Most Versatile Performers

[GClef2]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 4:28pm

While many performers seem to find their niche quite early in their careers, and stick to what they are familiar with, some performers consistently surpise us with their versatility.

Who do you think are the most versatile performers of today?

Some that I feel are very versatile include Audra McDonald, Kellie O'hara and Mary Testa.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 4:29pm

I really agree with Kelli. Also, Celia Keenan-Bolger is versatile- she played Clara and Olive, which are two very different roles.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 4:31pm

Raúl Esparza. Can. Do. Anything.

Updated On: 6/18/06 at 04:31 PM

[larry64]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 4:31pm

JIM DALE. PERIOD!

[rosekwbp]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 4:32pm

Bernadette Peters. The variety of her roles never ceases to amaze me.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 4:40pm

Bernadette Peters, John Lithgow, Kelli O'Hara, Hugh Jackman, Patrick Wilson and Tracey Shane all come to mind.

Updated On: 6/18/06 at 04:40 PM

[sicetergo]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 4:46pm

Judi Dench - Sally Bowles, Lady Macbeth, Desiree Armfeldt, Madame Ranevskaya, Juno(& the Paycock, Judith Bliss and Queen Victoria are quite a stretch :)

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 4:54pm

Victoria Clark, From Sweeney's Beggar Woman, to Southern Beauty Margaret.

[singingshowgirl]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 5:01pm

I really feel Audra McDonald, Bernadette Peters, and Kelli O'Hara (yes, i realize they have all been mentioned!)

but seriously with audra....how often does someone win 2 Tonys for a musical and 2 for a play? usually, someone wins just musicals or just plays

kelli's musical range is amazing. clara and babe are completely different vocally


i think kristin chenoweth has enormous vocal versatility because of all her opera stuff.....but all her parts have been the same comic parts....and while she's great at them, i'd love to see her do something else!!!

[Marguerite Chauvelin]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 5:38pm

I'm sure this thread has been done 500 times, but anyway Terrence Mann is rather versatile (from Javert to Frank-N-Furter). And I love the picture of Raul in Company

[LovinGoodMusicals]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 6:11pm

Patti LuPone-Dur.
Lea Salaonga-Her voice never cease to amaze me!

=]

[bjh2114]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 6:13pm

KELLI O'HARA!!! The end.

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 6:29pm

Kelli O'Hara
Ruthie Henshall
Audra McDonald
Malcolm Gets
Norm Lewis
Hugh Jackman
Victoria Clark

couple others, can't think now.

[lovesclassics]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 6:50pm

I know I've posted this on other similar threads, but Rachel York, Rachel York, Rachel York.

City of Angels
Les Miserables
Victor/Victoria
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Kiss Me, Kate
Sly Fox
Dessa Rose
Ragtime
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

She has NEVER played the same type of character twice. And not to mention Lucille Ball! Dramatic actress, comedienne, triple threat on stage, screen and TV - plus an incredible solo/concert vocalist. What a chameleon.

lc

[SeptemberKel]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 7:07pm

I've always felt that Donna Murphy is one of the most versatile performers - from Fosca to Ruth Sherwood, she can do anything!


And.... Patti LuPone (I also agree with Audra McDonald).

[greeneyed_one]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 7:33pm

Norbert Leo Butz

[mrslovett7]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 8:07pm

Patti LuPone, Victoria Clark and Audra McDonald

[TheaterAddict7652]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 8:11pm

Agree with Norbert Leo Butz and Raúl Esparza. It amazes me how Norbert can go from Jamie in L5Y to Freddy in DRS effortlessly. And Raúl Esparza is the only actor who's performence has effected me from looking at a photograph of him performing.

[broadway_show_fan]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 8:18pm

Agree with Rachel York and Audra for sure.

And definitely Vicki! Any woman who goes from a show with the Kit-Kat girls to Winston-Salem is a-okay to me.

How about Tyne Daly?

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 11:09pm

Loveclassics--of course I totally agree!
On her last day in DRS

I'd also add Will Chase. For both him and Rachel I see them in different parts and honestly can't believe it's the same person. It's a testament to their versatility.

[LittleRed00]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 11:30pm

Agree with many of the people already listed, but I have to add Michael Cerveris. Tommy, Hedwig, AND Sweeney? Come on!

[lovesclassics]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 11:54pm

*lovesclassics scurries to Greg Jbara love thread on OT board to read WRQ's review of Rachel's last performance in DRS*

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 6/18/06 at 11:57pm

*loveclassics should PM WRQ for more details*

[jo]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 3:18am

Equally successful on stage and on screen - Hugh Jackman.

Can host Awards shows as well

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 6/19/06 at 9:22am

definitely agree with both Kelli and Norbert

possibly Mylinda Hull