LEGENDS- Page 2

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/2/06 at 11:20am

Since the original post was about the performance/role that ELEVATED them to legend, that's why I made my comments.

You can't say (for example) that Judy Holliday was elevated to legendary status for "Bells Are Ringing" when she had already played Billie Dawn in Born Yesterday 10 years earlier.

Just sayin'.

Updated On: 1/2/06 at 11:20 AM

[Patronus]

Posted: 1/2/06 at 11:21am

The original poster decided to come back and clairify the intent as:

"more specifically what im thinking of is think of a role and the one actor who made it their own so totally that everyone after playing that part will be compared to in terms of that actor."

So, what it makes for is a confusing set of guidelines.

Fun game on a rainy day though.

I can't believe I forgot Jerry Orbach in The Fantasticks on my original list though. That is one of my favorites.

[Enjolras77]

Posted: 1/2/06 at 11:21am

Best12bars: I do agree with you on Judy Holliday and most definitely Jerry Orbach in The Fantasticks :)

Updated On: 1/2/06 at 11:21 AM

[best12bars]

Posted: 1/2/06 at 11:24am

Yes, a fun game!

I think most people switched over to "career-defining" roles, rather than what first elevated these stars to "legend" status.

Fine with me... just wanted to point it out. I love looking at the path of careers, etc. So I'd hate to think some people out there believe Carol Channing "rose from the sea" ala Venus fully clothed and ready to stop the Parade from Passing Her By.

Updated On: 1/2/06 at 11:24 AM

[grizzabella]

Posted: 1/2/06 at 11:26am

Angela Lansbury - Mame; Sweeney Todd
Julie Andrews - My Fair Lady
Zero Mostel - A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum
Jerry Orbach - The Fantasticks
Robert Preston - The Music Man
Richard Kiley - Man of La Mancha
Thanks, Best12bars, for the history. I can always count on you for excellent and thorough information.

[Enjolras77]

Posted: 1/2/06 at 11:40am

The game is fun. It is nice to talk about historically significant performers rather than always the Wicked and Rent stars.

I guess the way I was looking at it was thinking of which role vaulted them from just a Broadway star into the level of legendary Broadway star. I feel that to be legendary is to be identified with a role or be remembered for that role for years to come, and maybe even more than one role (unless you are Rex Harrison). I also think that the person needs to stand the test of time to see if they are in fact remembered.

For instance, I would probably put Audra McDonald as a current frontrunner for legendary status because of her 4 Tony wins. Even though she became a household name after winning for Carousel, I probably wouldn't have considered her close to legendary until after her third win for Ragtime. Also, even though Barbra and Carol Channing both received acclaim for earlier roles, epecially Barbra for Wholesale, I don't think they would have been considered legendary figures if it weren't for Funny Girl and Hello Dolly! I think it is these roles that launched them to that status.

I do agree that a lot of posters are not thinking back enough when making their choices. When I mentioned John Cullum, I put down Shenandoah...but knew he had done other shows prior and had a hard time deciding which one made him "legendary". With Mary Martin, a lot of people would probably think The Sound of Music...but I decided to go with South Pacific since it was earlier and gained her acclaim. Oh well..to each his own...differing opinions are what make message boards like this so great! It gives you something to discuss!! :)

Updated On: 1/2/06 at 11:40 AM

[children&art]

Posted: 1/2/06 at 2:20pm

but okay, Linda Eder is definitely NOT a Broadway legend - however, when you think of Maria in "Sound of Music" I dont immediately think of Mary Martin as defining that role - it goes to Julie Andrews for the movie.

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 1/2/06 at 3:26pm

Although she wasn't on Broadway with this show, Ellen Greene will always be associated with Little Shop of Horrors. I think it was clear when they brought it to Broadway and people couldn't get over how Kerry Butler couldn't compare with Ellen's interpretation.

[ljay889]

Posted: 1/2/06 at 3:41pm

I think it's hard to pick one role for Gwen Verdon. I think these are her "legendary roles."

Claudine in CAN-CAN. Before this Gwen was just an ensemble girl. This role was her first time to shine in a Broadway show. And anyone can tell you that she stole the show. She also won her first Tony here.

Lola in DAMN YANKEES. This was her first leading role. Also she helped create the legendary number "Whatever Lola Wants." She won the Tony for best leading actress.

Charity in SWEET CHARITY. Need I say anymore? She was the whole show. She barely left the stage. She performed one of the most famous Broadway songs "If My Friends.." She is known for that number.

Roxie in CHICAGO. This was her farewell to Broadway. Fosse created this show just for and only for Gwen.

Those are her 4 legendary roles. It's too hard to just pick one for Gwen.
Updated On: 1/2/06 at 03:41 PM