Tag: Annaleigh Ashford

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Broadway's Best

Broadway’s Best Performances of 2023

What is a Broadway show without the actors at its core? Here, we single out the singular talents that burned bright on Broadway stages this year. Prepare to be enthralled as we navigate some of the exceptional performances that have defined the essence of Broadway in the year 2023.

Photo by Joan Marcus

Sean Hayes in Good Night, Oscar

In a surprise to no one, the top mention in this year’s list goes to Sean Hayes for his Tony-winning turn as Oscar Levant in Doug Wright’s play. Whether it was his tickling of audiences’ ribs or the ivories in his rendition of ‘Rhapsody in Blue,’ a performance this special does not go unnoticed. In his return to the Broadway stage after performing An Act of God in 2015, Hayes asserted himself as a theatrical powerhouse, and he will surely be welcomed back to the stage in seasons to come.

Photo by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman

Annaleigh Ashford in Sweeney Todd

After icons including Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, Imelda Staunton, and Christine Baranski have all filled the role of Mrs. Lovett, you wouldn’t think there were any crumbs left in the material with which to do something new, make a unique choice. It is our utmost pleasure to report that Ms. Ashford finds them all, and then some. With her wit and vocals in hand, Ashford manages to almost recreate this tried and true character, begging her castmates to catch up as she runs off with their show.

Photo by Marc J. Franklin

Kara Young in Purlie Victorious

Fresh off her second Tony Award nomination for Martyna Majok’s Cost of Living (which was in turn fresh off her first Tony Award nomination for her Broadway debut in Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s), Young displays a different facet of her enormous talent and versatility as Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins in Purlie Victorious. In this role, Young delivers a masterclass in comedy in all its forms: physical, verbal, satirical, and the like. Her prowess, a must-not-miss performance, is on display nightly at the Music Box Theatre through February 4, 2024.

Jodie Comer in Prima Facie

This year, Comer brought her Olivier-winning performance in Suzie Miller’s one-woman legal drama stateside, where she added yet another trophy to the mantle. Known to New York audiences primarily for her television career, Comer’s stage acting wowed as she spun this heavy tale with authenticity, nuance, and sheer power.

Photo by Andy Henderson

Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer in Spamalot

As the Lady-of-the-Lake, Kritzer is the Standout-of-the-show! In a series of sparkly Jen Caprio gowns, she evokes Broadway divas like Liza Minelli, and adds the touch of Broadway glamor that holds the looney world of Spamalot together, making it not just a salute to Monty Python, but an exceptional stage musical on its own. Director Josh Rhodes wisely gives Rodriguez Kritzer ample opportunity to improvise, making the show fresh every night (see: the floored social media reactions from the audience that found out the SAG-AFTRA strike had ended because Leslie announced it live onstage and in character.) It’s a delight to watch her lead the company in her 8th Broadway show, and a treat to hear her belt to the rafters. 

Michael Urie in Spamalot

Urie has a sterling reputation as a comedic heavy hitter, from prior credits like Torch Song Trilogy, Buyer and Seller, and TV’s Ugly Betty. In a production full of actors with PhDs in clowning, Urie still manages to steal the show with his surgically precise timing, detailed facial expressions, and total commitment to chaos in his performance as the nervy Sir Robin and a host of other medieval wackos. Who else could land a huge laugh just by darting his eyes back and forth? Watching him bring down the house with his Act 2 number ‘You Won’t Succeed on Broadway’ is a bit like watching Julia Child cook or Serena Williams play tennis – the sheer joy of watching a master at work. 

Photo by Matthew Murphy

Alex Brightman in The Shark is Broken

Jaws fans got a behind-the-scenes look at the storied set of the iconic blockbuster in this year’s The Shark is Broken. With Alex Brightman (AKA Beetlejuice, to those in the know) playing the real-life Richard Dreyfuss, the play was infused with a burst of energy, zaniness, and neurosis that transports the audience effectively through the boredom of waiting on the boat. Brightman excels in exhibiting Dreyfuss’s ambitious and chaotic spirit, even if the real-life actor did not so much appreciate the interpretation… 

Photo by Marc J. Franklin

Billy Eugene Jones & Jay O. Sanders in Purlie Victorious

Both given a near-impossible task of making grounded and genuine human characters out of archetypes, Billy Eugene Jones (last seen on Broadway in Fat Ham) and Jay O. Sanders (last in Girl From the North Country) make comedy magic as Gitlow Judson and Ol’ Cap’n Cotchipee, respectively. As the “Uncle Tom” and racist plantation owner types, this duo of New York theater perennials use the vessels created by Ossie Davis to subvert stereotypes and deliver the play’s thesis, under the watchful direction of Kenny Leon.

Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez in Merrily We Roll Along

How could we sever the unbreakable bond between this trio of Broadway stars?! For their convincingly deep friendship and for their help in reifying the glory of one of Stephen Sondheim’s lost treasures, the Frank-Charlie-Mary of 2023 round out our list of the best performances to hit Broadway this past calendar year.

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Creative

Where’s That Cast Now? Legally Blonde Edition

Photo by Joan Marcus

Following an out-of-town tryout in San Fransisco, Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin, and Heather Hack’s musical adaptation of the 2001 film Legally Blonde opened on Broadway in 2007. With a pro-shot that aired on MTV, the musical gained a cult following and became a favorite of theatergoers across the globe. Below, Broadway’s Best Shows explores the original cast members and where they’ve been in the more than 15 years since.

Shorts | So Much Better From Legally Blonde on Broadway (Laura Bell Bundy) - YouTube
Laura Bell Bundy in Legally Blonde. Photo by Marc J. Franklin.

Laura Bell Bundy (Elle Woods)

Following Legally Blonde, Bundy continued her career in theater and also ventured into television and film. Most recently back on Broadway in the new play The Cottage, she has also appeared in TV shows like “Hart of Dixie”, ”Anger Management”, and “How I Met Your Mother.” Since appearing as Elle Woods, Bundy has also ventured into country music, releasing the albums Achin’ & Shakin’, which debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Top Country Album chart, and Another Piece of Me.

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Christian Borle in Legally Blonde. Photo by Marc J. Franklin.

Christian Borle (Emmett Forrest)

After originating the role of Emmett Forrest, Borle has won two Tony Awards for his roles in Peter and the Starcatcher and Something Rotten!. His other Broadway credits post Legally Blonde include Marry Poppins, Falsettos, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He also starred alongside Debra Messing, Katherine McPhee, and Megan Hilty in the NBC television series SMASH. 

In 2019, Borle appeared in the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors. Borle is starring in the Tony-nominated musical Some Like It Hot, which plays at the Shubert Theatre until December 30th.

From Glinda to Dot: Take a Look at Annaleigh Ashford on the Stage | Playbill
Annaleigh Ashford in Kinky Boots. Photo by Matthew Murphy

Annaleigh Ashford (Margot)

Since her performance as Margot, Ashford has become a household name for theater lovers. In 2012, she appeared in the Off-Broadway in Dogfight alongside Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena. She originated the role of Lauren in the Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots. In 2014 she won a Tony Award for her performance in the revival of You Can’t Take It with You. She also starred in Sylvia and the revival of Sunday in the Park with George. Ashford recently received a Tony nomination for her performance as Mrs. Lovet in the revival of Sweeney Todd, alongside Josh Groban. Her final performance will be on January 14th, 2024. 

Leslie Kritzer (Serena)

Kritzer, after her run as the high-energy cheerleader Serena, has continued to work in the theater, appearing on and off Broadway including A Catered Affair, Sondheim on Sondheim, Closer Than Ever, Elf, and Something Rotten!. She gained notoriety for her portrayal of Delia and Miss Argentina in the Broadway production of Beetlejuice, and is currently in the Broadway revival of Spamalot alongside James Monroe Iglehart, Taran Killam, Michael Urie, Christopher Fitzgerald, and Ethan Slater.

Kate Shindle (Vivienne Kensington)

In 2011, Kate Shindle starred as the Mad Hatter in the Broadway production of Wonderland. In 2015, Shindle was elected President of the Actor’s Equity Association, which is a position she continues to hold. 

Orfeh (Paulette)

Following her beloved portrayal of Elle’s friend Paulette, Orfeh released her first album “What Do You Want From Me.” She is a frequent voiceover artist and has appeared across mediums, including the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In 2018, Orfeh returned to Broadway in the musical adaptation of the film Pretty Woman. 

The Broadway Love Story of Pretty Woman Stars Andy Karl and Orfeh | Broadway Direct
Orfeh and Andy Karl.

Andy Karl (Kyle the UPS Guy)

Karl has had continued success in theater after Legally Blonde, including Broadway appearances in 9 to 5, Wicked, Jersey Boys, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Rocky the Musical, Waitress, On The Twentieth Century, Groundhog Day, Pretty Woman: The Musical, and most recently, Into the Woods. This spring, Karl recently reprised his Tony-nominated performance of Phil Connors in London, and will join the company for its Australian premiere in 2024. 

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Broadway's Best

Broadway’s Best Shows of 2023

Shining a spotlight on the best all-around productions Broadway had to offer this year. And who better to make the top 10 picks than the site titled Broadway’s Best Shows? Keep an eye out for our listing of the year’s best performances!

