I always thought a triple threat was someone who was good enough in all three talents that they could be hired just for one.
For example, they are a good enough actor/actress that they could be hired for a straight play (above people who were 'just' actors). A good enough singer that they could perform in a musical review (over other singers). A good enough dancer that they could be hired in an all-dance show (above other dancers). And thus they were a "threat" to actors, singers and dancers.
Of course, they may exhibit all their talents at once, such as Bebe Neuwirth in Chicago. But you might also hire Bebe as just an actress (I first knew of her from Frazier; I didn't even know she could sing or dance), or as a dancer (in Fosse, say), or as a singer in a review (although admittedly, singing is her weakest of the three).
On the other hand, Patti LuPone may be as good as any other singer or actress out there, but you wouldn't hire her just for dancing skills.
And then you also need that star quality (as Evita would say). That would be what makes Bebe a bigger star than Charlotte D'Amboise, who has similar talents (although admittedly, I'm not familiar with her acting). The Chitas and the Bebes get to originate the roles, and then the Charlottes and the Brenda Braxtons come in as the replacements. It may not be fair, but that's show biz.
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Did anyone see the Canadian reality show Triple Sensation that was on a few years ago? Its premise was to find young performers who were triple threats. It wasn't easy. There are plenty of people who are strong at one or two, but few who are top level in all three.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Triple-Sensation/6589583225
Coach Bob knew it all along: you've got to get obsessed and stay obsessed. You have to keep passing the open windows. (John Irving, The Hotel New Hampshire)
Updated On: 8/1/11 at 12:09 PM
