Five Incredible Showstoppers You Can Only See On-Screen

Last updated December 1st, 2013 by Josh Ferri
Five Incredible Showstoppers You Can Only See On-Screen

If/Then star Idina Menzel shows off her Tony-winning talents in the new animated Disney film Frozen as Elsa, the magical snow queen. The adorable family flick features notable performances by Tony nominees Jonathan Groff, Santino Fontana and Josh Gad, yet with one musical number, Menzel steals the film for herself. In “Let It Go,” Elsa unleashes her powers after containing them for so long. The visuals are amazing (you’ll have to see the film) and the vocals are out of this world. Check it out below.



Menzel’s frosty showstopper got us thinking of other amazing diva performances you can only find on-screen. Below, we count down the five best showstoppers from TV and film that you won’t find on a Broadway stage.

5. Carol Channing's performance of "Jazz Baby" in Thoroughly Modern Millie is as campy as the day is long. Sadly, the showstopper was not included in the Tony-winning stage adaptation.



4. Irene Cara made the cafeteria the place to be when she started an arts riot during Fame's "Hot Lunch Jam."



3. You may think Frank Sinatra, but this showstopper was written by Kander and Ebb for Liza Minnelli as the title number of the 1977 film New York, New York.



2. Liza's mother, Judy Garland embodied universal heartbreak and despair while belting "The Man That Got Away" in A Star Is Born.



1. Who could beat Carol, Judy and Liza? Marilyn Monroe! Well, Megan Hilty singing as Marilyn Monroe in the TV show Smash. If "They Just Keep Moving the Line" were onstage, someone would win a Tony Award, but, alas, this showstopping gem could only be enjoyed on-screen.