In the new Entertainment Weekly there is a review of Idina Menzel’s Broadway show “If/Then”. One sentence reads, “…she even gets a soaring 11 o’clock number aimed squarely at her in-leaning target audience.” Can someone translate ‘11 o’clock number’ and ‘in-leaning’ for the great unwashed (me)?
I believe “in-leaning” is a reference to Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In.
I concur on the Sandberg reference, particularly since the writer is describing the audience there.
An “11 o’clock number” is a long-standing theatre term for the big solo sung by the leading lady at the climax of the show, just before the end (hence, 11 o’clock). It’s often written in a big, dramatic style, and many times is performed with the singer alone on stage. It’s the number that gives the leading lady a chance to blow the roof off. “Rose’s Turn” from Gypsy is one of many, many examples.
Here’s what Wikipedia has to say.
Here’s a fun list of some of the top ones in Broadway history.
<rubs temples G’Kar style> I have such a headache.
Was “Defying Gravity” the 11 o’clock number in Wicked?
Wasn’t that the closer to Act 1? I can’t remember for sure, it’s been a while since I saw it - but I’m pretty sure there’s still a lot left to happen after “Defying Gravity” (in my not-so-popular opinion, a lot of boring stuff. Act 2 of Wicked nearly put me to sleep).
No Good Deed is the 11 o’clock number in Wicked. Defying Gravity is a duet, but it’s the act one finale, so still special.
Surprised Memory from Cats wasn’t on that list.