A Doll’s House

Henrik Ibsen’s timeless classic took center stage once again, its 14th Broadway production but the first since 1997. The play’s 1889 exploration of the complexities of marriage, misogyny, and societal expectations remains as relevant as ever. With Jessica Chastain starring in a new barebones adaptation by Amy Herzog, this Jamie Lloyd-helmed production brought a fresh eye to this masterpiece. The revival ran at the Hudson Theatre in the spring.

Fat Ham

Shakespeare met hip-hop in ‘Fat Ham,’ a Pulitzer prize-winning bold reimagining of ‘Hamlet’ from writer James Ijames that electrified the stage of the American Airlines Theatre with its innovative fusion of classic and contemporary, after premiering at the Public Theater. 

Here Lies Love

Immersive and pulsating with energy, ‘Here Lies Love’ was the unique theatrical experience that explored the life of Imelda Marcos. The show dazzled audiences with its interior transformation of the Broadway Theatre, inventive staging and infectious music from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim.

Photo by Joan Marcus

Merrily We Roll Along

Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ finally gets its due, as superstars Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Daniel Radcliffe endure the deterioration of friendship and creative partnership nightly at the Hudson Theatre. The revival, the first since the production’s infamous initial flop, captures the conflict between friendship and ambition among artists, set to a particularly melodic Sondheim score.

Parade

Based on a true story, ‘Parade’ weaves a haunting tale of injustice and redemption in the American South. Starring Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond, the Broadway transfer of New York City Center’s 2022 gala production, brought the gripping narrative to life at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre with powerful staging from Michael Arden and Jason Robert Brown’s stirring score.

Prima Facie

The drama of the courtroom took center stage as this new play, on Broadway last spring from across the pond, tackles issues of justice and gender. Jodie Comer won a Tony Award for her compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of finding justice or healing for sexual assault survivors from within the legal system.

Photo by Marc J. Franklin

Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch

A celebration of African-American culture and resilience, ‘Purlie Victorious’ is a jubilant comedy that remains relevant and uplifting 62 years after its original Broadway bow. Ossie Davis’s essential words are brought to resounding life by Leslie Odom, Jr., Kara Young, and the rest of the pitch-perfect cast under the direction of Kenny Leon. The revival runs at the Music Box Theatre through February 4, 2024. 

Photo by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Stephen Sondheim’s macabre masterpiece continues to thrill audiences with its chilling tale of revenge and obsession. Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford give two of the great musical theatre performances of our times at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, with Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster taking over the leads in early 2024. 

Summer, 1976

Manhattan Theatre Club’s ‘Summer, 1976’ captured the essence of a generation in a nostalgic journey. Theatrical perennials Laura Linney and Jessica Hecht starred in this new play presentation at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

The Thanksgiving Play

In the comedic exploration of political correctness, Larissa Fasthorse’s ‘The Thanksgiving Play’ satirizes the challenges of creating an inclusive holiday celebration. Finally premiering on Broadway after a 2018 off-Broadway premiere, the play tickled audiences at the Helen Hayes Theatre with standout turns from Chris Sullivan and D’Arcy Carden.

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Broadway's Best

Broadway’s Best Spooky Shows

Broadway has a long history of captivating audiences with a wide range of shows, from heartwarming musicals to thought-provoking dramas. But when Halloween season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a spine-tingling and eerie performance. In celebration of the annual spookfest, we’re throwing back to some of Broadway’s scariest offerings.

Photo by Matthew Murphy

“The Phantom of the Opera”

Though the famed Phantom is no longer haunting Broadway’s Majestic Theatre, the Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece enthralled audiences for decades. With its haunting score and the enigmatic Phantom lurking beneath the Paris Opera House, this classic tale of love and obsession surely gets the title of Broadway’s Best Spooky Show.

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”

A macabre musical masterpiece by Stephen Sondheim, “Sweeney Todd” tells the tale of a vengeful barber who dispatches his victims to be baked into meat pies. With dark humor, chilling themes, and memorable songs, it’s a must-see for Halloween. You can still catch stars Josh Groban and Annaleigh Ashford attending the tale on Broadway for another couple of months… We recommend you get your meat pie fix.

“Jekyll & Hyde”

Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, this musical explores the dual nature of man. Dr. Jekyll’s transformation into the sinister Mr. Hyde is a perfect metaphor for the darkness that lies within us all. And who can forget the horror of David Hasselhoff’s starring 2000-2001 turn?

“Into the Woods”

Stephen Sondheim strikes again with this enchanting yet eerie twist on classic fairy tales. “Into the Woods” explores the consequences of characters’ wishes, reminding us that not all fairy tales have happy endings. 1987 audiences were surprised by how dark a story featuring Cinderella and Rapunzel could get. Though you may have missed your opportunity to catch the 2022 Broadway revival and its subsequent tour, the latest Broadway cast recording might suffice.

