11 o'clock number
11 o'clock number is a theatre term for a big, show-stopping song that occurs late in the second act of a two-act musical, in which a major character, often the protagonist, comes to an important realization. Examples include "So Long Dearie" from "Hello, Dolly!", "Rose's Turn" from "Gypsy", and "Work the Wound" from "Passing Strange". It was so named because in the days when musical performances would start at 8:30 p.m., this song would occur around 11:00 p.m. 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. 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. Broadway producer Jack Viertel defines an 11 o'clock number as "a final star turn". Other notable 11 o'clock numbers include "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" from "Guys and Dolls", "Memory" from "Cats", "Brotherhood of Man" from "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying , “For Good” from Wicked", "Gimme Gimme" from "Thoroughly Modern Millie", "Another National Anthem" from "Assassins", "The American Dream" from "Miss Saigon", "Goodbye" from "Catch Me If You Can", "Revolting Children" from "Matilda The Musical", "I'm Here" from "The Color Purple", and "Always Starting Over" from "If/Then".