Top 10 Broadway Act One Finales That Didn't Have to Go THAT Hard
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Date: 2023-11-21
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Comments and reviews: 30
Angelica
SPOILERS for Aida!
Aida is a bit of an outlier, and it doesn't quite hold a candle to this list, but I think the act 1 finale Dance of the Robe would make a list of numbers 11-20. Aida's enslaved people declare their confidence in her as a leader, leading to her decision to prioritize their needs over her love interest, who is one of their enslavers. It's emotionally moving, and is one of the few choral pieces in a character-driven show, which makes the vocals stand out. She ends the song on a belted high note, surrounded by her countrymen. Heather Headley, the original Aida, is vocally on par with anyone in this video.
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SPOILERS for Aida!
Aida is a bit of an outlier, and it doesn't quite hold a candle to this list, but I think the act 1 finale Dance of the Robe would make a list of numbers 11-20. Aida's enslaved people declare their confidence in her as a leader, leading to her decision to prioritize their needs over her love interest, who is one of their enslavers. It's emotionally moving, and is one of the few choral pieces in a character-driven show, which makes the vocals stand out. She ends the song on a belted high note, surrounded by her countrymen. Heather Headley, the original Aida, is vocally on par with anyone in this video.
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RubyGrace
One Day More is one of my absolute favorite Broadway songs and is absolutely my favorite Act 1 finales. Defying Gravity is amazing as well but One Day More is the best in my opinion. The soft opening music is absolutely beautiful. Then the characters start singing their own part and the song slowly builds and gets louder. Then by the end all the characters are singing their own parts interweaving with each other and then they all come together at the very end. Gah! It gives me chills even after listening to it 1000 times. So good!
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One Day More is one of my absolute favorite Broadway songs and is absolutely my favorite Act 1 finales. Defying Gravity is amazing as well but One Day More is the best in my opinion. The soft opening music is absolutely beautiful. Then the characters start singing their own part and the song slowly builds and gets louder. Then by the end all the characters are singing their own parts interweaving with each other and then they all come together at the very end. Gah! It gives me chills even after listening to it 1000 times. So good!
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Carrie
It's a good list. I would probably throw in Before the Parade Passes By from Hello Dolly as at least honorable mention. I know the big number is Hello Dolly from the beginning of Act 2, but the finale of Act 1 is still pretty powerful. I will also throw out I Got Rhythm from Crazy for You and Let it Go from Frozen as pretty excellent Act 1 cappers.
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It's a good list. I would probably throw in Before the Parade Passes By from Hello Dolly as at least honorable mention. I know the big number is Hello Dolly from the beginning of Act 2, but the finale of Act 1 is still pretty powerful. I will also throw out I Got Rhythm from Crazy for You and Let it Go from Frozen as pretty excellent Act 1 cappers.
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Don
I'm not sure what your point is. You say they didn't have to go that hard, but you finish each song with how wonderful it was. I'm an OG, and I've always felt the Act One closer is the most important song in the show. Plus, in many cases, it makes the difference as to whether or not some of the audience returns for Act Two. :)
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I'm not sure what your point is. You say they didn't have to go that hard, but you finish each song with how wonderful it was. I'm an OG, and I've always felt the Act One closer is the most important song in the show. Plus, in many cases, it makes the difference as to whether or not some of the audience returns for Act Two. :)
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robin!
a more recent act one finale that absolutely wrecked me by the end of it was they don't care about us from mj the musical. i saw it in person on broadway and witnessing how they handled all the amazing visual effects along with the vocals and choreography left me crying during intermission. it was that beautiful.
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a more recent act one finale that absolutely wrecked me by the end of it was they don't care about us from mj the musical. i saw it in person on broadway and witnessing how they handled all the amazing visual effects along with the vocals and choreography left me crying during intermission. it was that beautiful.
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Monica
Rarely performed but needs to be revived, the musical version of The Rainmaker, titled 110 In the Shade has a powerhouse Act One finale with Lizzies solo, Old Maid. She goes through a range of emotions, ending with the plea, Why wont it rain? Please, let it rain! Oh, God, dont let me live my life alone!
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Rarely performed but needs to be revived, the musical version of The Rainmaker, titled 110 In the Shade has a powerhouse Act One finale with Lizzies solo, Old Maid. She goes through a range of emotions, ending with the plea, Why wont it rain? Please, let it rain! Oh, God, dont let me live my life alone!
