One person

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 5:11pm

In your opinion, who is/was the most talented person, male or female, to have ever appeared on Broadway? Without a doubt, my answer is Liza.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 5:17pm

George M. Cohen.

[pab]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 5:21pm

Jason Robards

[Matt_G]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 5:22pm

[edenespinosalover]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 5:33pm

Angela or Bernadette

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 5:36pm

I can't answer this conclusively, because I'm not old enough to have seen a lot of the greatest performers (by reputation) live on a stage.

Even of the many performers I've seen in my lifetime, I can't quite pick a "most talented" out of the roster.

I can, however, share with you the theatrical performances that have moved me the most.

Donna Murphy in PASSION. She made me weep openly, night after night. I couldn't stop attending that show, I saw it over a dozen times. She never failed to make me cry, walking down that endless staircase singing "I Read."

Betty Buckley. First in DROOD, where her singing gave me literal goosebumps all over. Then, in CARRIE, and GYPSY. Later, in concert. She has the most startling voice, when she sings it's like she's slapping you across the face. But in a good way.

Alison Fraser in ROMANCE, ROMANCE. When she sang "Now" in the second act, I sat so far on the edge of my chair I'm surprised I didn't fall over into the orchestra.

Pattie Darcy (now Pattie Darcy Jones) in LEADER OF THE PACK and BEEHIVE. Her voice always electrified me, her version of "Look of Love" slayed me. I can still hear it in my head today.

Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner in SIDESHOW. The entire, devestating peformance.

Donna Lynn Champlin, during the final performance of FIRST LADY SUITE. She broke my heart.

Idina Menzel, during "Defying Gravity." I got almost high watching that WICKED sequence, and my companion spent intermission putting my jaw back into my face.
Updated On: 11/14/04 at 05:36 PM

[MyNameInLights]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 5:39pm

Raúl Esparza, and I'm not just saying that because I always do. This man is so versatile and heartbreaking, no matter what he does. He can do ANYTHING, and I truly believe and hope he'll be around for a long time.

[broadwaybound3]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 5:48pm

Nathan Lane or Joel Gray- they have done so much for theater and are both really talented.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 5:53pm

Bernadette Peters

[Unknown User]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 5:58pm

Bernadette Peters! She has such stage presence...it's incredible!

~Rosalynn

[Speed]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 6:35pm

George M. Cohan couldn't really sing all that well, could he?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 6:51pm

Sammy Davis, Jr.

[CurtainUp]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 7:02pm

Man: Nathan Lane
Woman: Angela Lansbury

[Glebb]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 7:06pm

Sian Phillips.

[kjklo]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 10:22pm

If only one, my vote goes to Bernadette Peters.

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 11/14/04 at 10:26pm

Nathan Lane!:)

[ken8631]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 8:47am

Hugh Jackman has to get my vote
or Terrence Mann (since he's been in soooo much more as leading man)

[HeartinNYC]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 9:21am

Undoubtedly - Nathan Lane.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 10:04am

If we're talking musicals...

Female - Helen Gallagher. The woman could do ANYTHING and do it well.

Male - Alfred Drake. His voice and acting were just superior.

If we're talking plays...

Female - Helen Hayes.

Male - Jason Robards, Jr.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 12:21pm

Out of the people I've seen:
Sutton Foster

[Mimi Imfurst]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 12:27pm

Hugh Jackman (even though boy from oz was a crap show)

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 12:53pm

I don't want to be forced to choose just one. But if we're talking the current crop of Broadway performers - I'd have to say the Carolee Carmello gets my vote for most talented female - mostly becase she can play anything...lovely voice, look, and great acting chops. I've seen her take the worst scripts available (Scarlett Pimpernell) and make them work because of her character development. She gets my vote.

[seymour krelborn]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 2:25pm

I can't name one here' my two: Betty Buckly and Jerry Orbach

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 2:31pm

I absolutely WILL NOT answer this question. It's impossible for me to answer.

[BWayBoy88]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 3:31pm

I also am too young to have seen some of the true legends, but from what I have seen I would say Sutton Foster is one of the most talented actress and Raul is hands down the most talented actor Ive ever seen on Broadway.