This came up the other day with a friend as we discussed A Chorus Line, saying that both us never remembered a huge showstopper that was not a song - Paul's monologue. Most of the times, it brings a halt to the show with sustained applause, at least for my 50+ ACL experiences. Admittedly, sometimes it does not have a big effect, and I can either blame the actor or the audience!
And just on Tony Sunday, after seeing the matinee of Hello Dolly, Midler did it again with her eating scene. Probably one of the longest applause spots during the show, and something I will remember forever!
Anyone have other memories of non-song "showstoppers" at a musical? I also have experienced them at dramas, most notably Laurie Metcalf's monologue during Balm In Gilead.
Jim |
