A complete guide to all the songs from 'The Devil Wears Prada'

As the comedy classic makes its fashionable entrance at the Dominion Theatre, get to know Elton John's fabulous songs for this stage musical adaptation.

Gird your loins! The stylish stage musical version of The Devil Wears Prada is strutting into London’s West End, bringing one of the most fearsome (semi-)fictional villains to theatre: Miranda Priestley, editor-in-chief of Runway magazine. She was immortalised on film by Meryl Streep, and now Vanessa Williams inherits her withering gaze and icy putdowns.

Happily, you’ll find all of those delicious lines and classic scenes in The Devil Wears Prada musical that you remember from the book and the 2006 movie, as well as all those iconic characters: aspiring journalist Andy Sachs, who becomes Miranda’s second assistant; Miranda’s first assistant Emily; art director Nigel; and of course Miranda herself.

But one fabulous new addition is songs by none other than Elton John. The pop legend has form with musical theatre: he previously wrote the scores for Disney’s The Lion King, Billy Elliot, Tammy Faye, and Aida. Get to know all of his fashionable creations for The Devil Wears Prada with our song guide.

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“I Mean Business”

Andy Sachs thought she’d walk straight into a brilliant journalism job after graduating, but she’s had no luck getting anything – let alone a gig at her dream title, The New Yorker. But she psyches herself up for one final shot: an interview with Elias-Clarke, publishers of leading fashion magazine Runway. That interview will change her life.

“House of Miranda”

Andy may not have heard of Miranda Priestley before starting at Runway, but she – and the audience – quickly learns just how powerful she is, and how much her identity is merged with the magazine’s. This number also introduces Miranda’s legendary dismissive catchphrase: “That’s all.”

“I Only Love You For Your Body”

Andy’s relationship with chef Nate is presented slightly differently in the show – he’s much less of a toxic boyfriend! This playful duet exemplifies that new dynamic as he reassures Andy, who is feeling insecure about her appearance compared with the stick-thin Runway girls, how attractive he finds her.

“How to Survive at Runway”

Emily, Miranda’s long-suffering first assistant, is stunned that Andy (clearly not a fashion fan) has been hired. But it’s up to her to explain the rules of their terrifying workplace, laid out in this fast-paced number – which includes suspect advice like “Eat, sleep, and breathe the job, except don’t sleep or eat.”

“Girl for the Job”

The challenges of Runway lead to some soul-searching on Andy’s part. Is she really capable of handling this demanding job – and does she want to be, if it means changing who she is and her relationships?

“Dress Your Way Up”

A downhearted Andy goes to Nigel for help – and he tells her she’s failing because she’s not really committed to the job, and Miranda can tell. His advice? Dress to impress! Yes, it’s the iconic makeover scene, as Andy finally takes full advantage of that incredible Runway closet.

“The Devil Wears Prada”

It’s the night of the glamorous, all-important Gala, where a seductive Miranda (dressed in devilish red) presents a transformed Andy with her biggest moral quandary yet. Will she be ambitious, ruthless, and give into the temptation offered by her boss, and go to Paris instead of Emily? And will she ditch Nate’s birthday dinner so she can further her writing career?

“Miranda Girl”

It’s the big moment of decision for Andy – and right now, she feels like her career aspirations are more important, even if it means making some major sacrifices. She’s come to recognise just how much power being a “Miranda girl” gives her, and, as she makes clear in the big Act I closer, she’s all in.

“Bon Voyage”

Of course, Andy’s advancement comes at the expense of poor Emily, who is hospitalised following a car accident and whose Paris dreams are shattered. At least she has a team of wonderfully camp nurses to lift her aloft and generally cheer her up.

“The Old You”

Nate is furious and disappointed that Andy would betray a friend like this. He feels like he’s losing the woman he loves, and he just wants the old Andy back. But she’s in too deep now and she’s not interested in hearing it.

“Paris, City of Dreams”

We’re off to Paris! This number welcomes us to the fashion capital of the world, where Miranda, Nigel and Andy will be attending all of the top designers’ shows. But will it prove a dream or a nightmare for Andy?

“Who’s She’s?”

It definitely begins well. Andy is becoming a star: she walks the red carpet in gorgeous ensembles – which she now appreciates – photographers are taking her picture, and, since she’s with Miranda, everyone wants to know her name. It’s pretty irresistible.

“Seen”

Nigel lets Andy in on a secret: all his years of loyalty have paid off and he’s about to land an exciting new job. He then explains to her, in a stirring and deeply poignant number, just what fashion magazines like Runway meant to him as an isolated gay kid growing up in Middle America.

“Your Twenties”

Andy finally gets a night off and she spends it with the handsome writer Christian at a Parisian club, where a Marilyn Monroe-esque chanteuse performs this fun song about making the most of your twenties. It’s a good reminder that Andy is still young and figuring herself out.

“Stay On Top”

Miranda is a terrifying enigma for much of the story, but we get a glimpse of her inner life as she confesses to Andy that she’s getting divorced. Then, in this defiant number, she explains how she outmanoeuvred her corporate rivals (sacrificing Nigel in the process), because she believes you have to be ruthless if you’re a woman in business.

“What’s Right For Me?”

Bookending her Act I closing number, Andy gets the last word here as she reflects on everything she’s seen and done. She’s learnt that she could be a Runway girl, maybe even a successor to Miranda, but ultimately she decides that it’s not who she is – or who she wants to be.

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