As any musical theatre freak will tell you, the most important number ever in a show is the first act closer. It’s the plot’s climax in song. It’s what establishes the buzz that permeates the air during those 15 minutes until the second act. From my experience, it’s the one moment of the show most audience members take away with them. Quite simply: the act one closer can make or break a show.

May I present my top ten favorite first act closing numbers.