Top 10 Broadway Act One Finales That Didn't Have to Go THAT Hard

[@MsMojo]

Which Broadway act one finale do YOU think went the hardest? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 10 TV Musical Numbers That Didn't Have to Go THAT Hard - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2Kkc4eZj6qVa9U

[@crashvds777]

How is Santa Fe nowhere on that list?

[@mariaclaranovais6365]

The Color Purple!!!

[@gabrielnolan9798]

Laura Bell Bundy is criminally underrated as a performer

[@talwyn_cc]

so true

[@trinaq]

Preach, Laura IS Elle Woods, there is simply no comparison!

[@reneebush2399]

Agreed!

[@courtsgirlf]

facts

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@trinaq I haven’t seen Legally Blonde except on MTV

[@trinaq]

"Defying Gravity" is the best way to end an Act ever. I love how Elphaba gains more power in herself, and has embraced her differences.

[@h193013]

Apparently if the Wicked is in two parts Defying Gravity will end the first movie

[@perryjones7771]

@@h193013 which will be so stupid why end with the song the show is most noted for and then have people wait a whole year for the next part.

[@andreasmeelie1889]

Same here! :)

[@andreasmeelie1889]

@@perryjones7771 Wouldn't it be too long of a movie if they kept both parts in?

[@h193013]

@@andreasmeelie1889 Les Mis was a long movie. No movie adaptation of a musical has ever been split into two parts.

[@kcsupersonic1]

It was a really good list of great songs, but I personally do not think any Act 1 Finale holds a candle to One Day More. One Day More is such a showstopper that beautifully weaves together the musical themes of at least 5 different musical themes into a beautiful and triumphant declaration that perfectly communicates where all the major players in the musical stand headed into the Paris Revolution. According to Lin Manuel Miranda, One Day More was a heavy influence on him when he was writing Non-Stop, which just goes to show how influential and powerful One Day More truly is.

[@andreasmeelie1889]

That is a really awesome fun fact thanks! EEP! :)

[@Shanyetta23]

Totally agree. That should have been #1

[@selindoygun521]

Agreed. I did Les mis at uni and legit every night we did one day more it was so magical

[@peggyknecht5551]

I totally agree!

[@nerdscornercollectibles7902]

Definitely agree! Since I didn’t know much about the act structure of les miserable (even though I know the story beats), I thought that was an act 2 thing, so cool 2 know!

[@lexiesdaisy]

Legally Blonde is one of the best musicals of the late 2000s. I’m so happy So Much Better made the list

[@itgrrrlofsfbay]

I've seen it in SF & I really loved it!!!!!

[@lonellfletcher]

A KILLER MUSICAL!!!!!!!!!

[@ELmayberry]

I watched it when it premiered on TV years ago

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@ELmayberry Same here! I’m overdue to see a regional production

[@ELmayberry]

@@manuelorozco7760 yeah, same 😌

[@perryjones7771]

“Wicked” and Legally Blonde” Act 1 finales are on different levels. Those ladies can BLOW.

[@fashionablechangeling2003]

Very bad choice of words there

[@ELmayberry]

@@fashionablechangeling2003 😂😂

[@Kristine_202]

I saw "Wicked" in previews, and no one knew what to expect. We'd never heard "Defying Gravity" before. I just remember the applause, and then the lights went up, and we all just kind of looked at each other dumbfounded.

[@amymesserschmidt2044]

Wow! That had to be incredible

[@TenorMichaelK]

Same experience on Broadway. Walked out to the lobby with my lighting designer son and and were just dumbstruck for the whole intermission! What did we just hear/see!

[@flayremoon]

I saw Wicked on Broadway with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenowith, and I can still recall the feeling when Defying Gravity ended and the lights came up.

