SOB's Singular Sensations Of '07 - Honorable MentionsDuring the course of 2007, I’ve been extraordinarily fortunate to have been in the audience for 82 stage productions ranging from the very small-scale play to the most elaborate of spectacles.
In my quest to see great theatre, my year began in Sydney Australia and took me to such far-flung destinations as London, Beijing, Stuttgart, Tokyo and Winnipeg. I've traversed the United States, crisscrossing from California to Massachusetts, Washington State to Georgia, Nevada to Connecticut, Colorado to Wisconsin. Then there were the three American communities that
really know how to do live theatre: Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul and of course, New York.
Throughout my travels, several outstanding plays and musicals captured my heart, thanks in no small part to the enormously talented array of actors who found a way to strike a nerve and tap into a vein like few others. They've mesmerized, wowed and inspired me with a unique turn of a phrase, fluidity of movement or sublime singing voice or a combination of all three -- all provided that rare spinetingling sensation that can only be found through a live performance.
While I’ve been singling out SOB’s 7 Singular Sensations of ’07, please allow me to add my special honor roll of outstanding performances from the past year that simply took my breath away. Although they narrowly missed making my top seven for 2007, I won't soon forget how captivating each of these singular sensations was:
Harriet Harris -
The Glass Menagerie (Guthrie, Minneapolis, MN) and
Old Acquaintance (American Airlines Theatre, New York, NY)
Saycon Sengbloh -
The Color Purple (Broadway Theatre, New York, NY)
Bebe Neuwirth – Chicago (Ambassador Theatre, New York, NY)
Chazz Palminteri – A Bronx Tale (Walter Kerr Theatre, New York, NY)
Vanessa Redgrave – The Year of Magical Thinking (Booth Theatre, New York, NY)
Frank Langella -
Frost/Nixon (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, New York, NY)
Martha Plimpton –
Cymbeline (Lincoln Center at the Vivian Beaumont, New York, NY)
Kevin Kline –
Cyrano de Bergerac (Richard Rodgers Theatre, New York, NY)
Andrea Martin –
Young Frankenstein (Hilton Theatre, New York, NY)
Christopher Fitzgerald –
Young Frankenstein (Hilton Theatre, New York, NY)
Kerry Butler –
Xanadu (Helen Hayes Theatre, New York, NY)
David Pittu –
Is He Dead? (Lyceum Theatre, New York, NY)
Yasen Peyenkov –
The Diary Of Anne Frank (Steppenwolf, Chicago, IL)
With the addition of these thirteen, I’ve singled out twenty consummate performances that were singularly sensational. Each of these performers has my utmost respect and appreciation, and I look forward to the opportunity to see them perform another day.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #2: Christine Ebersole (December 30, 2007)
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #3: Amy Morton (December 29, 2007)
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: Andrea Martin, Bebe Neuwirth, Chazz Palminteri, Frank Langella, Harriet Harris, Kevin Kline, Martha Plimpton, Saycon Sengbloh, SOB's 7 Singular Sensations of '07, Vanessa Redgrave
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #2: Christine EbersoleIntroduction: 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.Like
Spring Awakening, the quirky musical
Grey Gardens began its life Off-Broadway in 2006 before transferring to the Great White Way later in the same year. In the case of
Grey Gardens, it was a completely transformed show.
But my first opportunity to see this superb little gem of a show finally came in February. Talk about worth the wait -- I was so transfixed by this musical that it ranked as
my favorite show during the entire 2006-07 Theatrical Season.
The primary reason I loved this show so much was due to the two excellent performances that would ultimately be rewarded with a richly deserved Tony Award (make that three when you count the marvelous
Mary Louise Wilson). Both were offered by the astonishing
Christine Ebersole as she portrayed both Edith and Little Edie Bouvier Beale -- the real-life relatives of former First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis -- whose fall from grace to utter squalor made for the most unlikeliest of Broadway musicals.
Here's
what I had to say last February about Ebersole's nuanced performances:
Grey Gardens can hardly be called a “feel good” show. So why did I find myself feeling better than "good" after (finally) taking in a performance of this sublime show?
Two words: Christine Ebersole.
The incredibly talented Ebersole has proven she's at the height of her career. Her virtuoso performance in Grey Gardens is one that I'll never forget.
