Most Demanding Role

[theawakefallen]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 11:58am

What is everyone's opinion about the most demanding role in musical theatre? My thoughts include Diana Goodman, Elle Woods, and Man in Chair. What are yours?

 

[CindersGolightly]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:00pm

Eva Perón would be pretty high on that list.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:02pm

Elle Woods? Is that a joke?

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:02pm

J/H

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:05pm

Elphaba. Mama Rose. The Leading Player. Hedwig. The D'ysquith Family. Celie. Valjean. Eva Perón.

Updated On: 7/29/16 at 12:05 PM

[theawakefallen]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:05pm

Absolutely it's not a joke. She is on stage for most of the show and sings 90% of the entire score. She also has to dance a bunch and belt quite a bit.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:07pm

I think Dewy in School of Rock. You have to have a lot of energy and be able to sing the rock score. 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:08pm

Also, sorry, but:

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=440675

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=909711

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1086002

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1020602

[harrisbenjaminco]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:08pm

Kim in miss Saigon. I just re listened to the cast recording and GOD the emotional barrage that show is! 

[CindersGolightly]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:09pm

I certainly think Elle Woods is incredibly demanding.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:13pm

Hugh Jackman Boy From Oz

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:28pm

Maybe not the #1 most difficult, but somewhere in the top 10 would be Big/Little Edie in Grey Gardens. Not only vocally but she must play 2 very different characters.

Updated On: 7/29/16 at 12:28 PM

[Sunny11]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:34pm

JM Barrie in Finding Neverland. They are on stage for pretty much the whole show, have several big song and dance numbers including one involving getting beat up by pirates.

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:41pm

Nellie Lovett and Sweeney Todd 

The Witch- into the woods 

Eva Peron 

Zaza/Albin- La Cage Aux Folles 

Eliza Dolittle and Henry Higgins

Seymour Krelborn

The entire cast of Spelling Bee

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:41pm

Elphaba could take down JM Barrie.

[steven22]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:43pm

Diana in NEXT TO NORMAL. 

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:51pm

So many.

I agree with the characters, Eva (EVITA), Diana (NTN), Kim (Saigon).

I'd add Christine and Phantom (Phantom), Lily Garland (OTTC).

[Diva_Dom]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:51pm

Effie White-Dreamgirls, Fanny Brince-Funny Girl, Lily Garland-On the twentieth century, Reno Sweeney-Anything Goes 

[@z5]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 12:55pm

Eddie in A View From the Bridge...at least from last year's revival...Mark Strong seemed to put A LOT into it.

Also.. Michelle Williams and Jeff Daniels in Blackbird...probably two of the most intense acting and roles I've seen.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 1:37pm

I know some of you will think I am a jerk, but you can guess the number of shows seen by people who pick Elle Woods, Man in Chair, Phantom, JM Barrie!  

How about...Blanche DuBois, Joe (Jack?) Jefferson in The Great White Hope, King Lear and at least another 5 -10 Shakespearean roles; Cyrano de Bergerac; James and Mary Tyrone; Nina in Strange Interlude, Willy Loman; Troy in Fences; George and Martha; Alexandra Del Lago, more recently, the lead role in Curious Incident (forgot the character's name), lead roles in Proof, Wit, I am My Own Wife, Frost / Nixon, and etc.

If you are talking musicals, agree probably re Diana. Also, how about...Eve / Princess Barberra / Chimney Sweeper / Passionella in The Apple Tree; Evita; Mama Rose; Cyrano in Cyrano; Max Bialystock; Don Quixote; Ella in Bells are Ringing; lead role in Me and My Girl, Boy From Oz (if you're gonna do it right), Liza Doolittle, Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett, Hedwig (which I didn't even like), Charity Hope Valentine, Mame (if the performer is a certain age and is doing the appropriate dancing), Jean Valjean, Agree on Diana, George Seurat and Marie, probably Barnum, all off the top of my head.

Updated On: 8/4/16 at 01:37 PM

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 3:47pm

With all due respect, age range will dictate personal experiences.

And every era in theater has its demanding roles.  

You share yours, we'll share ours.  No 'breaks' are really necessary to be 'given.'

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 4:27pm

I think the definition of "demanding" can also vary. Elphaba, for example, is an incredibly demanding part vocally, but the actor playing her gets a decent amount of time offstage, whereas a role like say, Monty in Gentleman's Guide, is less vocally taxing but leaves the stage for all of about three minutes during the whole show. 

I'm not sure if there's a role that is equally demanding in terms of vocals, acting, and dance. The closest I can think of is Hedwig, which isn't necessarily a dance role, but can require difficult movement in heels while also being a highly emotional one-person show and rock concert, to boot. I think Eva Peron and Charity are probably the toughest female roles- Eva is a beast to sing, Charity requires a large amount of dance, and both require excellent acting and essentially carry the show. 

Updated On: 7/29/16 at 04:27 PM

[Sunny11]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 4:45pm

The time period that a show was on doesn't change how demanding it is. Give me a break. 

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 4:47pm

CindersGolightly said: "I certainly think Elle Woods is incredibly demanding."

 

No. No, it's not. Definitely not. The character barely dances and is all fluff, requiring very little in the acting department. Try again... 

[HenryTDobson]

Posted: 7/29/16 at 5:09pm

^Clearly this OPINION you have is fact.