Top 10 Act One Finales in Musicals That Give Us Chills

After World War II, a group of veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life form a band. They soon join forces with the widow of a fallen soldier and win a Swing Band competition in Ohio, only to learn that’s just one small step to national victory. In this song, bandleader Donny laments over the heroes’ appreciation, which he believes they deserve. What starts as dejection and frustration soon turns into hope and motivation. The band decides they’ll do whatever it takes to make it to New York to compete. We can almost feel their rush of emotions charging throughout us, too, and we have the goosebumps to prove it.

“Non-Stop” is the perfect title for this song—it does the most! After John Laurens’ tragic death, Hamilton throws himself into his work, contributing to the Federalist Papers. This song does an excellent job of encapsulating our protagonist’s temperament: its tempo, drive, and energy capture his essence perfectly. Meanwhile, it wraps up this chapter of his life, calling back to key plot points and earlier songs while setting the stage for major events in Act Two. It really showcases Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genius, brilliantly advancing the story with a melody that’s an absolute banger. By the final note, we’re as charged up as Hamilton and carry that buzz right through intermission.

Hold on. Does Hades’s ethos remind you of a certain recent administration? Think about it: a fear-mongering leader seeking total control, wanting to “Build the Wall” to keep outsiders away. Even his back-and-forth with his followers feels eerily relevant. Yet this song was written about a decade before we ever thought a reality TV star could be President. Hades joins a long line of leaders who use sensationalism and make irresistible promises to attract followers. What’s even spookier is how easy it is to get sucked in. Before you know it, you’re totally entranced by Hades’ hypnotic voice and singing along to that soothing melody. It feels so close to home that we can’t help but break out in chills.

This song marks the calm after the storm. As several of Act One’s most dramatic plot points come to a head, artist Georges Seurat restores some calm so he can finish his famous painting. As George steps back to look at the big picture, everyone sings about his artistic touches and techniques. Yet beneath this artistic chatter lies a deeper truth: George sees the man he yearns to be but feels unable to become. Meanwhile, we’re reminded that this idyllic scene is a mere façade. If that isn’t enough to get your spine-tingling, just wait until the whole ensemble comes together for those final notes. This song really is a work of art.

Is there anything that can make your arm hairs stand up faster than hearing a love song turned into a heartbreaking tale of unrequited love and revenge? The Phantom seethes with anger and betrayal after overhearing Christine and Raoul profess their love. His reprise adds a sinister edge to what was just moments ago, a heart-melting tune. The haunting echoes of the couple’s love song linger, deepening the Phantom’s torment. His sorrow erupts into furious rage, promising vengeance that could shake the very foundations of the opera house. The iconic chords build as the chandelier crashes down, sending shivers through every audience member. We’re just surprised the auditorium doesn’t vibrate every night.

This musical may have premiered decades ago, but its message remains painfully relevant today. Following the tragic death of Sarah, a Black woman, at the hands of authorities, the community unites in mourning. They sing about wanting a world where such tragedies never happen again—a world that’s fairer for everyone. The anger, sadness, and fear in every note and lyric are hard to ignore. Although the musical is set at the start of the 20th century, these lyrics belong just as much in today’s headlines. In fact, knowing that we have yet to “Reach That Day” intensifies the song’s impact and sends chills down our spines.

Hold onto your seats for this Act One finisher—it's packed with drama, high emotions, and incredible music. The Jets and Sharks gear up for their big Rumble, Anita looks forward to a steamy night with Bernardo, and Tony and Maria revisit their earlier love song. Each group starts with its own story, but then their melodies intertwine, building to a powerful crescendo with breathtaking harmonies. You can practically feel the tension in the air gripping the entire audience. As we head towards the climactic Rumble, it feels like we're all holding our breath, waiting for the explosive moment that will shape the rest of the show.

After missing several performances, Effie is blindsided when she finds out she's been replaced in the group. To make matters worse, the man she loves has also betrayed her. She channels all that pain into one of the most soul-stirring songs in musical history. The music and lyrics hit deep, but it’s her powerhouse vocals that truly knock you off your feet. Actresses like Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson have delivered spine-tingling renditions, making us feel Effie’s pain as if we were living it ourselves. Even if you’re not the type to jump up for ovations, the sheer electricity of this performance will propel you to your feet.

After finding out the Wizard isn’t as Wonderful as he’s made out to be, Elphaba decides she’s done playing by everyone else’s rules. This song speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they were stuck in a society-enforced box that never fit quite right. It celebrates the power of embracing your true self to create positive change. Of course, as fans of the show know, nothing compares to the electrifying moment when Elphaba defies gravity, soaring above the stage with her cape billowing behind her. It culminates with a soaring finish in every sense. When that final riff hits, our chills surge so powerfully that we almost expect to start defying gravity ourselves!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Gold,” Once
We Wouldn’t Trade the Feeling This Number Gives Us for Gold

“Esmeralda,” “Hunchback of Notre Dame”
Not-re Moment of This Song Isn’t Filled with High Stakes Drama

“Santa Fe,” “Newsies”
Extra, Extra: We’re Santa Fe-eling Our Hairs Rising As the Curtain Falls

“I'd Give My Life for You,” “Miss Saigon”
Brace Yourself for a Mother’s Love That Melts Even the Iciest Heart & Foreshadows the Finale

“You Will Be Found”, “Dear Evan Hansen”
You Will Be Finding Us Covered in Goosebumps Throughout Intermission

This scene really sets the standard for first-act endings. It brilliantly pulls together all the storylines so far, wrapping up each character’s journey into one big picture. The use of counterpoint at this pivotal moment is phenomenal. Multiple interlocking melodies amplify the emotions and add a sense of urgency, leading to a climactic finale where everyone unites in an epic, heart-pounding crescendo. It’s so captivating that, for a moment, we’re completely swept up and forget what’s coming next. We just know we’re ready for someone to pass us one of those flags. The tingles we get from this performance are strong enough to rally a revolution on their own!

Which Act One finale had you shook? Let us know in the comments!