Overview
Synopsis
The Act follows the story of Michelle Craig, a once-famous Las Vegas headliner who is determined to make a glamorous comeback. After years away from the stage, she returns to the neon lights and glittering showrooms of Las Vegas in hopes of reclaiming her star power and re-establishing herself as a beloved entertainer. Michelle dazzles audiences with her signature charisma and high-energy numbers, but beneath the sequins and applause lies the vulnerable reality of a woman trying to hold onto her place in a rapidly changing showbiz world.
As the show unfolds, the tension between Michelle’s onstage persona and her offstage struggles becomes more apparent. Through a mix of heartfelt ballads and brassy performance numbers, the musical reveals her loneliness, fears, and longing for connection beyond the spotlight. While The Act is filled with dazzling nightclub spectacle, it also paints a poignant portrait of a performer at a crossroads, torn between the glamorous act she presents to the world and the quieter truths she faces when the curtain falls.
Show Information
Context
The Act premiered on Broadway in 1977, created by the celebrated songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, with a book by George Furth. The musical was conceived as a star vehicle for Liza Minnelli, already internationally renowned for her Academy Award-winning performance in Cabaret and her electrifying concert work. The production was directed by filmmaker Martin Scorsese, making his only Broadway directorial credit, and choreographed by Ron Lewis. This ambitious creative team sought to
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Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone, Tenor |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Not Specified |
|
Songs
Act I
Act II
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A musical with a well-structured narrative that integrates songs, dialogue, and dance to advance plot and character development.
A form of theatrical entertainment featuring music, song, dance, and drama, often performed in a nightclub or pub-style venue.
A form of theatre with a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, often satirical and lacking a unified narrative.
A showstopper is a theatrical number so powerful, impressive, or emotionally charged that it provokes extended audience applause, temporarily halting the performance. These moments often highlight peak vocal, dance, or dramatic abilities and become signature highlights of a production. Showstoppers are carefully crafted to create excitement, release tension, or leave a lasting impression on the audience.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
A sentimental ballad about unrequited love, often featured in musicals or cabaret performances.
Videos
Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Themes
The Price of Fame: The show explores the
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