[@andrewcampman7777]

I've seen Wicked three times on Broadway. There's a reason I remember that Maria Gonzalez played Elphaba the first time I saw it back in the summer of 2010. That was my first time seeing it on Broadway and second seeing it at all (first time was in Philadelphia when I was 12 or 13, so I didn't remember much). I had just graduated high school and went to celebrate graduation (I sang choir in HS). I knew the song from listening to the soundtrack on repeat, but I didn't remember what happened in the story. I heard the opening chords (which I enjoy playing on piano), and got lost in the lyrics that I knew so well. But when she disappeared into the back and went up, the sound mixing and levels were perfect, and I just absolutely lost it. It hit my soul, and I'm tearing up as I write this. The entire intermission, as I went to the bathroom, came back, and found my seat, I was just "hipdiwhpieopsehisupoeij" to myself the entire time, barely able to catch my breath. There are literally no words, and it almost makes me sad that I'll never be able to have that first-time experience again.

[@edmccarthy7575]

I'm just dumbfounded that anyone liked Wicked

[@crystalfajman3732]

The Fact that Jennifer Holliday can still belt out "And I am telling you" 35 years later as good or better says everything!

[@manuelorozco7760]

You don’t say

[@franciscoavila36]

41 years later*

[@caylaberscheid9114]

Was hoping to see “I’d Give My Life For You” from Miss Saigon. It’s such a tonal shift and that last line is just so indicative for no good times ahead.

[@missybarbour6885]

OOOOOOooooooh I get chills every time

[@kristapoellot9281]

It's a great song, but it was not the act one finale for miss Saigon

[@caylaberscheid9114]

Depends on which album you’re looking at.

[@13blackcatzzz]

So happy to see One Day More. It may be old, and people may be over it, but for me EVERYTIME I see or hear it, I get shivers and tears in my eyes. It's absolutely magnificent!

[@mikimadrigal7790]

Act One Finales that should also count: -"Go Go Joseph" from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - "A New Argentina" from Evita -"If I Can't Love Her" from Beauty and the Beast -"Hakuna Matata" from The Lion King -"Let It Go" from Frozen -"Proud of Your Boy" (Reprise 1) from Disney's Aladdin

[@xALLIBEARx]

Finally someone who gives recognition to Joseph!

[@beaellie9766]

Joseph doesn't / shouldn't have an intermission.

[@dkgilmorejunkie]

Proud of your boy def need a shot out

[@boogiebear3027]

Totally agree that Go Go Go Joseph should be on this list :D

[@andrewmacb]

Joseph and his dream coat is only a one act musical 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@strawberryduchess656]

I’ve always really liked “Day-o” from Beetlejuice the musical (the musical the musical) cause it ends act one with this super hype feeling of “its about to go down”

[@hunterolaughlin]

Who I’d Be from Shrek the Musical is another fantastic Act 1 Finale number I’d throw in. Listened to it again last year and it’s still a banger.

[@Kimberlyjeana]

Absolutely

[@benlevan5645]

Oh I must whole heartedly agree. After all, "a perfect happy ending" sums up what every musical strives for, yes?

[@mlbchanged1]

Definitely!!

[@Anime_theatre_lover]

Shrek the musical is underrated

[@whitneyryangarrity5265]

I remember when the OBC recording of Les Miserables came out, I would play "One Day More" over and over, singing with a different character each time. Proud to have seen the OG productions of Into the Woods, Les Miserables, and Sunday in the Park with George (all on this list).

[@VanillaKissu]

Hadestown Act 1 Finale will never ever be topped. Literal chills. I can't believe it wasn't even an honorable mention.

[@happychaosofthenorth]

I don't think Watch Mojo likes Hadestown. Every list they have that would be a perfect fit for the show it's never mentioned (at least that I've personally seen - I admit I don't watch all the videos but I have yet to see it on a Broadway related list). Why We Build The Wall is incredible and a great way to end the first act, especially with Persephone going "Anybody want a drink?"