Mind you, I’m not one to voluntarily stand up and cheer reflexively. Personally, I find that the standing O is grossly overused and should be strictly reserved for only the best of the best. Not only did I leap to my feet upon Ebersole’s curtain call, but I found the extremely rare “bravo” freely coming from my heart and passing through my lips.
In Grey Gardens, Ebersole more than masterfully channels both Edith and Little Edie Bouvier Beales of the funny-if-it-weren’t-so-tragic seventies documentary of the same name. She luminously inhabits mother Edith in act one and then incredibly suspends any disbelief that you are watching anyone but the real Little Edie in the second act. Right before your eyes, a radiant and breathtaking Ebersole becomes Little Edie.
I've now had several opportunities to see Ebersole show her stuff on Broadway -- although I may be one of the few who actually remember her, and quite fondly at that, from her brief stint on "
Saturday Night Live" back during the 1981-82 season).
The first time I saw her on stage came in her terrific performance in the superb 2000 revival of
Gore Vidal's The Best Man, as well as in her Tony-winning turn as Dorothy Brock in the 2001 revival of
42nd Street. She imbues every role with such style, wit and panache, but
Grey Gardens proves she truly
is at the height of her distinguished career.
Here's a toast to the Tony-winning singular sensation, Christine Ebersole! May you enjoy every bit as much success and more when your show completes its transfer to London.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #3: Amy Morton (December 29, 2007)
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 Best Of 2006-07: Top Ten Of The Year (June 4, 2007)
SOB's Best Of 2006-07: Best New Musicals (May 22, 2007)
Grey Gardens (The SOB Review) (February 25, 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: 42nd Street, Broadway, Christine Ebersole, Grey Gardens, Musical, SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06, SOB's 7 Singular Sensations of '07, The Best Man
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
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #4: Elena RogerIntroduction: 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.Talk about more than just a little touch of star quality.
After appearing in countless Argentinean musical productions, including a variety of Spanish-language versions of Broadway and West End hits like
Nine,
Beauty And The Beast and
Les Misérables, the diminutive spitfire known as
Elena Roger took London by storm in her glorious portrayal of
Evita.
To put it simply, I adored Roger's high-flying performance. In my
SOB Review from April, I had nothing but praise:
Making her spectacular West End debut is an astonishing Argentine talent, Elena Roger, who offers an exceptionally nuanced performance as Eva Peron. The compact Roger evolves right before your eyes from the flirtatious young girl seeking her ticket to Buenos Aires stardom to her role alongside Juan Peron to a physically and emotionally impaired invalid. And what a powerful, beautiful voice!
I've seen memorable performances of
Evita before (witness my history with
SOB's Singular Sensation #5), but Elena Roger made her Eva Peron so intoxicating that it's easy to understand why her fellow countrymen fell under her spell. While
Evita closed shortly after I caught it, London audiences have until January 5 to see Roger in the acclaimed revival of
Boeing-Boeing.
Here's toasting the South American singular sensation, Elena Roger!
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories: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 Best Of 2006-07: Best Revivals Of Musicals (May 18, 2007)
Evita (The SOB Review) (April 19, 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: Boeing-Boeing, Elena Roger, Evita, London, Musical, Revival, SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06, SOB's 7 Singular Sensations of '07
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #5: Raúl EsparzaIntroduction: 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.With all due and considerable respect to the talented
David Hyde Pierce (recognized with an "Honorable Mention" among my
SOB Singular Sensations of 2006),
Raúl Esparza’s breathtaking performance of “Being Alive” alone should have been enough for him to win the Tony for making
Company's audiences hyperventilate.
In my
SOB Review last March, I noted:
I was struck by the inventive and symbolic ways (director John Doyle) isolates Bobby, played by a breathtakingly real Raúl Esparza, who sings angelically.
In my "Best of 2007" round-up of the Best Musical Revivals, in which his talents helped the show capture the fourth spot, I said:
In Company, Esparza soars to spine-tingling new musical heights. In the climax when finally taking a seat at the piano, his Bobby is ready to join the human race in a way he's never before experienced. Ultimately, Esparza's finely calibrated performance melted his way into my heart. I can't think of any actor I've seen on the Broadway stage this past year who is more deserving of a Tony Award than he -- this is one performance no serious musical theatre lover can afford to miss.
