Top Performances

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 4:11am

This thread isn't about your favorite shows, songs, or actors, but I'm looking for a specific actor/actress in a specific role and show that you found incredibly amazing, moving, inspiring, and even life changing. Not just their name and role, but a short justification for it. I'm talking really, seriously, brilliant. I know there will be about a dozen Idina Menzel in Wicked's, but really really think about it. Post as many as you want, I'll start.

In no particular order:

Bernadette Peters in GYPSY - I found her performance in this show completely amazing and groundbreaking, as far as her career is concerned. I've seen many, many productions of this show and didn't expect much different from what I had seen before, but her performance as Rose will remain in my mind forever as one of the most touching portraits ever on stage, and the inspiration it provided me is almost rediculous.

Tonya Pinkins in CAROLINE, OR CHANGE - From the very beginning of the show, I was mesmorized by her. The depression, sadness, confusion, and incredible life of this character was crystal clear from the moment she delivered her first line. In fact, I found it SO clear and touching that I would have awarded her the Tony for it hands down over the rest of the nominees. I still get chills when I hear her sing "Lot's Wife."

Mary Stuart Masterson in NINE - Her decisions were so precise, and her intentions so honest that I found her the real star of the show. For me, she clearly stood out in the star studded cast and each and every time I watched her I was pulled into her world and felt for her more than any other character, and it is for that reason I was so moved by the show as a whole. This woman deserves more work, as well as the Tony she should have gotten last year.

More to come later, I want to hear yours.

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 4:24am

Goddammit...that magnetic force drags my ass back to this site and then there's ANOTHER Top whatever that I feel the urge to engage in.

Okay, really quickly, the two that come to mind are:

Heather Headley in AIDA - She WAS Aida to me. The conviction and powerful she brought to the role, especially in her singing, embodied the character. Everything, the way she carried herself, the way she moved, even without choreography, was exactly how Aida should be. And girl can SING. Her Gods Love Nubia give me shivers, even when I'm just listening to the CR.

Hugh Jackman in BOY FROM OZ - Fantastic cast all around, then you get a dude with 3 shows and Wolverine under his belt and you get Peter Allen?! Oh, but yes. Consistently top-notch, high energy, singing 18 songs, having to dance, sing, act, run around and engage the audience...and he did it all. I followed the BFO message board pretty closely and even his "off" nights and nights where he was performing with a bum leg were apparently still incredible. (Granted, it's a pretty bias source.) I didn't see the "real" Peter Allen, or the guy who played him in Australia, so I have no one to compare Hugh to, but he was amazing.

[jo]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 7:31am

It's quite rare to find someone like Hugh Jackman who has demonstrated such a wide range of talent and yet can rest purely on his good looks and physical charisma to be a topnotch entertainment figure.

How many actors are successful on films of different genres ( action movies, romantic comedies, gritty dramas like Erskineville Kings) and also be completely blessed with a triple threat talent onstage? To see him portray such different personalities and emotions speaks of his ability to lose himself completely in the character he plays. A mutant with angst, a duke with an elegant manner, a computer hacker with a chip on his shoulder, a monster hunter, a cynical writer from Hollywood, a singing braggart, a cowpoke who lights up the stage, a flamboyant entertainer - there are many other roles that await him in the future.

He is blessed with a lot of talent - I hope he will soon get back to the stage in a non-musical work. I am waiting to be surprised again by what he can deliver onstage. I am also expecting that the right script will soon earn him artistic recognition in the movies, in the same way he has been recognized by the theatre commnunity for his extraordinary performance in THE BOY FROM OZ.



Updated On: 11/22/04 at 07:31 AM

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:04am

Yeah, what she ^^ said. (Exactly my thoughts...just mine weren't as expressed so eloquently.) I really do adore that man.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:30am

I'll get back to you with this one. I'm seriously going to have to think about it for a while...

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:43am

To cut down on repeats of what's already been said, I'll just add to the list, since I agree with a good portion of those. Assuming we're including straight plays...

Raul Esparza, The Normal Heart. Every single action was pure perfection, and he poured every OUNCE of himself into that role. The way he was able to make the switch from Ned's vulnerable, lovable side to the fiery, angry fighter that he also is was breathtaking. He brilliantly captured the reality of Ned's emotions. He wasn't playing a part - rather, he WAS that part. It's cliche, but his portrayal of Ned Weeks changed my life; I won't ever forget those three hours.

Updated On: 11/22/04 at 11:43 AM

[coalhouse]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:59am

Joanna Gleeson - Into the woods. I remember watching the DVD thinking 'she is not acting'.

Updated On: 11/22/04 at 11:59 AM

[Plum]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:04pm

Oh...if we're talking performances we haven't necessarily seen live, than Bernadette Peters in Sunday in the Park With George is my absolute top performance. Even before I saw the DVD, I was completely enamored with that performance. Her rendition of "We Do Not Belong Together" was the first time a song in a cast recording made me cry the first time I heard it. Sunday in the Park With George is my favorite musical in spite of its flaws, and I think Peters' Dot is the major reason for that. It might also be the reason people often find Act II is weaker, at least until "Move On." Not enough Dot. :)

[brytelytes33]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:06pm

I would have to agree with Munku....

