Hardest Role In Musical Theater — Page 3

Updated On: 2/6/07 at 04:32 PM

Evan Hansen is probably the hardest male role ever written. This becomes quite apparent when you see what the role has done to Platt. He's on a strict diet, constant vocal rest, and sees a physical therapist in order to keep him from permanently picking up Evan's ticks. Say what you want about the show, but the role is almost physically impossible to play. Some Honorable Mentions: Hedwig, Billy Bigelow, Sweeney Todd, Tevye, George (SITPWG), Che, Bruce Bechdel, and honestly, all of the men in Falsettos. That show is HARD and EXHAUSTING.

Evita is probably the hardest female role. The role is a vocal shredder. I don't think I need to elaborate. It's crazy. Some Honorable Mentions: Trina, Big Edie/Little Edie, Caroline Thibodaux, Nellie Lovett, Dolly Levi, and I'm sure many others that are completely escaping my mind.

^It's a lot of singing, acting, physical comedy, and a bit of dancing that is usually done by a woman over the age of 55, so I would say that Dolly is a pretty difficult part. It would seem like a breeze to a 45 year old woman, but someone like Midler, who is 71, finds the role quite difficult.

Whatever roles an actor is miscast in.



No, Dolly is not a difficult role -- at all. It has a lot of stage time, but it's not difficult really. I would think almost any 70 year old would find a lead in a musical taxing - but tiring is not the same as difficult.

I also agree with GeorgeAndDot about the difficulty of the role of Evan Hansen and was shocked that it had not been mentioned until then. Putting aside the acting chops necessary to play the part, the vocal requirements are frigging insane.

Mama Rose would probably get my vote on the female side.

Updated On: 9/10/17 at 05:55 PM

I imagine Jason from Falsettos is pretty tough, considering it has to be a 12 year old performing the role

The Man in Chair from Drowsy Chaperone comes to mind instantly. You are onstage the entire show (bar a very short 3 minute break); narrarating the entire production while coming off as likeable and funny.

Dolly Levi is very challenging, actually. Dolly has to be warm and funny, and not come across as too campy or annoying. Vocal-wise it's a piece of cake, but Dolly is in nearly every scene and has to have a big stage presence. Plus she has to save her energy for her big flashy number in Act 2- which is long and is quite dance-heavy, and an encore usually follows.

Reno Sweeney is a stamina breaker, no doubt. This role has some of the most extreme dancing in musical theater, and you have to be singing for all of them! Plus Reno has to have a very high-energy, outspoken personality. Sutton proved this role is a deal-breaker for so many people, if you aren't able to fully play Reno then you won't be able to at all (I think she was absolutely amazing as her, but for many people she wasn't).

Having seen the touring company last night, and because it's fresh in my memory, I say the two leads (Jerry and Lise) in An American in Paris. They act. They sing. They dance. They sing and dance a bit more. Then they dance their BUTTS off in the beautiful and demanding title number that seems to take up most of the entire second act. Wonderful, difficult, amazing work.

And Dolly. Of course, Dolly. Try doing all that she does when you're in your SEVENTIES (as is Bette and as will soon be Bernadette).

Updated On: 9/10/17 at 08:31 PM

Are some of you not reading the date of this thread? DEH wasn't around in 2007. That's why you're not seeing Evan listed on the first two pages.

Updated On: 9/10/17 at 09:05 PM

Having known people who have played these character and seeing it before, I'd say that any of the leads in Falsettos have GOT to be some of the hardest roles to play. As you are almost constantly on stage and have to sing some of the highest notes known to man. Especially Trina lmao.