Another Op’nin’, Another Show: Broadway’s Opening Numbers and Finales

with Karen Valen 

It has been said that it's always important that a Broadway musical’s opening number should set the tone for the show and convince the audience that they want to stick around and see what happens. An opening number can be preceded by an overture, or it can literally open the show. When the audience enters, will they see a closed curtain or are the actors already on stage and ready to perform the opening number? And what about great closing numbers? The 11 o’clock number, based on the time when Broadway shows opened at 8:30 and ended close to 11, occurs late in the second act of a two-act musical. It is often the final number of the show. We’ll feature videos of some great openings and finales, sometimes from the same show. Hairspray had “Good Morning, Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” From A Chorus Line, we have “I Hope I Get It” and “One.” Hair gave us “Aquarius” and “Let the Sun Shine In.” Maybe you will get to relive some of your favorite Broadway moments, from beginning to end.