in, there's an instrumental part (I assume there's dancing - I really have to see this show).
Part of the instrumental sounds a lot like a part in Keep It Gay from The Producers, when Roger sings "I see German soldiers dancing through France, played by chorus girls in very tight pants!"
I dunno, it could just be me...or it could be Mel Brooks stealing from everyone! *paranoid*
From what I remember, a lot of the music in 'Scarlet Pimpernel' is much like the music in 'Jeckyl and Hyde'.
'Sunday' from "Tick Tick Boom" is a slow version of the same in SITPWG. I was surprised the first time I heard 'Sunday' in TTB but later read the song was an intentional homage to Jonathan Larson's idol.
Sondheim put a little joke hommage to ANNIE, which was the biggest hit on Broadway at he time, in SWEENEY TODD. During "Worst Pies in London", the lines:
"Is that just revolting? All greasy and gritty. It looks like it's molting And tastes like... well pity..."
have the same melody as:
"Tomorrow, tomorrow I love ya, tomorrow..."
Yes, Sondheim has said he did it on purpose. He took something sugary sweet and made it disgusting.
This isn't technically about the melodys, but it drives me nuts.
The lyrics of "For Good" from Wicked by Stephen Schwartz Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes the sun Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood Who can say if I've been changed for the better? Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.
The lyrics of "No One Is Alone" from Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim Sometimes people leave you halfway through the wood Do not let it grieve you No one leaves for good