I personally think Santino Fontana is underrated, his performance in both Act One and Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella was stunning!
Any Phantom and Christine duo who isn't Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess.
In all seriousness, Josh Young is a wonderful performer who I think deserves more attention, having seen him in both Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar. I also actually thought Chilina Kennedy was a great Mary Magdalene.
Based on how many cast recordings they are in:
Marc Kudisch
Karen Ziemba
Terrence Mann
Debbie Gravitte
Kerry Butler
Melissa Errico
Christiane Noll
Jason Graae
Leslie Kritzer
Annie Golden
Kim Criswell
Liz Callaway
Terrence Mann
Annie Golden
Judy Kuhn and Michael Cerveris (until they did Fun Home)
Brent Carver
Alexander Gemignani
Alison luff needs a leading role in a new musical!
Understudy Joined: 2/19/15
Noah Racey - he has been terrific in leading roles (NEVER GONNA DANCE on Broadway and WHERE'S CHARLEY at Goodspeed) and in supporting roles (CURTAINS).
I just loved what Rachel Bay Jones did with role of Catherine in PIPPIN. I'd see her in anything she does.
Aaron Tveit has never been given the acknowledgement he deserves.
Maureen Moore is a truly underrated performer though she's been the lead standby in GYPSY, GREY GARDENS, SUNSET BLVD, SONG AND DANCE and CABARET.
And then there's Michael Berresse and Jim Borstelmann.
I was lucky enough to see Maureen Moore in Grey Gardens. She was absolutely stunning.
I love Santino Fontana, as well. I wish I could've seen him in Sons of the Prophet. T
I would say Brian d'Arcy James is underrated in the sense that not a lot of people know of him. I do think most people in the theater community think highly of him.
I'm not sure how multi-Tony nominated (they've all been nominated at least 3 times!) Terrence Mann, Judy Kuhn, Karen Ziemba, Marc Kudisch, or Michael Cerveris could be called "underrated."
Melissa Errico is one of my favorite actresses, but I'd vouch to call her "overrated" - any show she has been expected to carry (High Society, Amour, Dracula, Passion, My Fair Lady) she has either flopped on the wave of big pre-previews buzz or killed her voice frequently missing performances...
I'd say Karen Mason (who gave a great Norma Desmond performance as the stand by for Glenn Close - talk about pressure), Christina DeCicco, Aaron Lazar and Natalie Toro.
Updated On: 4/22/15 at 11:21 PMBroadway Legend Joined: 12/10/04
I'd say James Snyder, based on his amazing performance as Billy Bigelow in Goodspeed's Carousel. It was really a perfect combination of spectacular singing and beautifully nuanced acting. I would like to see him in more leading roles with great material to perform.
"Natalie toro? come on. "
She gave great performances in the 20th anniversary tour of EVITA and also in A Tale of Two Cities. Great cabaret performer as well.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/11/04
Until this past year, Steven Pasquale. (Until FAR FROM HEAVEN, I'd been waiting a decade or so to see him in a fully mounted musical.)
Now, Max von Essen. Saw him years ago in THE BAKER'S WIFE at the Paper Mill and thought he should star in a show.
I think even Tony winners or nominees can be considered underrated! Just think of people like Karen Ziemba, Leslie Uggams, Debra Monk, Judy Kaye, Mary Louise Wilson, etc.
Other great underrated performers are Florence Lacey (come on, her Eva was easily the best!), Hyden Gwynne, Dee Hoty, Nancy Opel, Barbara Walsh, Mary Beth Peil, Terri White, Jayne Houdyshell, Maria Friedman, Maureen Moore, Patti Cohenour...
Updated On: 4/23/15 at 05:14 AM
Jen Dammiano, Gabe Ebert, and Santino Fontanna come to mind for me :)
Oh, I also second Mandy Gonzalez. She was one of the only good things about DotV.
After only seeing him in three productions, Rob McClure has skyrocketed into my top 5 favorite performers I've ever seen. I can't get enough of him.
"After only seeing him in three productions, Rob McClure has skyrocketed into my top 5 favorite performers I've ever seen. I can't get enough of him."
Yes, I completely agree!
Broadway Star Joined: 9/23/11
Kathryn Erbe. She already thought of highly, but the fact is she is even higher than that!
Leading Actor Joined: 5/12/12
Agree on Rob McClure, I only saw him in one production, but he is truly one of the best stage performers I have ever seen. Wish I saw his other shows, but I am sure we will see plenty of him in the future.
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