Skip to main content
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

What Broadway Performer has stayed the longest in a lead role, they originated? — Page 2

Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register.

#27

re: What Broadway Performer has stayed the longest in a lead role, they ori

BlueWizard: I can definetely say that Adam was in the show when I saw it in May 2003...I was very upset with him!

He should have been off doing other things...

but he definetely doesn't beat Marlene :0)
-Anyone want to turn anarchist with me?

"Bless you and all who know you, oh wise and penguined one." ~YouWantItWhen????
#32

re: What Broadway Performer has stayed the longest in a lead role, they ori

Marlene Danielle, while a trooper, doesn't win. Why? Because the question was what Broadway performer has stayed the longest in a role they originated. Marlene, as was stated in an earlier post, started out as understudy before assuming the role of Bombalurina later in the run. So she's disqualified on a technicality.
Nothing precious, plain to see, don't make a fuss over me. Not loud, not soft, but somewhere inbetween. Say sorry, just let it be the word you mean.
#33

re: What Broadway Performer has stayed the longest in a lead role, they ori

That may be Crawford in that case, then. He's synonimous with the Phantom... in fact, I'd say to the point of having hurt his career prospects over the years. Because, honestly, you'll find very few Broadway-savvy people who don't think of him in POTO the moment they hear the name.
*~* Every time you double-post, God kills a kitten. *~*

Kay, the Thread-Jacking Jedi
Quando omni flunkus moritati (When all else fails, play dead...)

"... chasin' the music. Trying to get home."

Peter Gregus: "Where are my house right ladies?!"
(love you, girls! - 6/13/06)

#34

re: What Broadway Performer has stayed the longest in a lead role, they ori

The glorious Carol Channing played the role of Dolly Gallagher Levi 5,057 times, both on Broadway and on tour. Yul Brynner played The King 5,025 times both o Broadway and on tour.

Marian Seldes starred in DEATHTRAP for the entire length of its Broadway run and never missed a performance. I don't have the figures on that, though.
"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)
#38

re: What Broadway Performer has stayed the longest in a lead role, they ori

On the Cats topic...
Marlene Danielle was an understudy on opening night, but quickly stepped into the role of Demeter thereafter. About 1 year into the run, she succeded Donna King as Bombalurina and played the role until closing night.

Laurie Beechman (may she rest in peace), was I belive, the champion Grizzabella playing the role on tour first, and then for a very long run in the 80's and returning shortly before her death for a short run that included the record-breaking performance.

Ken Prymus played Old Deuteronomy for a very long run also. He continues to play the role in regional productions.
"Y'all have a GRAND day now"
#40

re: What Broadway Performer has stayed the longest in a lead role, they ori

Well, it was the first musical I was ever taken to. So naturally, I instantly became a theatre queen and read up on it. :) It's by no means perfect, but I still like it. When I saw it in London, Stephanie Lawrence was Grizabella. I don't believe she's with us anymore is she?
"Y'all have a GRAND day now"
#45

re: What Broadway Performer has stayed the longest in a lead role, they ori

On the CATS Topic

I've noticed that a few members of the cast of CATS have passed away......and I never knew this. The only one I knew of who passed away was Mr. Timothy Scott. How many people have passed from this show...and what was the cause.

What did Stephanie Lawrence pass away from?
Facebook...ME !!!
#46

re: What Broadway Performer has stayed the longest in a lead role, they ori

Princeton78 you are indeed correct.

Laurie Beechman holds the record for longest running female lead in Broadway history for her portrayal of Grizabella. She originated the role on the first national tour and replaced Ms. Buckley. She stayed with the show for many years and left and would return for short engagements. She also replaced Liz Callaway for 6 months to play during the record breaking performance. She passed away from her long battle with ovarian cancer on March 8, 1998 less than a year of her record breaking performance.
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns

BroadwayWorld TV


Ticket Central
Hot Show
Tickets From $59
Hot Show
Tickets From $71
Hot Show
Tickets From $71
Hot Show
Tickets From $95