[@edmccarthy7575]

You need to get out more

[@mizstories9646]

When i first watched Wicked on Broadway. I remember saying outloud "oh my god that was only the first act!?!" after Defying Gravity.

[@manuelorozco7760]

I was given that impression initially when I heard the cast album

[@jennas9211]

The fact that they showed Santa Fe for five seconds in the beginning, and it wasn’t even an honorable mention is shameful. That is my personal favorite song ever and it definitely deserves number one

[@Anime_theatre_lover]

Newsies is my favorite musical period

[@paulhuggard3162]

It definitely deserved a spot on the list. It's just silly it's not mentioned.

[@Framany2]

For me it is Cabaret's "Tomorrow belongs to me". It changes the tone of the musical, shows characters in a new light and leaves me speechless, evertime I see it.

[@seanhorace925]

Can the following ones count: ."Tommorow Is" from Spongebob: The Musical ."If I Can't Love Her" from Disney's Beauty and the Beast: The Musical ."Let It Go" from Disney's Frozen: The Musical ."There's A Fine Fine Line" from Avenue Q ."Go Go Go Joseph" from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ."Damned For All Time/Blood Money" from Jesus Christ Superstar ."A New Argentia" from Evita

[@gingergamer3326]

Tommorow is is good, but top ten act one finales ever, i don't think so

[@jjdrama]

If I could second one of the songs on your list it would be 'A New Argentina' catchy and huge.

[@alejandradaniela7348]

I know this isn’t an act 1 moment but Moulin Rouge’s Act. 2 opening of Backstage Romance truly is on another level. I haven’t seen such complicated choreo on broadway in a MINUTE

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

The Wicked one is so insanely good…gives me chills. All the people declaring Elphaba as Wicked, knowing what Elphaba will become, Glinda telling Elphaba that she hopes she’s happy and of course Elphaba’s insane vocals…Man!! It’s so GOOD

[@carolinealson2164]

I think Elephant Love Medley from Moulin Rouge should be here, there are so many parts to its, and the end set is amazing. Also, Satine's part at the end is pretty hard

[@surfer_playss124]

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

[@corvus1374]

Billy Porter is rightfully praised for his work in Kinky Boots, but Stark Sands holds his own. God, I love "One Day More". You should have included a clip of Amber Riley singing "And I Am Telling You". She did win an Olivier Award for it.

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

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!

[@thomasbradley4505]

I saw a local production of Ragtime in a small theater. During Til We Reach That Day the chorus stood in the aisles singing so the vocals surrounded the audience. It made the song even more powerful

[@franciscoavila36]

There's a reason "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" has held the Number One spot for best Tony Award Performance for over 40 years. Dreamgirls changed Theatre. I believe it was Loretta Devine, the Original Lorrell to say "We changed theatre opening night. We were the Hamilton of our day. We made history." And a Critic from opening night said "We witnessed something to change theatre and made history" when talking about Ms Hollidays performance. And to think she was JUST 20 when it opened and 21 in the Tony Award Performance 😱👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@manuelorozco7760]

The movie came out at the time I was getting big into musicals

[@stevenchapin8274]

Thank you Noel. I was there opening night and I have never seen a scene like that. People went nuts at the end of Act 1. Loretta Devine was right, they changed theatre

[@alyzu4755]

I was able to see a bunch of these (the original cast of "Into the Woods", Patti LuPone in "Anything Goes", the original cast of "Legally Blonde) and count myself very lucky.

[@oximoron613]

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

[@manuelorozco7760]

I prefer the stage version over the movie

[@TombCat]

Barbra Streisand's singing is devoid of meaning. She hits a spectacular note but the song is lost.

[@BurrShotHam711Jenna]

definitely Non-Stop from Hamilton, you see Alexander transition from a soldier to a statesman

[@Magenta4ever]

Ragtime deserved more than an honorable mention. So much emotion and intensity in those amazing harmonies!

[@isisbastetthoth722]

FACTS!

