"I mean, sitting side by side with another man watching Patti LuPone play Rose in GYPSY on Broadway is essentially the equivalent of having hardcore sex." -Wanna Be A Foster.
"Say 'Goody.' Say 'Bubbi.'" ... "That's it. Exactly as if it were 'Goody.' Now I know you're gonna sing 'Goody' this time, but nevertheless..."
Not the best but a personal favorite is ONE from BARE
<------ Me and my friends with patti Lupone at my friends afterparty for her concert with audra mcdonald during the summer of 2007.
"I am sorry but it is an unjust world and virtue is only triumphant in theatricle performances" The Mikado
not the best but a personal favorite is One from Bare
<------ Me and my friends with patti Lupone at my friends afterparty for her concert with audra mcdonald during the summer of 2007.
"I am sorry but it is an unjust world and virtue is only triumphant in theatricle performances" The Mikado
And I'm Telling You" is about as good as it gets, but best Act 1 dance finales is one that no one will ever guess because the show lasted only about 10 minutes on Bway and I'm probably the only one who saw it -- twice. It was Bob Fosse's last show, "Big Deal", and the fact 1 finale was "Beat Me Daddy 8 to the Bar." Awesome. Those kids should have gotten hazard pay.
gah...I was sad when no one had yet mentioned the Act 1 Finale from Urinetown but, appropriately, little_sally beat me to it. That song is just awesome on so many levels--from the counterpoint, to the intentionally inane lyrics, to the slo-mo at the end...love love LOVE it.
I definitely agree with the other ones that have been said, though.
First, the two obvious ones: One Day More Little Priest
The not as obvious (or not mentioned): You're Nothing Without Me (City of Angels) The end of Act 1 of How to Succeed is very well structured Isn't "If Ever I Would Leave You" the end of Act 1 of Camelot? Talk about a great song...
I have to add "Til We Reach that Day" from Ragtime. Seeing the OBC singing to the rafters as Audra was carried off in a coffin was an image I'll never forget.
Everything's Coming Up Roses is plenty "climactic." It's the start of Louise becoming a star.
Not really. I mean, it's just Rose's inspiration to focus her obsession on Louise. The start of Louise becoming a star is her first strip well into Act II.
My second choice would have to be the Act I Finale from Urinetown.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
Not sure how it worked on stage but the London concert of Chess is the only time I have seen a standing ovation at the end of Act 1 (for Josh Groban's performance of Anthem).
Whoever doesn't find EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSES climatic, is well kind of stupid.
Rose's baby, her star, her everything just walked out on her. And in a frenzy of desperation she decides to turn the unlikely untalented daughter into a star. Not to mention the curtain comes down on her final note. Brilliant and climatic.
Although I love Sondheim's Act One endings, especially Night Music's "A Weekend in the Country," I have to agree that "I Got Rhythm" form CRAZY FOR YOU deserves the standing ovation it often receives.
Isn't "If Ever I Would Leave You" the end of Act 1 of Camelot? Talk about a great song...
I'm pretty sure that 'Resolution' is the act 1 closer for 'Camelot'. (The last song of the act is 'Before I Gaze On You Again'.) 'If Ever I Would Leave You' comes near the top of act 2.
"Sunday" - Sunday in the Park With George "And I Am Telling You..." - Dreamgirls
easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
I'm surprised someone said [tos]. It didnt have an intermission when I saw it in previews.
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."
"As far as I'm aware, it still doesn't. I believe that is what is known as a "joke"."
Really? Because it was simply listed with other shows that do have good first act closers...I guess I missed the joke.
"Carson has combined his passion for helping children with his love for one of Cincinnati's favorite past times - cornhole - to create a unique and exciting event perfect for a corporate outing, entertaining clients or family fun."
I love Defying Gravity especially with a perfect face flash at the end. I just sit there mezmorized then realize that I better get a move on if I want to go to the bathroom before act 2 starts. I mean who in there right mind designs the biggest theatre on Broadway with only 12 stalls in orch seating and 6 in mezz seating? I don't know how the mens room is(Well I ain't a man) but there mustn't be many in there either since that line is usually long also.
I also love So Much Better from Legally Blonde.
Don't believe everything that you hear! Only the peeps involved know the truth!