Bernadette Peters as Madame Rose was absolutely flawless.......

There are probably so many more that I can't even think of right now. I'll have to ome back to this...

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:10pm

Thank you for including MSM in Nine on your list...she was truly the best thing in that revival and a real revelation. I wish she got all the attention instead of Jane K., but Louisa is such a difficult part.

Most inspiring performances...Angela Lansbury in Sweeney Todd tour with George Hearn.

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 12:25pm

Laugh all you want, but the most life-changing performance I've ever seen was Idina Menzel in Wicked. I can't really explain it. It just changed how I see things. Idina/Elphaba is a huge inspiration to me.

Kristin Chenoweth in Wicked was almost as powerful for me. She has such amazing talent and presence. She WAS Glinda/Galinda.

Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in The Producers. Pure genius.

I saved the best for last: Bernadette Peters in Gypsy. Flawless. Perfect. The best acting I've ever seen.

[BWayBoy88]

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

I agree with Tonya Pinkins in Caroline. She gave a truely brilliant performance that was Tony worthy. I would have to add Sutton Foster as Millie to this list. She provided a knockout powerhouse performance. Her Tony was probably the most deserving out of the past few years.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:27pm

I have to add:

Jefferson Mays, I AM MY OWN WIFE - Nothing needs to be said about this performance. It was pure perfection.

I will also second Bernadette in SUNDAY IN THE PARK... and Joanna Gleason in INTO THE WOODS.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:41pm

I'm ready now...

1. Chuck Wagner in Jekyll and Hyde. This musical was so wonderful to me on so many levels. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this guy because his voice with the words, just really touched me on a different level. This show is my baby, and I relate to it in so many ways.

2. Sutton Foster in Millie. I adore her. I think her performance in Millie was so full of heart and energy. I watched her, knowing that she was going to go places, and immediately fell in love with her as an actor. I identified with the character, and I understood every second of that show. I've seen this show almost as many times as I saw Cabaret, and I miss it dearly.

3. Susan Egan in Cabaret. It was so refreshing to see this show for the very last time with someone who knew exactly what she was doing. She was brilliant, and I loved every second of her performance. As rediculous as it may sound, I was so proud of her performance. Whenever I think of Sally Bowles, she comes to mind.

4. Joel Grey in Wicked. It wasn't that it was such an amazing performance, but it was the idea of getting to see THE legendary Joel Grey on stage. I mean, he IS the Emcee. He's a living legend in my mind, and when he walked out on that stage, I could hardly contain myself. I went nuts, and was so overwhelmed with excitement.

and lastly-

5. Raúl Esparza in The Normal Heart. I would have to say this performance made me aware of so many things I had been sheltered from, growing up. As for the performance aspect, I have never seen better acting. I can't say why it changed my life. I don't know why it did. I was just moved in a way I never have been before.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:47pm

Anthony Warlow.....That is all!

Updated On: 11/22/04 at 11:47 PM

[apdarcey]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:48pm

i'm going to add toni collette in the wild party as queenie... the lachiusa one...

also, brian stokes mitchell as coalhouse... there are no words for it...

[grownupgroupie]

Posted: 11/22/04 at 11:48pm

I second Jefferson Mays. I was awed.

[edenespinosalover]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 12:05am

Angela Lansbury in "Sweeney Todd". She's such a physical actor and all her gesture was always clear and understood in that show. And her comedic time. . . she was SO funny. I love Angela.

[DickonDefysGravity]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 2:13am

Berna-freaking-Dette Peters in Into the Woods
Idina Menzel- Wicked
Sutton Foster- TMM
Kristin Chenoweth- Wicked
Mandy Patinkin- Secret Garden
Chuck Wagner- Jekyll&Hyde

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 2:18am

*kisses Dickon for including Chuck!*

[luvWICKED416]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 2:21am

Lisa Brescia as Amneris... i know you guys are sick of hearing it, but she was honestly perfect in that role.

And i had to post it cause i'm still on a "Lisa high" from Promise of Hope!

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 9:57am

Here's my list

George Hearn and Angela Lansbury, "Sweeney Todd"
Brian Stokes Mitchell and Marin Mazzie, "Kiss Me Kate"
Alan Cumming, "Cabaret"
Robert Cuccioli, "Jekyll and Hyde" (the first time I saw him, early in the run, the second time, a year later, he was totally phoning it in)
Laura Benanti, "Into the Woods" (I can't believe she was only like, 20)
Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello, "Parade"

And many more...

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 10:00am

Oh, and of course Nathan Lane in "The Producers." I wasn't a fan of Matthew Broderick's performance though (ducks for cover...)

[honeyhoney]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 10:07am

I have to say these,after decades of Broadway going.
1. Robet Morse...Tru
2. Bebe Newurith...Chicago
3 Faith Prince..Guys and Dolls
4. Matin Short...The Goodbye Girl

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 11/23/04 at 11:30am

I forgot Carole Shelley in Wicked. Talk about presence!