[@newyorker2581]

🙌🏾

[@CaptainBarcode]

One Day More is my favorite! I think “Act I Finale” from Urinetown should be on this list it’s very underrated!

[@kanatah2045]

Yes! I literally searched the whole page for the mention of Urinetown. it's criminally underrated (yes, Sally, because the title's awful,) and it's a pity because it's actually really really good! “Act One Finale” is that every character has their theme and they all come together kind of grand act one finale, and that followed by “One Day More” from Les Mis was what initially sparked my obsession with musical theater. Everybody knows Les MIs but not enough people know Urinetown, so I’m so happy to see someone mention the number!

[@ReltheSinger]

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.

[@maciejglaza8505]

Ragtime 1st act finale should be on the top of this list. Its so complex and filled with emotions and deep meaning of each character. Its exquisite

[@NoahSJ2005]

1.)Defying gravity 2.)Don’t rain on my parade 3.)Anything goes It’s funny cause on my list, those are my top 3 Broadway songs of all time, although I have trouble with one and 2, don’t rain on my parade is my favorite, but defying gravity is just the perfect way to close an act

[@ktthelibrarian]

I knew it wouldn’t make the list, but in Rock of Ages right before “Here I go again”. I enjoy when Lonnie breaks the fourth wall and looks through a “breaking into acting for dummies” book and figures out what a good act one finale should include. “Jazz hands…I love jazz hands”

[@luca7165]

Man up from Book Of Mormon is my favourite act 1 finale, not only does it sound great and have the same humour as the rest of the show, but it also brings back all the motifs from earlier on a really satisfying way :)

[@lindakahler4799]

So disliked that show walked out

[@hairbrushfactory]

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.

[@lexvanderegnal3212]

For me One day more will always be the best Finale in the first act of a Musical! It‘s one of the most iconic songs ever!! In my opinion you missed some very good songs in the list or even in the honorable mentions: 😅 Miss Saigon - I‘d give my life for you Frozen - Let it go Anastasia- Journey to the past The Sound of music- Climb every mountain Beauty and the beast - If I can‘t love Her Aida - the gods love Nubia

[@lonellfletcher]

How are Don't Rain on my Parade & Everything's Coming Up Roses not considered top 10 material?

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

“So much better” is a great moment live

[@jjsavage9537]

Morning glow (particularly from Matthew James Thomas) from Pippin is one of my personal favorites.

[@allisonbergh4429]

Omg yes!! Such a gorgeous song!

[@bestnameeverf]

Just like them not putting the Pippin finale as one of the best.

[@manuelorozco7760]

I saw Pippin once with Lucie Arnez and Sasha Allen and John Rubinstein

[@lydiah12]

"Sunday" is always my favorite Act 1 closer. I teared up just from the clips of it included here.

[@annabohr276]

I think "A Light in the Dark" from Next to Normal and "Bottom's Gonna Be On Top" from Something Rotten should have been honorable mentions at least.

[@wuttatota148]

I really wish Wait For Me was Hadestown's Act I finisher. It just fit so well, i don't know why they decided to end Act I on Why We Build the Wall

[@gorewives]

i get where youre coming from but personally i love that choice. instead of Epic Act 1 Finisher (which, dgmw, wait for me wouldve been a VERY good fit for that and wouldve left the audience with a hopeful tone leading into the next act, but it wouldve left you with a completely different vibe than finishing with why we build the wall wouldve), you have this juxtaposition btw this ballad of hope and desperation and love and refusing to let anything stop you, to this sort of call-and-answer chant of utter hopelessness and giving up, sort of showing you the difference btw like, the two worlds, Up Above and Down Below, this difference in orpheus and eurydice’s dispositions towards life, of love vs safety, and the significance of the final line, persephone’s “anybody want a drink?” alluding to her belief in love but her willingness to look away and refuse to make change to replenish that love when things are too difficult. why we build the wLl being the final song, esp w wait for me performed right before it, also kind of alludes to the ending of the musical-this sort of foreshadowing of all this optimism, all this love and desperation and beauty and resistance... all this hope becomes nothing when faced with this... seed of doubt, that grows and festers, like the seed of doubt that led eurydice to hadestown in the first place. sorry, im a music theory nerd and i love dissecting things like this. not saying your opinion is wrong, i totally understand where youre coming from and i think that wait for me being the act 1 finisher would have its own interesting narrative ramifications, i just love talking ab ht