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Noah
1)Defying gravity
2)Dont rain on my parade
3)Anything goes
Its funny cause on my list, those are my top 3 Broadway songs of all time, although I have trouble with one and 2, dont rain on my parade is my favorite, but defying gravity is just the perfect way to close an act
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1)Defying gravity
2)Dont rain on my parade
3)Anything goes
Its funny cause on my list, those are my top 3 Broadway songs of all time, although I have trouble with one and 2, dont rain on my parade is my favorite, but defying gravity is just the perfect way to close an act
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Carter
Personally I believe that Defying Gravity is the best Act one Finale. It is just incredible. You will be found is insanely good and I believe should be on this list. Im not a huge fan of Hamilton and I dont really like Non-Stop that much. Thank you for making this video.
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Personally I believe that Defying Gravity is the best Act one Finale. It is just incredible. You will be found is insanely good and I believe should be on this list. Im not a huge fan of Hamilton and I dont really like Non-Stop that much. Thank you for making this video.
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Finnley
These are all great- but I think you shouldve included I remember how those boys could dance which is the act one finale for Carrie The Musical. Even 30 seconds into the song you can tell how far and hard its going to go. Definitely recommend!
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These are all great- but I think you shouldve included I remember how those boys could dance which is the act one finale for Carrie The Musical. Even 30 seconds into the song you can tell how far and hard its going to go. Definitely recommend!
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RubyGrace
The Wicked one is so insanely goodgives me chills. All the people declaring Elphaba as Wicked, knowing what Elphaba will become, Glinda telling Elphaba that she hopes shes happy and of course Elphabas insane vocalsMan! Its so GOOD
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The Wicked one is so insanely goodgives me chills. All the people declaring Elphaba as Wicked, knowing what Elphaba will become, Glinda telling Elphaba that she hopes shes happy and of course Elphabas insane vocalsMan! Its so GOOD
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Johanna
Personally my favorite Act 1 finale was Stronger from Finding Neverland. Was absolutely just blown away by it. The 2nd act did not live up to itbut I always have to give it credit for the best Act 1 closer Ive EVER seen
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Personally my favorite Act 1 finale was Stronger from Finding Neverland. Was absolutely just blown away by it. The 2nd act did not live up to itbut I always have to give it credit for the best Act 1 closer Ive EVER seen
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msmojo
ok I may be being biased for phantom bc its my favorite, but the part when a chandelier drops on everyone is a bang if ive ever seen one (although ik the royal Albert hall version doesnt have the falling chandelier)
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ok I may be being biased for phantom bc its my favorite, but the part when a chandelier drops on everyone is a bang if ive ever seen one (although ik the royal Albert hall version doesnt have the falling chandelier)
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toast
I really think So Much Better should have been higher. Its a huge turning point for Elles character, on top of just being criminally catchy. And then that belt at the end! Oh my god, you guys!
Pun 110% intended
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I really think So Much Better should have been higher. Its a huge turning point for Elles character, on top of just being criminally catchy. And then that belt at the end! Oh my god, you guys!
Pun 110% intended
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McKenna
Wicked will always have to be number 1 for me, it's the first and only (so far) show I've seen on Broadway and Lindsay Heather Pearce was so amazing! My mind was truly blown and I was speechless at intermission.
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Wicked will always have to be number 1 for me, it's the first and only (so far) show I've seen on Broadway and Lindsay Heather Pearce was so amazing! My mind was truly blown and I was speechless at intermission.
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Aliza
I think Before the Parade Passes By from Hello Dolly is criminally underrated, especially Barbra Streisand's performance in the movie adaptation. The way it builds up until the last crazy long note is incredible
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I think Before the Parade Passes By from Hello Dolly is criminally underrated, especially Barbra Streisand's performance in the movie adaptation. The way it builds up until the last crazy long note is incredible
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Glenn
Alpparently, not many saw The Lambert Walk from Me and My Girl. Its the story of a commoner who suddenly becomes titled. The act 1 finale is a celebration of the simple joys simple people know. Its on You Tube.
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Alpparently, not many saw The Lambert Walk from Me and My Girl. Its the story of a commoner who suddenly becomes titled. The act 1 finale is a celebration of the simple joys simple people know. Its on You Tube.
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Crashvds21
You opened with Jeremy Jordan. AS YOU SHOULD HE DESERVES MORE ATTENTION
HOW IS SANTA FE NOT EVEN ON THE LIST! NOT EVEN AN HONORABLE MENTION? DISRESPECTFUL.
Also Blackout should have been on there.
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You opened with Jeremy Jordan. AS YOU SHOULD HE DESERVES MORE ATTENTION
HOW IS SANTA FE NOT EVEN ON THE LIST! NOT EVEN AN HONORABLE MENTION? DISRESPECTFUL.
