| I don't think there's an actual name for it, but I do think it's an actual -type- of song. Often, but not always, near the end of Act One, and it serves to present some conflict (perhaps the can trap conflict of the show) in a clear and concise way. A couple of lightweight examples (compared to the ones you've cited, at least: The last part of "I'm Free/Heaven Helps The Man" from Footloose closes Act One with the kids and the Preacher + adults singing with and against one another and sets up the battle to come in Act Two pretty clearly. And a classic use of the device is in Act Two of Thoroughly Modern Millie, when "I Turned the Corner" segues directly into the reprise of "I'm Falling In Love With Someone" with Millie, Jimmy, Graydon and Miss Dorothy in a marvelous bit of intertwining vocal lines that crystalizes the characters' motivations (not to mention the perfect comic button/fly in the ointment delivered by Ching Ho). |
