11 o’clock numberis a theatre term for a big, show-stopping song that occurs late in the second act of a two-actmusical, in which a major character, often the protagonist, comes to an important realization. Examples include “So Long Dearie” fromHello, Dolly!, “Rose’s Turn” fromGypsy, and “Work the Wound” fromPassing Strange.^[1]It was so named because in the days when musical performances would start at 8:30 pm, this song would occur around 11:00 pm.^[2]

Among the theatre community, there is some debate as to the characteristics of an 11 o’clock number. It often signifies a moment of revelation or change in heart of a lead character, although there are exceptions to this.^[3]The 11 o’clock number is also differentiated from the finale in that it is not the final number in the show, but even this is not considered a requirement by some commenters.^[4]Broadway producer Jack Viertel defines an 11 o’clock number as “a final star turn”.^[5]

Other notable 11 o’clock numbers include “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” fromGuys and Dolls,^[3]“Memory” fromCats,^[6]“Brotherhood of Man” fromHow to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,^[7]“Gimme Gimme” fromThoroughly Modern Millie,^[4]“Another National Anthem” fromAssassins,^[8]“The American Dream” fromMiss Saigon, “I’m Here” fromThe Color Purple,^[9]and “Always Starting Over” fromIf/Then.^[10]