[@timd7364]

Man Up from Book of Mormon has a first Act finale that is a sort of ode to Les Miz. It’s a terrific number.

[@peggyknecht5551]

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."

[@cassandraalls5633]

One More Day always gives me goosebumps. Such an awesome song in an awesome musical!

[@lunar1212]

Great list but Santa Fe deserved at least an honorable mention

[@crashvds777]

Right???? You can’t open with Jeremy Jordan and NOT GIVE HIM A SPOT???

[@lunar1212]

@@crashvds777 Yeah, I was dead certain he was gonna get a spot cause they opened with him and then he didn't 😭

[@asexualbert7262]

RIGHT? They did Newsies dirty. Santa Fe goes HARD

[@bobamaden]

I know it's more obscure but... "Anthem" from Chess goes surprisingly hard. Love & agree with the comments about "One Day More", would have been a perfect #1 for this list!

[@leahtomlin5968]

Santa Fe from The Newsies will always take the cake for me

[@swaggyleemiller5174]

one day more will forever be the best act one finale to me

[@zenderlee]

Thank you! Thematically, musically, in every way. YES.

[@prosen8966]

I just said that. But w like a thousand more words. 🥰

[@haleyleahann8296]

I feel like Jeremy Jordan's Santa Fe from Newsies should be on this list over at least a few of the selections...

[@alliec.1420]

They played it it at the start. Dangled it in front of me. I watched the whole video waiting for it to pop up again. Nothing. I’m so mad.

[@addie_iaccino90]

Right?! The absolute disrespect of showing it but not putting it on the list. Jeremy slays Santa Fe, period.

[@hannahhester8376]

He wasn't??!!!

[@glamourchick21]

Just hearing the last line of “Sunday” brought tears to my eyes.

[@stephaniewordwoman]

You showed the clip from Santa Fe and it didn’t even make the list? I CRIED at that finale, you cowards!

[@jjdrama]

Hey, good point!

[@olvialee7221]

WHOO! I love this song! Totally my favorite. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the musical but I love Jennifer Hudson’s version

[@Malaika924]

Finally! Ragtime getting some love! Even if it is just an honorable mention.

[@Showman_87]

I think it’s 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

[@emilybrady6900]

It never made it all the way to Broadway, but the Act 1 Finale of Hunchback of Notre Dame blows me away every time

[@andreasmeelie1889]

Funny coincidence! I was just listening to Wicked yesterday in celebration of the fact that part 1 of the Wicked movie is actually coming out in theaters five days after Sonic 3! EEP! :)

[@manuelorozco7760]

I don’t know which one I’ll see first but I don’t see Sonic 3 competing with Wicked or Avatar

[@andreasmeelie1889]

@@manuelorozco7760 you could be surprised.😉 Though I have to admit that Avatar will be number one. Even if Wicked was at number two number three can still be good for Sonic 3. That or Sonic 3 could miraculously beat out Wicked depending on what audiences think of the movie anyways.

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@andreasmeelie1889 But I plan to see all three movies one way or another

[@amarariveras168]

So Much Better will always have such a special place in my heart. That musical soundtrack got me through college, it was amazingg!!

[@christianfranz2686]

These streets from a bronx tale the musical was awesome and also the act one finale from the notebook the musical I don’t remember the name but oh my god

[@Em1dudexoxo]

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

[@jscho8674]

Les Miz should have been #1, and Rent should have been #2. Both shows changed musical theater forever. You don't have a Hamilton without Les Miz and Rent. The Dreamgirls and Wicked songs are killer act 1 finales, but they don't beat Les Mis and Rent.

