In a musical, the finale is your chance to lay your cards on the table; turn the subtext into text. One perfect example, from "Little Shop of Horrors," urges you to steer clear of capitalist greed:
Hold your hat and hang onto your soul.
Something's coming to eat the world whole.
If we fight it, we still have a chance--
But, whatever they offer you--
Though they're slopping the trough for you--
Please....whatever they offer you...
Don't feed the plants!
Another moment of perfection, the end of "Sweeney Todd," suggests that you might profit from empathy:
To seek revenge may lead to hell...
But *everyone* does it, if seldom as well...
As Sweeney....
As Sweeney Todd....
Finally, "Kimberly Akimbo" swings for the fences; the cast directly addresses the audience. "Your hours are numbered. So: Live while you're still alive."
The day is dying...
We're headed for the setting sun; we're crying...
Because we're almost done.
Time's flying...
It's been a lovely run--
And so fun. So fun....
Without that final bridge, the show collapses. And yet it looks so simple!
These are the three strongest "finale" moments that I'm aware of.
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