This is part of a twice-monthly series on musical theatre in television and movies.

Currently in its 21st season, THE SIMPSONS established itself early on as a show able to smartly incorporate popular culture references into character-specific storylines.  The off-beat, unpredictable world of Bart, Lisa, Homer, and Marge easily lends itself to all sorts of fantasy sequences, unconventional story structure, ridiculous plots...and musical numbers.  In addition to original musical material, such as a musical version of A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE that Marge starred in one season, THE SIMPSONS have parodied a number of MTI musicals.



When Lisa and Bart inadvertently get their favorite cartoon, Itchy and Scratchy, cancelled, it's replaced by this educational cartoon--a clear parody of "I'm Just A Bill" from SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK.



In an episode that parodies 101 DALMATIANS, Mr. Burns rejoices in his wardrobe made from various animals with "See My Best" - a parody of "Be Our Guest" from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.



Finally, this "Monorail Song" is a SIMPSONS' version of "Ya Got Trouble" from THE MUSIC MAN. The episode on the whole parodies the musical, as a con man (obviously inspired by Harold Hill) sells Springfield a defective monorail.

These are only a few musical parodies seen on THE SIMPSONS over the years.  What are you favorites?