[@Puck42]

I wonder if the West Side Story Quintet influenced Les Miz One Day More

[@harryorenstein1144]

"A Little Priest" from Sweeney Todd" - brilliant comic relief in Sondheim's Grand Guignol masterpiece.

[@YoMateo.]

Whoever's reading this, i pray that whatever you're going through gets better and whatever you're struggling with or worrying about is going to be fine and that everyone has a fantastic day! Amen

[@brightshining]

♡

[@jonathanrio6587]

Sunday ALWAYS makes me tear up!!!!! One of the most beautiful pieces ever written!

[@manuelorozco7760]

My favorite Act One finales are Non Stop, Defying Gravity, Say Yeah, Santa Fe, You Will Be Found, So Much Better, And Im Telling You I’m Not Going, Blue Skies in White Christmas, Oklahoma Dream Ballet, Climb Every Mountain from the Sound of Music, Ten Minutes Ago from Cinderella, The Club/Blackout from In the Heights, Say A Prayer from Memphis, Conga from On Your Feet, Walk Like A Man from Jersey Boys, Before the Parade Passes By from Hello Dolly, I’ve Never Been in Love Before from Guys and Dolls, Morning Glow from Pippin, Angry Dance from Billy Elliot, Big Blonde & Beautiful from Hairspray, Fascinating Rhythm from Nice Work, La Vie Boheme, I Am What I Am from La Cage Aux Folles, the titular song in Singin in the Rain and Bad Idea from Waitress

[@garyabbott3861]

In the first half of the sixties (When I was in college) there was a musical that fell on its face badly called Bravo Giovanni about a battle between two restauranteurs in Rome. The Act One finale involved a tunnel being built underground during a festival above when the festivities would mask the explosions. It involved some interesting special effects.

[@hprotz6600]

Why We Build the Wall from Hadestown deserves an honorable mention, imo.

[@thefilmwatcher1216]

My list would include One Day More from Les Mis, Defying Gravity from Wicked, Epiphany from Sweeney Todd, Non Stop from Hamilton, Man Up from Book of Mormon, There's A Fine, Fine Line from Avenue Q, Damned For All Time/Blood Money from Jesus Christ Superstar, All I Ask of You Reprise from Phantom, You Will Be Found from Dear Evan Hansen, Hakuna Matata from The Lion King, La Vie Boheme from Rent, and finally, Can't Help Falling in Love from All Shook Up, a musical I highly recommend.

[@OlaOla-ct4nu]

I can't believe you don't add Sunday from Tick Tick boom 🙃 Please make episode about best "no one know this" musicals ❤️

[@paulhuggard3162]

Me and My Girl would have to be on that list

[@XoXoEmergency565]

Underrated gem, but Right This Way from Bandstand is spectacular

[@kaishefferly5965]

If we counted off Broadway act 1 finales, I think the best one is Esmerelda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame

[@ericgjovaag7958]

As an Oz and "Wicked" fan, I was sure hoping to see "Defying Gravity" at the top-and then I saw what you put ahead of it, and I have to totally agree. Well done!

[@manuelorozco7760]

Dreamgirls and Wicked are both equally beautiful shows

[@brionsarachan4500]

Maybe this should have been the top 20, so many good ones. Others to consider: Pippin / Morning Glow. Momma Mia / Voulez Vous. On Your Feet / Conga.

[@jessiicaww]

All I ask of you reprise puts a tear in my eye every single time.

[@HighonBoots]

Defying Gravity needed to be #1!!

[@manuelorozco7760]

Wicked made me the geek I am today

[@steinbachalex]

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.

[@beltingtokra]

Great list, I'd switch out Sunday and put A Little Priest in its place. That is a hard song!

