limelight

n. (Theat.) That part of the stage upon which the limelight is cast, usually where the most important action is progressing or where the leading player or players are placed and upon which the attention of the spectators is therefore concentrated. Hence, a conspicuous position before the public; the center of public attention; -- used mostly in the phrase in the limelight; as, politicians who are never happy except in the limelight. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]