Most Epic Song Climax?

[Phan#24601]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 2:19pm

What would you guy say is the most epic song climax from a show tune? For me, it's pretty obvious, but it had to be said: "Memory (Reprise)". Period.
Absolute BEST version of "Memory" ever!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 2:21pm

I love Cats, but that award would have to go to "Dallas... I'm Coming" from the Debbie Does Dallas musical. No question, no contest.

[eperkins]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 2:25pm

I don't know, but Rose's Turn has got to be way up the list.

[Musicaldudepeter]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 2:26pm

Yeah the 'Everything's coming up Rose' section at the end of Rose's Turn is electric. Especially Lansbury's version.

Also the ending of Cabaret IMO - especially Natasha Richardson's version. Chilling.

[WOSQ]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 2:31pm

"And I Am Telling You" has a show-stopping moment built into it. The number keeps going for about 16 bars after the audience has lost its mind, to say nothing of the character.

This has never not worked.

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 2:35pm

My favorite theatrical climax

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 2:42pm

It depends on what your definition of a climax is. In the musical sense, that's a tough one. In the literal sense, but within a musical theatre context, CATSNY is absolutely correct.

[The Glenbuck Laird]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 5:30pm

You'll never walk alone - end the thread

[a-mad]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 6:09pm

An obvious (and populist) choice... but I can't deny it - Defying Gravity

2nd choice - (tie) We'll Never Get to Heaven and Let them Hear You (Ragtime)

[DooWahDiddy]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 6:12pm

I nominate "Being Alive". Slow burn... explosion.

[a-mad]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 6:17pm

^ forgot about that one.... +1!

[joshbrown31]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 6:26pm

The part in Another Winter In a Summer Town from Grey Gardens when they go "my season endeeeeed a long time ago!"

<3 scott frankel

[jdavisinaustin]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 6:32pm

"Happiness" from Passion, though the climax is at the beginning.

I'd say most of the best ones are from songs written for women ("Rose's Turn" from Gypsy, "Lot's Wife" from Caroline or Change, "Old Maid" from 110 in the Shade). The only male one I can think of is "Soliloquy" from Carousel.

[Jane2]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 6:48pm

There has never been a time when I heard Memory that I didn't get goose bumps at that one special note - but only when it's sung by BETTY BUCKLEY.

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 7:15pm

This is going to be based solely on cast recordings.

Matilda: That gorgeous moment in When I Grow Up when the key changes and the tempo picks up. "And when I grow up, I will have treats every day."

Grey Gardens: When Big and Little Edie hit the harmony on "My season eeeeeeended,"in Another Winter in a Summer town.

[E.Davis]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 7:19pm

"This is Not Over Yet" from PARADE is a pretty magical moment.

[jnb9872]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 7:38pm

I'm glad someone mentioned "Soliloquy", but I'm a little chagrinned no one's mentioned "A Call From the Vatican" yet. Jane Krakowski is pretty epic on that revival recording, if we're taking the OP's question literally.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 7:58pm

"but only when it's sung by BETTY BUCKLEY."

There are a lot of fans of the late Laurie Beechman who would disagree with you on that one, Jane.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 8:45pm

Ted Neeley.

"WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY SHOULD I DIE?"

Never fails. Ever.

[suestorm]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 8:45pm

Don't STOP BELIEVING Rock of Agea is about as Epic as it comes. The whole show comes out and sings with great reference of their characters "Journey" from main characters Sherrie and Drew to the strippers and burnouts.

[RozeeRossi]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 8:49pm

For me, live, Once and For All from Newsies when the three levels are coming at you and the music just nails you. Never gets old for me.

[justoldbill]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 9:08pm

For my money, it's the "Ol' Man River" Finale Ultimo of the 1951 film of SHOW BOAT. It just doesn't stop. Add to that the close-up of Ava Gardner gently blowing a kiss to the departing Cotton Blossom, and you have something to remember.

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 9:13pm

If we're talking about Newsies I love when the chorus comes crashing in at the end of the King of New York dance break.

Posted: 9/11/13 at 9:46pm

Oh COME on! Judge Turpin's climax during Johanna!

[loudshroom]

Posted: 9/11/13 at 10:03pm

"Listening to You" (Tommy)