[@olvialee7221]

I’ve seen Wicked in Pantages 4 times.

[@manuelorozco7760]

I’ve seen it only one time and I’m overdue to revisit the show

[@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.

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

Journey to the past form Anastasia is amazing

[@manuelorozco7760]

The stage version blows the movie out of the water

[@merelyizzy14]

Journey to the Past from Anastasia as an honorable mention anyone? Just me? … fair enough

[@DanKeeleyMusic]

So many better choices that about half of this list. The rest is great, but about half of these were only added because they were popular, not because they were good. And any list that "One Day More" is not number one is a list I don't trust.

[@jjsavage9537]

My top 5 5) Non stop from Hamilton 4) All I ask of you reprise from Phantom 3) Morning Glow (pippin)/ who I’d be (Shrek) 2) Defying Gravity 1) One Day More

[@claudia_musical]

One day more is just the best for me! Epic as it can be!

[@tammajamma]

Switch 5-10 with your honorable mentions, which were all my personal favorites.

[@willsheerin]

I’m free (heaven helps the man) from footloose deserves to be on here!

[@nikkitadrake8739]

Opening in the video with Jeremy Jordan is an easy way to keep me watching

[@manuelorozco7760]

Been a fan of his since Joyful Noise

[@lenee8959]

"Stronger" from Finding Neverland.

[@keienn7259]

Blackout from In the Heights caught me offguard in a good way. I only watched the movie but when the song played, I knew this had to be the Act 1 finale. The movie performance gave me goosebumps and I couldn't imagine how amazing it would have been live. I heard that the live version would have all the lights in the theatre off at the start leaving even the audience confused and caught up in the Blackout.

[@manuelorozco7760]

You have no idea how amazing In the Heights was on stage

[@keienn7259]

@@manuelorozco7760 And that will be one of my biggest regrets because I live in the Philippines where there is no tour for this. Unless a theatre company decides to perform it here, I will have to stick to youtube videos 😭😭😭

[@manuelorozco7760]

@@keienn7259 Ok then

[@finnleygrace7220]

These are all great- but I think you should’ve 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 it’s going to go. Definitely recommend!!!

[@markcreek487]

Voulez-Vous from Mamma Mia and Anthem from Chess are two that deserve to be on this list

[@monicaballard4825]

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 Lizzie’s solo, “Old Maid.” She goes through a range of emotions, ending with the plea, “Why won’t it rain? Please, let it rain! Oh, God, don’t let me live my life … alone!”

[@knequestrian93]

Still in the intro, but #1 is Wicked. Calling it right now Ooh! Good choice for #1!

[@alexander1602615]

Jagged Little Pill act 1 finale is still the only show I’ve ever been to that had a standing ovation at intermission

[@maiarogers133]

Anything goes should absolutely be higher!!! So so incredible!!!!!!! Fabulous list though

[@Schunard]

We need Legally Blonde revival. Please

[@manuelorozco7760]

I only saw it on MTV. I’m overdue to see a production live and in person

[@j.d.e.7416]

The MTv production also needs to be released commercially on DVD/Blu-Ray and streaming.

[@Paetynkeen]

Got to go to New York for a school trip and see some shows on Broadway. It was my second time seeing Wicked, my first being when the tour came to my city. I was excitedly waiting for Defying Gravity because I know how spectacular and powerful it is. It was my friends first time seeing the show and I enjoyed getting to see her experience it. We also got to see my all time favorite show, Hadestown. Absolutely loved it, sobbed so hard at the end. One thing though, I really wish "Wait For Me" was the end of act 1 instead of "Why We Build The Wall". They're both powerful songs, but I feel like Wait For Me just leads way better into everything that is happening in Act 2. Why We Build The Wall would've been a powerful Act 2 opener because it creates the setting of most of act 2, that may just be my opinion. The show is still amazing, but do think it could've been split into the different acts a bit better.