Biggest celebrity surprise performances on Broadway? — Page 2

I don't know if he is still considered a celebrity- maybe D-list but AShley Parker Angel surprised me in hairspray- he wasn't the best link I've ever seen, but he did a good job and his voice wasn't bad. In the same production- Lance Bass- only downfall of the performance I saw. I saw the first performance post strike- everyone had so much energy and stage presence- everyone but lance. His performance was so bland and flat. I know acting on Broadway is a completely different than his Nysnc days; however you would have thought he would have been a better performer and had more stage presence.

Was Diana good?

I agree with SNL, Ms. Applegate was a very nice surprise. After all of the talk surrounding the show, she was wonderful. I was also pleased with Sean Combs' performance in "A Raisin in the Sun". No, he is not a great stage actor, but I give him credit for taking the chance and doing a pretty good job. But I think my favorite surprise was Sanaa Lathan. I have enjoyed her in movies and was quite impressed with her performance in "A Raisin in the Sun".

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Brooke Shields in Wonderful Town

When it was announced, everyone here was waiting for her to fail. BUT she wound up getting rave reviews, and the minds all of the naysayers were changed.

Lea Thompson in "Cabaret"
Reba McIntire AND Susan Lucci in "Annie Get Your Gun"
Joan Jett in "Rocky Horror Show"

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People were pretty surprised with Fantasia.

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I agree with everyone who mentioned Christina. When we saw her she was totally "on" and the entire audience was loving her (immediate standing ovation at her curtain call). I didn't think her dancing and singing was that bad. Also, she really inhabited the role of Charity. Best of all, her comedic timing was perfect. This show was one of the highlights of our New York trip that year.

- Lou Diamond Philips - surprisingly impressed with his portrayal of the King from the Broadway revival of the King and I.

- Steven Weber - so underwhelmed and disappointed in The Producers.

- Bebe Neuwirth - excellent performance in Chicago.

- Julie Andrews - a legend!

- Neil Patrick Harris - first time to see him on stage in Cabaret and was very impressed with his vocals and acting chops.

- Betty Buckley - first time to see her on stage as Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd. Very powerful vocals.

- Kristin Chenoweth - first time to see her on stage in Wicked. Amazing, amazing portrayal of Glinda. She should have received the Tony.

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Updated On: 1/16/08 at 12:07 AM