The first time I ever caught Esparza was in 1999. He was absolutely magnificent portraying Che in a wonderful touring revival of
Evita. And while I have not yet had the opportunity to see the revival of
The Homecoming that feaures Esparza's dramatic debut, I take heart from
Ben Brantley's review that his truly is a "benchmark performance."
Perhaps Raúl Esparza will be a repeat in next year's round-up. In the meantime, here's toasting this superb singing singular sensation.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories: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 Best Of 2006-07: Best Revivals Of Musicals (May 18, 2007)
Company (The SOB Review) (March 2, 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: Broadway, Company, Curtains, David Hyde Pierce, Evita, Musical, Raul Esparza, Revival, SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06, SOB's 7 Singular Sensations of '07, The Homecoming
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #6: John Gallagher, Jr.Introduction: 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.One of the single most electrifying theatrical moments of the past year was spent in the company of the cast of
Spring Awakening. While it actually opened last year Off-Broadway before transferring to the Great White Way, it wasn't until this past February when I finally had the opportunity to see the year's Tony Award-winning Best Musical.
Of all the performances from that show, none has taken hold of me quite like the portrayal of the troubled young Moritz by
John Gallagher, Jr. Upon each additional -- and fairly frequent -- listening of the
original cast album, it's always Gallagher's dark tracks that strike a chord within me, and I'm sure they resonate with any youth who has ever felt dissaffected or dismissed.
In my
SOB Review last March, I may have given simple notice of:
...a breathtaking John Gallagher, Jr. in a sharp, stunning departure from his role in last year’s Rabbit Hole.
But there was nothing simple about Gallagher's brilliant and haunting performance, which was recognized with a well-earned Tony Award. Fortunately for Gallagher, his future is infinitely brighter than that of his character's, and I'll be looking forward to more great things from this gifted actor.
He may no longer be with the show (
Blake Bashoff replaced him on December 18), but the lingering memories he's created makes him a singular sensation to be reckoned with. Here's toasting John Gallagher, Jr.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #7: Jennifer Holliday (December 27, 2007)
Spring Awakening (The SOB Review) (March 3, 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: John Gallagher Jr., SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06, SOB's 7 Singular Sensations of '07, Spring Awakening
SOB's 7 Singular Sensations Of '07 - #7: Jennifer HollidayIntroduction: 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.
Without any further ado, I give you SOB's 7 Singular Sensations of '07:And I’m telling you Miss
Jennifer Holliday is one of those rare performers who commands the stage like no other. Making you all but forget
Jennifer Hudson as Effie Melody White in a stunning summer revival of
Dreamgirls in Atlanta, Holliday triumphantly and effortlessly reclaimed the role she created over a quarter century ago.
Here's
what I had to say about Holliday's performance last July:
As if to prove that she and Effie are not going to take a backseat to anyone, Jennifer Holliday returned one more time to role that for more than a quarter century was hers and hers alone. In a glorious and absolutely thrilling performance, not only does Jennifer Holliday triumphantly reclaim the mantle of Effie Melody White, but she reigns supreme. Holliday maintains the undisputed claim on Effie.
(In “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”) Holliday pulls this incredible outpouring of heartbroken anguish from the deepest, innermost recesses of her very being and spews it forth in an as chilling a show-stopping performance as I have ever seen. The angst of Holliday’s Effie is not only that of a dream lost, but more importantly, of a love lost.
One of my friends who joined me for both this and Holliday’s last outing as Effie at the very same theatre five years ago observed that watching this Dreamgirls on the heels of silver screen version was like filling the blanks. For me, seeing this Dreamgirls was a chance to once again witness one of the greatest live theatrical performances of all time and savor it.
Here's toasting that singular sensation, Jennifer Holliday -- my Effie for the ages!
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:Dreamgirls (The SOB Review) (July 30, 2007)
Living The Dreams (January 6, 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)
Flashback: Best of 2002-03 (May 25, 2006)
Labels: Atlanta, Dreamgirls, Jennifer Holliday, Musical, SOB's 6 Singular Sensations Of '06, SOB's 7 Singular Sensations of '07
SOB's Singular Sensations Of '07 - Honorable Mentions