“Carrie: The Musical”

An adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic horror novel, “Carrie: The Musical” explores the trauma and torment of a telekinetic teen in a small, unforgiving town. With intense emotions and shocking scenes (the prop list does call for buckets of blood), it’s not for the faint of heart. Surely there’s a high school or community theater running the show this month. 

“Beetlejuice”

A comically macabre tale of the afterlife, “Beetlejuice” is a fun and quirky Halloween pick. Follow the antics of the obnoxious yet lovable demon, Beetlejuice, as he helps a recently deceased couple navigate the netherworld. The production is out on tour through June 2024, so make sure to take advantage when the undead man himself comes to haunt your hometown!

“The Rocky Horror Show”

While not originally a Broadway production, this cult classic, the basis for the legendary 1975 movie, has become a staple in Halloween entertainment, and did have a couple of Broadway stints, in 1975 and 2000. Join the Time Warp and celebrate all things spooky and sensational with the eccentric characters of Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s castle. Check your local listings; there’s always a production or two on offer at this time of year, as well as opportunities to see “shadow casts” perform along with the movie. 

Whether you’re into classic horror stories, dark comedies, or supernatural tales, there’s something for everyone in these captivating and eerie shows. So, this Halloween season, grab your tickets and prepare for a night of thrilling entertainment, whether on Broadway, on tour, or on the stage of your local community theatre.

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Creative

What are the best shows currently on Broadway?

Whether it’s long-standing shows or a limited-run production, Broadway offers the best theater New York – and the world – has to offer. With over 40 theaters and a never-ending list of shows coming and going, it’s often hard to choose what to see. So, we’re going to give you our best Broadway shows for 2023.

Hadestown by Anaïs Mitchell

Greek myth is all the rage at the moment and Hadestown has added fuel to that hellfire. The musical based on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice had a long road to Broadway but now it’s here, we don’t know what we would have done without it.

After workshops that started back in 2006, Hadestown finally landed a run on Broadway in 2019. It was an instant hit and garnered 14 Tony Award nominations of which it won eight.

The modern retelling of the ancient myth shows a young woman who chooses to sell her soul to Hades in a bid to ease her suffering. However, she is soon forced to work in his factory and her lover, a wannabe musician, attempts to save her from her miserable fate all set to an incredible soundtrack.

Currently playing at Walter Kerr Theater.

Kimberly Akimbo by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori

This year’s Best Musical winner at the Tony Awards, Kimberly Akimbo, is a touching and joyful show centring Kimberly Levaco – a 16-year-old high schooler who suffers from an incredibly rare condition that makes her age rapidly – played by 63-year-old Victoria Clark.

The show, based on David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2001 play of the same name, is a clever and darkly absurd comedy about a teenager dying of old age. It’s set to a playful and uplifting score from Caroline, Or Change’s Jeanine Tesori and it’ll leave you with a newfound verve for life.

Currently playing at Booth Theater.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical by John Logan

This red-hot stage adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s film of the same name enchanted audiences when it opened in June 2019. Even COVID-19 couldn’t slow down its momentum. After nine months of packed audiences and rave reviews, Moulin Rouge! The Musical was forced to close due to multiple cast members contracting the virus. They hoped to reopen a few weeks later but a few weeks turned into over a year when the whole of Broadway went dark. When doors reopened, audiences flocked to the windmill for the extravagant show and they weren’t disappointed.

Winning 10 Tony Awards – including Best Musical, Best Actor in a Musical (for Aaron Tveit) and Best Choreography – this tragic, brash, raunchy love story is filled with glitter and heart.

Currently playing at Al Hirschfeld Theater.

The Book of Mormon by Trey Parker and Matt Stone

You won’t know whether to laugh, cringe, or sing along with this dark satire that’s been winning over audiences since 2011. The Book of Mormon follows two young Mormon missionaries who are sent to Uganda to recruit local people to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Once there, they’re made to face the realities of the world and the inconceivable hardships people have to undertake resulting in their faith being rocked.

From the creators of South Park, this tongue-in-cheek, outrageous, incredibly dark comedy musical makes social commentary no one thought possible (or appropriate) to make. But with nine Tony Awards under its belt and a run that looks infinite, it’s definitely a crowd-pleaser.

Currently playing at Eugene O’Neill Theater.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler

If A-listers are the name of your game, you’ll lose your head if you miss this killer revival.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is arguably one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time. Written by the late-great Stephen Sondheim, it features his signature and irreplaceable sound along with a true crime story you won’t be able to resist.

The current revival has won praise from all, with much of that admiration going to the show’s stars Josh Groban, Annaleigh Ashford, Jordan Fisher, and Gaten Matarazzo.

Currently playing at Lunt-Fontanne Theater.