Broadway Legends of this Generation???? (future broadway legends) — Page 4

Given the people mentioned, the term "legend" has gone the way of the standing ovation.

Yeah, and given the shift in the relevance of Broadway, there isn't a single performer alive who could even conceivably fit your definition of legend. Notoriety and remembrance are relative to the shifts in culture, so many of the people mentioned are more than qualified.

Even on the basis of his one-shot stateside tour-de-force turn in THE BOY FROM OZ, how could anyone who saw that legendary performance think of Hugh Jackman as less than one of the all-time greats? He's the only legendary performer I can think of. Despite harsh reviews of the show, his sheer charisma and talent put butts in those seats for a year, with no missed performances. Now THAT's what "becomes a legend most," as the fur ad used to say.

I agree, Hugh Jackman! His performance in The Boy From Oz was the best I've ever seen. It was legendary!!

I really do not understand the Idina haters on this board. I mean really, she is KNOWN as Elphaba(and stephanie is great but come on-- she was not chosen to seal the deal on broadway during the time that counts, as lovely as she is.)

Idina originated Maureen in Rent and Ephaba (on broadway and in the west end)-- for MY generation at least she is probably going to be remembered as a broadway legend for these two roles. Sorry, kids.

And how do most people remember Angela Lansbury Iand Betty Buckley- oh as Jesica Fletcher and Abby on Eight is Enough. I mean when BB was at Feinsteins, my mom asked--ohh. want to go see that lady from that show with Dick Van Patten and all those kids.aww especially that cute kid Nicholas. I mean come on.. most people WOULD consider Even Dick Van Patten to be more of a legend.

Stop the hating. Idina, Kristin, Audra- legends. Woot.

I'm sure there is a thread similar to this that has been done since 2008, but this is the best I could find.


Time Out's Future Legends of New York Theater

Jessie Mueller x 1000.

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Okay, just a bit of perspective, if I may...

I collect scores and scripts to old Broadway musicals, dating back to the 1890s. My favourite example for this particular topic is a 1903 show called THE PINK LADY, by Ivan Caryll.

You cant imagine what a hit this was in its day. Seriously. Every major performer wanted to be in it. Its costumes inspired fashion designs. The score was played at every social gathering, and the Kiss Waltz was something every debutante had ot know how to sing. It ran for a year and a half (which in those days was a big run). had three North American tours and two European ones. Every performer involved with it was a huge star, and Hazel Dawn, who created the title role, was celebrated for two generations in her performance of it.

Does anyone remember Hazel Dawn?

Does anyone even remember Ivan Caryll? He wrote over 40 shows, all of them huge successes, all with gorgeous salon-style music. He was indeed the Sondheim of his day, because he integrated his scores into the librettos, long before SHOW BOAT thought it was such a cool idea. But now, I doubt any of you know much, if anything, of his work.

People become legends not because of how many appearances they've made or how many awards they've won. They become legends because their reputations have longevity beyond even our lifetimes. People may talk about Audra and Kristin and Nathan and the others for now, but another performer will come along, and then everyone will talk about him or her as though she were the next Ethel Merman, and all these people we so adore will be put on the shelf as a curious footnote and little more.

Just sayin', folks.

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Female: Audra, Kelli, Laura Benanti

Male: Raul, Cerveris, Mitchell

I wish (but not enough chance to shine - yet): Terence Mann, Annaleigh Ashford, Brian D'Arcy James

In the future some names that come to mind....Sara Ramirez, Sutton Foster, Lea Michele, Megan Hilty, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Ariana Grande (if she really gets back into the Broadway world), Brian D'Arcy James, Daniel Breaker, Raul Esparza, Leslie Odom Jr., Nancy Opel, Shoshona Bean, Eden Espinosa, and more. There are so many talented performers out there who just need the right roles and exposure.

Also Nina Arianda and Gavin Creel, in my opinion

Interesting that, looking through some of the earlier pages, Hunter Foster's name came up alongside his sister's...

Patti LuPone is undisputedly a Broadway legend!! To me she's one of the few exceptions to the rule about having to be known outside of the theatre. But I get what your saying, I wouldn't necessarily call Daniel a Broadway legend, but it's a nice strategy. To me Sutton and Lea are the biggest right now. I could see them both getting revivals of Gypsy when they're the old enough.

Updated On: 3/27/13 at 01:52 PM

I think Laura Osnes has great potential.

Stars with the talent but who aren't famous enough: Leigh Ann Larkin, Laura Osnes, Stephanie J. Block (as much as I love her)

People who will always be considered the greats: Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel (undeservedly, imo), Audra McDonald,
The only person I think who will be considered a legend in the style of Bernadette or Patti is Sutton Foster. I think Sutton also gets attention because she's one of the absolute best dancers Broadway has seen in a while.

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