Question. Where is the break?
I was surprised they did it here without an intermission. I definitely prefer one.
This theatre is mostly older people. But I was very surprised. Not a single one of them got up during the 1 hr 45 minutes.
To me, the very definitive act break is right after "The Quest" (aka "The Impossible Dream"). Not only is this the favored "power ballad" that was so de rigeur for a first-act closer at that time (not to mention before and since), but you may have noticed that the following scene opens with the staircase being used (i.e. lowered, in a fully designed production), and another prisoner being thrown into the cell. It, of course, would re-establish the mood and setting after the audience had gone out for a cigarette or cocktail.
(Ironlically enough, as I am typing these words "Dulcinea" was being played on AOL's showtune station. Not to be misunderstood, I LOVE "Dulcinea")
As an aside, the thing with some intermissionless shows (but not this one) is that when they are played WITH an intermission it seems to fall in the wrong place for this audience member. And the two I will mention do not have an obvious act break: The Roundabout's 1776 placed intermission AFTER "Momma Look Sharp," which I think is far too deep into the show. My recommendation, should anyone have asked me, which no one did, would be to place it after Adams, Chase and Franklin leave for NJ. Not only does it leave you with a great first act closing line (which I paraphrase: "Wake up, Benjy. You're going whoring in New Jersey"), but lets the second act open with "Cool, Cool Considerate Men." The Paper Mill FOLLIES intermission seemed too late as well, after "Too Many Mornings" as I recall. If it must have an intermission, "I'm Still Here" might be more appropriate.
One intermissionless show that is also often performed with one is PIPPIN. It usually falls after (or sometimes during) "Morning Glow." I have no opinion on this one.
'Nuff said.