What is a showstopper in a musical?
Definition
A showstopper is a highlight of a musical that leaves a lasting impression on the audience. It is often a powerful, memorable, or emotionally charged song or performance that brings the show to a pause as the audience erupts in applause and admiration.
Impact
Showstoppers are crucial in musical theater as they can elevate the overall experience, create memorable moments, and generate buzz and excitement. They often showcase the talents of the performers and can become iconic moments in the history of a musical.
Types of Showstoppers
a. Big Production Numbers
These are large-scale, high-energy musical sequences involving the entire cast, elaborate choreography, and impressive set designs. They are often visually stunning and leave the audience in awe.
b. Emotional Ballads
These are heartfelt, emotional songs that allow a character to express their deepest feelings. They can be poignant, introspective, or showcase the vulnerability of a character, leaving the audience moved and captivated.
c. Comedy Numbers
Showstoppers can also be comedic songs or performances that bring laughter and joy to the audience. These moments often involve clever wordplay, physical comedy, or witty lyrics that leave the audience in stitches.
Examples of Showstoppers
Some iconic showstoppers from musical theater history include:
a. “Defying Gravity” from Wicked
b. “One Day More” from Les Misérables
c. “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls
d. “Rose’s Turn” from Gypsy
e. “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from Funny Girl
Showstoppers like these have become timeless classics and continue to captivate audiences with their brilliance.
By creating moments of awe, emotion, or laughter, showstoppers contribute to the magic and allure of musical theater, ensuring that the audience’s experience is truly unforgettable.
Sources:
1. “Best musical theatre show tunes and songs of all time,” The Standard, https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/best-musical-theatre-show-tunes-songs-of-all-time-a4113466.html
2. “Jay Records – Showstoppers from Broadway,” Jay Records, https://www.jayrecords.com/recording/showstoppers-from-broadway/
3. “All-time greatest musical showstoppers – BWW Forum,” Broadway World, https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=841406
FAQs
What is a showstopper in a musical?
A showstopper in a musical refers to a highlight moment that captivates the audience and brings the show to a pause due to its exceptional impact. It is typically a powerful, memorable, or emotionally charged song or performance that elicits enthusiastic applause and admiration from the audience.
How does a showstopper impact a musical?
Showstoppers play a crucial role in musical theater as they elevate the overall experience by creating memorable moments. They generate buzz and excitement among the audience, leaving a lasting impression. Showstoppers often showcase the talents of the performers and can become iconic moments in the history of a musical.
What are the different types of showstoppers?
Showstoppers can take various forms, including:
- Big Production Numbers: These are large-scale, high-energy musical sequences involving the entire cast, elaborate choreography, and impressive set designs.
- Emotional Ballads: These are heartfelt, emotional songs that allow a character to express their deepest feelings and can be poignant or introspective.
- Comedy Numbers: Showstoppers can also be comedic songs or performances that bring laughter and joy to the audience through clever wordplay, physical comedy, or witty lyrics.
What are some examples of iconic showstoppers?
Some examples of iconic showstoppers from musical theater history include:
- “Defying Gravity” from Wicked
- “One Day More” from Les Misérables
- “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls
- “Rose’s Turn” from Gypsy
- “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from Funny Girl
How do showstoppers contribute to the magic of musical theater?
Showstoppers create moments of awe, emotion, or laughter, adding to the overall magic and allure of musical theater. They ensure that the audience’s experience is truly unforgettable by eliciting strong reactions and leaving a lasting impact.
Can showstoppers become timeless classics?
Absolutely! Showstoppers that resonate with audiences can become timeless classics. They continue to captivate and entertain generations of theatergoers with their brilliance, often becoming iconic songs that are celebrated and performed for years to come.