11 o'clock number

11 o'clock number is a theatrical term for a big, show-stopping song that occurs late in the second act of a two-act musical. It was so named because in the days when musical performances would start at 8:30 pm, this song would occur around 11 pm. Besides reenergizing the audience as the show heads toward its conclusion, it offers audience members a catchy melody to hum as they leave the theater.

Among the theatre community, there is some debate as to additional characteristics of an 11 o'clock number. It often signifies a moment of revelation or change in heart of a lead character, although there are exceptions to this.[1] The 11 o'clock number is also differentiated from the finale in that it is not the final number in the show, but even this is not considered a requirement by some commenters.[2]

Notable 11 o'clock numbers include "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" from Guys and Dolls, "Rose's Turn" from Gypsy,[3] "Brotherhood of Man" from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,[4] "Memory" from Cats,[5] "Gimme Gimme" from Thoroughly Modern Millie, "The American Dream" from Miss Saigon and, more recently, "I'm Here" from The Color Purple, "Always Starting Over" from If/Then and "She Used to Be Mine" from Waitress.[6]

References

  1. ↑ "'Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ The Boat:' An Unusual 11 o’clock Number". The Marquee, News and Views from MTI. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
  2. ↑ Michael Musto (29 April 2011). "The Five Best 11 O'Clock Numbers in Broadway History". The Village Voice theater blog.
  3. ↑ Ben Rimalower (19 July 2014). "'This Time For Me': The Essential 11 O'Clock Numbers". Playbill.com. Accessed 2015-02-02. Archived 2015-03-28.
  4. ↑ Brendan Lemon (28 March 2011). "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Al Hirschfeld Theatre, New York". The Financial Times.
  5. ↑ Peter Marks (27 August 1999). "CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK; Theater's Thrill Rides". The New York Times.
  6. ↑ Peter Marks (25 November 2013). "Eagerly awaited musical ‘If/Then’ is a winning blob, with many kinks to be worked out". The Washington Post.
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