This question is inspired by seeing "Follies." In that show, "Broadway Baby" -- a GREAT number -- is sung by Hattie, a relatively minor character. My question: Is this the biggest disparity between quality (showstopper-ness) of a song and significance of the character who sings it? Yes, yes, I know all the ex-Weismann girls are important to the creators' vision for their story and this is no reflection on Jayne Houdyshell's performance. It's just that Hattie is mostly comic relief, and I don't think she even has any lines after the song, which is early in Act 1. It's a pretty small role with no impact on the main storyline (Sally, Phyllis & husbands). What other standout numbers are sung by minor characters in other musicals?
"Another Suitcase in Another Hall" from Evita. "He Plays the Violin", "Momma Look Sharp" and, arguably, "The Lees of Old Virginia" from 1776. "To Each His Dulcinea" from Man of La Mancha. "A Fact Can Be a Beautiful Thing" from Promises, Promises.
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
Although Tessie arguably has an impact on the dramatic arc of the show, I think "Gotta Get a Gimmick" would qualify.
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
Also, Rapunzel's Prince has very little to do outside of Agony and its reprise -- a few very brief book scenes with Rapunzel and the Witch -- but they're among the most popular numbers in the show.
Wildcat: Your two examples are excellent, with numbers from THE GIRL WHO CAME TO SUPPER and THE ROAR OF THE GREASEPAINT, THE SMELL OF THE CROWD--two shows that I loved, now apparently lost in the haze of yesteryear.
Miss Marmelstein from "I Can Get It For You Wholesale." I never saw the show, but from what I understand she's a minor character - but Streisand became famous from it.
That Dirty Old Man from "Forum" - Hero's mother is fairly minor.
Isn't "Steam Heat" from Pajama Game sung by a minor character?
Gladys, who sings and dances "Steam Heat" in PAJAMA GAME is the second female lead.
I read the script of WHOLESALE only recently and was surprised by how much stage time Miss Marmelstein actually has. Apart from leading three other numbers she is a constant presence in the garment factory scenes.
Nimue, in Camelot, is actually an offstage voice (atleast she was in the original production). The character basically exists to get Merlin out of the play. And Wildcat is right; I saw the original Wholesale and Miss Marmelstein has only a few scenes in the first act (beginning and end) but much more in the second. She also is the lead singer in "What Are They Doing to Us Now", later in the act. But with the exception of the lead, Harry Bogin (Elliott Gould) the musical has about eight featured characters who have much the same stage time, and move in and out of the plot. One other example: Gentleman Jimmy from Fiorello, sung by a performer, not in the rest of the show.
Nimue is offstage? I've only seen a regional production, and it was a few years ago, but I remember the actress on stage. Could have just been the staging, I guess.
Maybe we could agree that the issue is whether the character plays an important role in the plot.
Gladys and her key turn out to be central to resolving THE PAJAMA GAME's story. (BTW, she also has major dance turns in "Once a Year Day", "Her Is" and, IIRC, "Hernando's Hideaway".)
"Star to Be" in ANNIE and "Bonnie" (Bonnie Franklin) in APPLAUSE are not important to the plots of their shows. (BTW, a poster above says Franklin's role was called "Gypsy." IBDB lists her as "Bonnie." IIRC somebody actually calls her "Bonnie" toward the beginning of the number.)
Likewise, Pippin supposedly learns something from visiting his grandmother, but "Time to Start Living" it's basically just a specialty bit. If Pippin passed Grandma's house without stopping, the rest of the play would unfold much the same.