Ramin Karimloo as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables
I remember feeling like I was holding my breath during Karimloo’s rendition of Bring Him Home. You could have heard a pin drop. I was entranced by how gently and genuinely he told the story. I’ve heard this song referred to as ‘The Prayer’ before, and it wasn’t until this performance I began to think of it that way myself.
Chilina Kennedy as Carole King in Beautiful
The show is ‘beautiful’ but Kenndy’s performance is stunning. She marries stardom with authenticity, presenting superstar Carole King in a way we can relate to her. She has completely mastered her craft, but her physicality is unmatched. You don’t even need to see her face to know exactly what she is expressing at any given moment.
Mary Kate Morrisey as Elphaba in Wicked
Morrisey brings a tenacious optimism to Elphaba, carrying herself fiercely across the stage. There’s so much positivity in her take on this iconic role, making her incredibly refreshing. I usually relate more to Glinda, but her performance revealed a whole new Elphaba to me.
Lulu Lloyd as Sloane in Bat Out of Hell
Sloane is a fiery character with a heart of gold, and Lloyd masterfully shows both sides of this incredible woman. Her ability to listen and connect with others onstage draws the audience in, bringing an intimate feel to a large rock musical. Her Sloane is versatile, vulnerable, and I am so glad I witnessed it.
Alan Mingo Jr. as Lola in Kinky Boots
This performance is glorious, and I was so lucky to see it twice. Lola is fabulously magnetic and full of energy, and I’m in awe of anyone who can turn out an incredible performance in six inch heels with ease. Lola is another character with a lot of duality, and Mingo Jr. handles the balance between the diva and the man underneath gracefully.
Jackie Morrison as Peggy White in The Last Ship
In a lot of ways, Peggy is the heart of the show and Morrison is the steady heartbeat underneath. I am such a fan of seeing strong female stories onstage, and despite a cast full of men, she holds her own. Her starpower matches Sting, who plays Peggy’s husband.
Christine Dwyer as Jenna in Waitress
Dyer has the most expressive eyes, so she is well-suited to Jenna, a character whose pain is internalized for a lot of the show. There’s power in the details, and her performance is intricate. From small details in posture, how she carries herself, and stolen glances, Dywer brings the inner Jenna to life despite the character’s tough outer shell.
Alex Brightman as Beetlejuice in Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice was my first Broadway show and Brightman is contagious! In a show with a lot of theatre magic, his performance takes the cake. I cannot fathom the amount of energy that must go into the physical, vocal, and emotional performance he pours out! He is absolutely born to entertain!
Celia Keenan-Bolger as Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird
Scout is one of my fictional heroines and Keenan-Bolger brings her to life beautifully. The choice to have the young characters played by adults, is a great one, and somehow she transforms completely into a six-year old girl. Her performance is breathtaking, combining childlike wonder and curiosity as she leads the audience through the story.
Katie Brayben as Elizabeth in Girl From The North Country
Elizabeth lives in a world of her own, moving in and out of reality throughout the story. Brayben is flawless as she showcases this reality, bringing a strong presence to the stage even while silent. She also belts out a fantastic version of Dylan’s Like A Rollin’ Stone.
Previously Published on Break A Leg
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