In fact, the audience was so enthralled with Michele that she was given four standing ovations before Act 1 came to a close,
At intermission, the audience members were crowded the aisles raving about Michele's singing, her humorous timing, and the general energy in the room.
As he made his way back to his seat, Fierstein, who pounded up the musical's book, said to a friend, "I haven't had a night like this at the theater in years."