SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #3: Amy Morton
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #3: Amy MortonIntroduction: While others use the end of the year to provide their lists of the top shows of the past year, here at Steve On Broadway (SOB), I wait until the conclusion of the entire Theatrical Season to provide my official tally.
Instead, I'm once again devoting the waning days of the calendar year to celebrate SOB's Singular Sensations -- those magical live performances that have stayed with me throughout the year. During 2007, I have enjoyed, been wowed and ultimately inspired by a dazzling display of excellent performances from some of the theatre world's best actors, singers and dancers of our time.
Ever since first seeing Steppenwolf ensemble member Amy Morton in the Chicago theatre company's last Broadway transfer -- as a most diabolical Nurse Ratched in the 2001 Tony-winning revival of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest -- I realized I was watching an incredible talent, one of those rare actors I'd actively seek out in the future.
While it's taken Broadway audiences six more years to truly appreciate Chicago’s best-kept secret, I've now been enjoying Morton regularly during each memorable turn she delivers in the Windy City. In fact, she earned an "Honorable Mention" on my 2006 list of Singular Sensations for two of her wonderfully versatile characterizations.
This year, Amy Morton has turned in two stellar performances. There’s nothing this woman can’t do. Her range is simply astounding.
In my well-timed August review of August: Osage County, I cheered:
Amy Morton at her most deliciously high-strung.But as my February review of Steppenwolf's Betrayal more adequately demonstrates, Morton has a real ear for providing the appropriate voice to every role she takes on:
Morton, of course, is once again about as close to genuine perfection as one can hope to see on the stage. Without missing a beat, she effortlessly slides from the despondent to the giddy....and all with an impressive English accent.Here's toasting that Toddlin' Town's Amy Morton!
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #4: Elena Roger (December 28, 2007)
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #5: Raúl Esparza (December 28, 2007)
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #6: John Gallagher, Jr. (December 28, 2007)
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #7: Jennifer Holliday (December 27, 2007)
SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06 - #1: Patti LuPone (December 30, 2006)
Honorable Mentions: SOB's Singular Sensations Of '06 (December 30, 2006)
SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06 - #2: Cate Blanchett (December 30, 2006)
SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06 - #3: Chita Rivera (December 29, 2006)
SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06 - #4: Barry Humphries (December 28, 2006)
SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06 - #5: Kitty Carlisle Hart (December 28, 2006)
SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06 - #6: Meryl Streep (December 26, 2006)
Labels: Amy Morton, August Osage County, Betrayal, Broadway, Chicago, SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06, SOB's 7 Singular Sensations of '07
posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Saturday, December 29, 2007
2 Comments:
Hey Steve:
Magical is right. I've run out of superlatives for Amy Morton's performance in "August: Osage County." Having dealt with aging parents, and with the loss of a parent, Morton's performance resonated with me on many levels. She just made it seem so real. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the stage door afterward. I know actors do it all the time, but it's always amazing how calm and collected they are at the stage door after giving everything in an incredibly emotional performance. I'm so glad she's one of your Singular Sensations. She deserves it!
Esther, By now you probably know that Deanna Dunagan was at the top of my list. I'm just thrilled that the Broadway world now knows what Chicago has known for years: these are two of the most vital actresses to be found anywhere.
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