Entrances That Give You Chills

[Zamedy154]

There's no question HELLO, DOLLY! gets a lot right. Dolly's first entrance is designed so perfectly... built for huge entrance applause yet still a perfect marriage between song, lyrics and storyline at that early moment of the show.

The only entrance that tops it, of course, is her grand entrance in Act 2. Each of the four times I had the fortune of seeing this production with Bette, my palms literally started to sweat and my heart began beating faster with anticipation of seeing her at the top of those stairs. Just thinking of Bernadette gives me the same butterflies.

This all brings me to my point. Dolly's entrance in Act 2 is, IMO, the greatest, grandest entrance for a character Broadway has ever and will ever see. From the subtle orchestrations that begin to play during the commotion among the waiters, to the RUDYYYY!!! to the SHE'S HERE!! to the opening notes of the title song, followed by our first look at the reborn Dolly to her accenting down that staircase... I mean it is all just.. perfection. I get chills thinking of those discussions in development more than 50 years ago when it all fell into place.

Can you think of another entrance that even comes close to having a similar effect?




 

[BroadwayConcierge]

They definitely don’t rival Dolly (who takes the cake for best entrance of all time for her title song), but I love both Elphaba and Alexander Hamilton’s entrances, both of which are oddly similar. Both shows begin with exposition by other characters all about them before they charge down center stage moments later, ready to do their things. It’s a simple way to enter, but powerful and effective.

I also thought Hedwig’s entrance from the fly space in the 2014 revival was iconic.

[imeldasturn]

Christine Ebersole often got entrance applauses for both the acts of Grey Gardens

[TheQuibbler]

"Sing out, Louise!"

[Ben_Platt_Out]

Eartha kitt in Timbuktu 

[TotallyEffed]

John Cameron Mitchell in the Broadway production of Hedwig.

She did love a warm hand on her entrance.

[JBroadway]

Some of my favorites that come to mind (though I admit that few - if any - match Dolly): 

-Laura coming out of the couch in the John Tiffany revival of Glass Menagerie

-Finch's entrance from the orchestra pit in the harness in the recent H2S revival. 

-Sweeney's entrance in the opening number of Sweeney Todd - not the staging of any production in particular - mainly just the way the music builds up to it. 

-I found the The Phantom's entrance through the mirror absolutely thrilling when I saw the show at age 12. I can't say whether it would have the same effect on me now, but it holds a special place in my heart. 

-Not sure if this counts, but the "entrance" of adult Joey in War Horse 

[HamilHansen]

Nothing tops DOLLY, but Anatole's entrance in the great comet is thrilling to see. 

[dramamama611]

While Broadway beat me to it, I'll add a shout out to Laura's entrance for Menagerie. It literally took my breath away.

[michaelhale]

HamilHansen said: "Nothing tops DOLLY, but Anatole's entrance in the great comet is thrilling to see."

Anatole's entrance is my favorite moment, musically, of the whole show. Definitely a 'chills' moment.

Nothing else comes to mind except, of course, Dolly in the title song.

[Call_me_jorge]

When Elphaba runs out and you get chills thinking she might be running into the pit, I kid. No really, this entrance is pretty spectacular IMO.

[JBradshaw]

Velma Kelly in the “Chicago” revival

[jwsel]

dramamama611 said: "While Broadway beat me to it, I'll add a shout out to Laura's entrance for Menagerie. It literally took my breath away."

You both beat me to it.  It's not a grand entrance that prompts wild applause, but it made you gasp and definitely brought the chills.

[A Canadian in NYC]

I would agree with BC. Alexander Hamilton’s entrance always gives me chills every time I see it.

And the first that came to mind was indeed Hedwig!

[Littleshopofcarrie]

I echo Dolly and Hedwig, but love the older Ti Moune’s entrance in the Once On This Island revival with the younger version of herself running into the water with the older one running back.

[adamgreer]

Mame’s entrance with her bugle at the top of the stairs for It’s Today.

Also, seeing Peter Pan fly in through the Darling window is pretty thrilling.

[Alex Kulak2]

Michael Arden entering and slowing donning the makeup and costume to become Quasimodo.

[Gensho]

As a side note to this discussion, the concept of applauding for the entrance of a star on stage is very much an American construct. When I see shows on the West End, you almost never hear applause for the entrance of a star.

[Joviedamian]

Jane Krakowski’s entrance/exit in the revival of Nine! Flew in/our from the rafters on a sheet!!

[dmwnc1959]

In “The Lion King”, beginning with the giraffe as they march across the stage against the rising sun, and then the rest of the cast coming down the aisles and across the stage, which culminates in what has to be the greatest beginnings of any Broadway show ever. All of this against “Circle of Life”. Then the final, enormous beat of the drum as the house lights go completely dark. The most amazing feeling and experience. And the best kind of chills!

[mikey2573]

I will agree with a previous poster regarding the entrance of Peter Pan through the window.  My very first Broadway show was the Sandy Duncan revival, and when she flew in that window it took my breath away. 

Another great one was Yul Brynner in the national tour of THE KING AND I back in the 80s.  I remember these sliding panels and flying curtains, then a big clash and there he was. 

 

[chewbaca]

Glen Close in Sunset Boulevard

[BroadwayBeebe]

Alan Cumming in Cabaret

[Bettyboy72]

"You there....why are you so late..." Norma at the top of the stairs. Chills. 

[WldKingdomHM]

Joanna Lumley  in La Bete