Also Blackout should have been on there.
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Jlnkht
Not even an honerable mention for Spring Awakening? It was a shocking scene for the audience (and characters alike, set to this beautiful song I Believe. The most memorable act 1 finale, in my opinion.
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Not even an honerable mention for Spring Awakening? It was a shocking scene for the audience (and characters alike, set to this beautiful song I Believe. The most memorable act 1 finale, in my opinion.
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Jenna
The fact that they showed Santa Fe for five seconds in the beginning, and it wasnt even an honorable mention is shameful. That is my personal favorite song ever and it definitely deserves number one
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The fact that they showed Santa Fe for five seconds in the beginning, and it wasnt even an honorable mention is shameful. That is my personal favorite song ever and it definitely deserves number one
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Peggy
OMG Le Vie Boheme is my favorite song from RENT! I have the same thing that killed Jonathan Larson and my favorite lyric is to people living with, living with, living with, not dying from disease.
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OMG Le Vie Boheme is my favorite song from RENT! I have the same thing that killed Jonathan Larson and my favorite lyric is to people living with, living with, living with, not dying from disease.
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That
Im my opinion some that shouldve been included:
Who Id Be- Shrek
Santa Fe- Newsies
Tomorrow Is- SpongeBob
(I just really love these numbers and Ive been in these shoes so I had to)
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Im my opinion some that shouldve been included:
Who Id Be- Shrek
Santa Fe- Newsies
Tomorrow Is- SpongeBob
(I just really love these numbers and Ive been in these shoes so I had to)
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Evan
If Hunchback of Notre Dame had made it to Broadway with the cast that was in CA, and then in NJ - it would certainly be on this list.
Esmeralda would wipe the floor with any of these songs.
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If Hunchback of Notre Dame had made it to Broadway with the cast that was in CA, and then in NJ - it would certainly be on this list.
Esmeralda would wipe the floor with any of these songs.
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Andrew
I've never known Ms. mojo to be a crackhead, but seriously you must have been hitting the pipe hard to tank Legally Blonde above Sunday in the Park With George.
You need an intervention.
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I've never known Ms. mojo to be a crackhead, but seriously you must have been hitting the pipe hard to tank Legally Blonde above Sunday in the Park With George.
You need an intervention.
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Rel
I think Morning Glow from Pippin, especially in the revival, deserved at least an honorable mention. It's such a powerful, emotional experience. I was crying when I saw it on Broadway.
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I think Morning Glow from Pippin, especially in the revival, deserved at least an honorable mention. It's such a powerful, emotional experience. I was crying when I saw it on Broadway.
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Alex
A Weekend in the Counrty from A Little Night Music is another solid number. If you like the titular song from Into the Woods, you will only fall in love with A Weekend in the Country.
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A Weekend in the Counrty from A Little Night Music is another solid number. If you like the titular song from Into the Woods, you will only fall in love with A Weekend in the Country.
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Showman87
I think its great for Act One to end strong, makes audiences more excited for the rest of the show. I especially loved the ones for Legally Blonde, Into the Woods, and Newsies
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I think its great for Act One to end strong, makes audiences more excited for the rest of the show. I especially loved the ones for Legally Blonde, Into the Woods, and Newsies
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Surfer_playss
I went to go see the national tour of les miserables in Philly and at the end of One Day More the whole crowd went into a standing ovation and the show was amazing
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I went to go see the national tour of les miserables in Philly and at the end of One Day More the whole crowd went into a standing ovation and the show was amazing
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Joseph
I'm kinda sick of everyone using the clip of Idina Menzel singing sick and unable to breathe. but I also realize we don't have alot of. ahem. legal footage out there.
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I'm kinda sick of everyone using the clip of Idina Menzel singing sick and unable to breathe. but I also realize we don't have alot of. ahem. legal footage out there.
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JJ
My top 5
5) Non stop from Hamilton
4) All I ask of you reprise from Phantom
3) Morning Glow (pippin)/ who Id be (Shrek)
2) Defying Gravity
1) One Day More
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My top 5
5) Non stop from Hamilton
4) All I ask of you reprise from Phantom
3) Morning Glow (pippin)/ who Id be (Shrek)
2) Defying Gravity
1) One Day More
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HeatherCsPowerade
I was personally hoping for our love is god, it sets a theme for the rest of the musical and shows how psychotic jd is and how Veronica is seeing that
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I was personally hoping for our love is god, it sets a theme for the rest of the musical and shows how psychotic jd is and how Veronica is seeing that
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