Legends in the making?- Page 2

[Pinaud]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 1:13pm

I think its hard to reach that status these days, because a lot of the legends of yesteryear came to be legends in introducing new characters and new songs into the musical theatre repertoire, by way of new shows. The stars of today don't have the luxury of having new a multitude of new shows with which to make their mark, and earn the legendary status. Even revivals don't offer the same opporunities, because you're compared to a predecessor. All in all, I don't think ANYONE has come close to reaching approaching that glory.

With that said, the following four ladies could, in my opinion make it to legendary status:

Sutton: After paying dues for a couple of years, she headed up two original musicals that earned her accolades. If she continues to choose good work, she will definitely leave her mark.

Kristin Chenoweth & Audra McDonald: After breaking out and making a splash in a supporting characters, both have gotten great support from the community. Both are breaking into Hollywood, and if they make a triumphant return back to the stage after their time in Hollywood(they will reach legendary status). Hey, it worked for Bernadette.

Kelli O'Hara- Up until now, her big work has been in original musicals, where she was always been a bright light. She's now showing a new side to her talents, and she is at a crossroads, her next couple of decisions can make or break her "legendary" status.

[TabooPhan1]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 1:32pm

I would definitely argue that Nathan Lane is well on his way to being considered a Broadway legend. Of course he still has a ways to go, it seems almost ridiculous that he would not be considered a crucial element in theatrical history. Whether you like him or not, you gotta admit there's something going on there that's beyond ordinary.

As for other possibilities? With time, I bet Raul Esparza and Euan Morton are good candidates if offered the right parts. And I would definitely say Harvey one day (again, whether you like him or not...) Speaking of Harvey, doesn't he have 4 tonys? 2 for Torch Song, 1 for La Cage, and 1 for Hairspray...

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 1:47pm

i think he does...

and pinaud, i love your icon! :)

[NYC4Life]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 3:56pm

Bernadette Peters, Patti Lupone, Brian Stokes, Kristin Chenoweth, Audra McDonald, Nathan Lane.

I dont think Peters and Lupone are legends yet. They are way too young. When I think of legends, I think Carol Channing, Elaine Stritch, Pearl Baily, Lauren Bacall.

[TheaterAddict7652]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 4:05pm

People like Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone, Nathan Lane aren't "legends" yet, but they are definatly more than your average broadway actor. They definatly will become legends, but not yet. Right now I put them in the category of "would be as famous as Ethel Merman, Carol Channing or Gwen Verdon if Broadway was more mainstream today". These are the actors that people who have never seen a Broadway show in their lives know a little bit about.

[TheaterAddict7652]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 4:10pm

As for my list:
Audra McDonald
Kristen Chenoweth
Michael Cerveris
Raul Esparaza
Idina Menzel
Norbert Leo Butz
Sherie Rene Scott
Adam Pascal
Victoria Clark

[Cheno'sBiggestfan]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 4:34pm

kristin chenoweth for sure, so she may have found a bigger paycheck with movies and t.v. doesn't mean she has forgot where she belongs! becuase she needs to come back to broadway....i dont really have a reason...just i want to see her really bad!

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 4:45pm

I would consider LuPone and Peters already legends.
Audra McDonald is already on her way - 4 Tony Awards for 6 productions.

As for whoever said that the Lunt-Fontanne may be turned into the Lane-Broderick Theatre - That made me laugh. Hopefully you were joking , because if you weren't, thats one of the sillier things I've heard on this board. If they ever were going to rename the theatre, it should be for actors of legendary stature - I would suggest the Tandy-Cronyn Theatre for Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn - they truly were a legendary couple of the theatre.


Updated On: 2/16/06 at 04:45 PM

[alterego]

Posted: 2/16/06 at 6:13pm

Why is Kristen Chenoweth mentioned so often here? She has hardly done that much that would warrant the term "legend".

[kjklo]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 12:04am

Kristin Chenoweth is mentioned so often here because she is extremely popular with younger people, and they make up the bulk of the posters on this board. It's very simple, actually.

[kover22]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 12:11am

Michael Ball !!!!

[alterego]

Posted: 2/17/06 at 7:57am

Michael Ball ?

[musicmaniac77]

Posted: 2/26/06 at 10:37pm

Idina Menzel, Sutton Foster, Kristen Chenoweth (her voice is insane,) Norbert Leo Butz, Nathan Lane...I'm sure there are more.

[Broadway_Bound_Star]

Posted: 2/26/06 at 10:55pm

Dont get me wrong, I love Idina, but I think its too soon to say that she will be a legend. She hasnt really had and breath-taking roles that would put her in that place.

[TheaterAddict7652]

Posted: 2/26/06 at 11:19pm

Then, theres also that group of actors that will always be remembered for that one definitive role- no matter how many Broadway credits they have to their name. For example, I think that Jennifer Holliday is a perfect example. She's done other shows, but whenever someone metions "Dreamgirls", she is the first thing that comes to many people's minds. She will always be Effie White.

Do you have any other suggestions?

[Composer9]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 2:09am

I would consider Donna Murphy as Fosca to be the definitive role of her career. No one can touch her...not even the brilliant Patti LuPone, IMO.

[Composer9]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 2:12am

Sorry I suppose that was a bit of a threadjack.

To get back on topic, I agree with PINAUD who said Kelli O'Hara's legend status will have much to do with her next decisions. I sincerely hope she continues to originate roles in the theatre because she has always been a bright, if not the brightest, light in every production I've seen her in. I think she could find her legend status if she continues down that path.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 5:53am

Sutton Foster

And I'm not only saying that because I'm a big fan of her.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 6:01am

Ashley Brown

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 2/27/06 at 6:54am

Sherie Rene Scott!!

Also Joanna Gleason could be a legend, but I dont see her getting that other huge iconic performance that she would need to cement her legacy as a legend.