5. Gavin Creel
What isn't there to say about Gavin. He has an absolutely gorgeous voice no matter what role he plays. He has starred in two of my favorite shows, Hair and TMMillie, and his acting is just as inspiring as his singing. I think anyone would be hard pressed NOT to fall for Gavin's sweet, sexy, and dashing portrayal of Jimmy in a show which I refer to as my own personal fairy tale. But it is Gavin's hard work off stage that really makes me admire him in addition to his talents on stage. Gavin's grassroots campaign, BroadwayImpact, is what really got my attention and got me interested in the issue of marriage equality. I really began to pay attention when he and his cast mates of Hair left New York to participate in the National Equality March. Seeing the stars of Broadway align for that one cause really got me interested in doing what I can to support LGBT issues. I think that discrimination based on sexual orientation is senseless, ignorant, and just plain hateful, and I thank you, Gavin, for helping me find a cause I am truly passionate about.
4. Kyle Dean Massey
Ok, first of all, Kyle Dean Massey is extremely good looking. He gets automatic bonus points for that. Secondly, he is hilarious on his Broadway.com Next to Normal Vlogs. More points for humor. I first discovered Kyle Dean in a performance of Wicked. He was understudying for the role of Fiyero and I thought he was (HOT and) FANTASTIC. I wish he had gotten to play the role fulltime, but he departed Wicked a couple times to play the role of Gabe in Next to Normal, and inevitably left to play the role full-time when Aaron Tveit left to focus on Catch Me if You Can. Aaron Tveit is a wonderful performer, I love watching him in whatever he does, he is the epitome of a professional. I LOVE him as Gabe in Next to Normal. So I was very intrigued to hear Kyle Dean Massey in comparison. I really didn't think that KDM would be able to surpass Tveit's excellent performance. I apologize, Kyle Dean, for ever doubting you. I can honestly say I prefer KDM to Aaron, and I know that thousands of fans would disagree, but hey its my opinion. I think Kyle Dean has one of the most gorgeous voices on broadway. Recently on his twitter, he talked about doing Disney's The Newsies reading. I hope to GOD he continues with that and is cast as Jack Kelly. I will die of joy, that is one of my favorite movies of all time.
3. Stephanie J. Block
OMGSJB. Her voice is incredible. seriously. I saw her in 9 to 5 and I am still in awe about how she can sing so powerfully and emotionally and show little to no effort. Its magical. "Get Out and Stay Out" was one of those goose bump numbers. It is definitely one of my top theatre moment experiences in life. And she knocks everything she does out of the park. Elphaba-amazing. Judy Bernly- excellent. Her own CD- beautiful. I also discovered a video on youtube of her singing Part of Your World from the Little Mermaid, which is my favorite of all time since the age of 5, pure magic is all I can say. Go find it, it really is spectacular.
2. Annaleigh Ashford
I just really love Annaleigh becuase she is hilarious in anything she does. I was so happy I finally got to see her live when I went to see Hair a couple of weeks ago. Granted, Jeanie isn't as funny of a role as say, Galinda, but it was sufficient. I would kill to see her as Galinda, I think she is by far the best Galinda in acting the role. And that isn't taking away from her vocals either (though admittedly, she isn't as talented a soprano as say, KCheno, but hey who is?) Annaleigh's performance of Thank Goodness is one of the most passionate performances I have ever seen and is one of the reasons that it is one of my all time favorite songs. She is so young, and so talented, I think she has a great career ahead of her and I can't wait to see what she does next. I am also glad that she got cut from that Cirque du Soleil crap because from what I hear it is a colossal mess, and I'm glad she was spared. She is just a joy to watch and clearly enjoys every minute of what she is doing :) more people should try and be like her.
1. Kristin Chenoweth
haha. shocking I know. I don't know what else there is to say, after my practical love letter I wrote about her in my "Promises" review in my last post. I will just say that she is one of the most talented singers I have ever had the pleasure to hear. PROOF: go youtube "Defying Gravity at the Tony's" and listen to her harmonize "I hope you're happy in the end" so gorgeous. And she really is one of the most authentic and warm and wonderful people. Her book is a great read, I highly suggest it. Meeting her at the Promises, Promises stage door is definitely one of the highlights of my theatre infused life. I couldn't get much out, because I was pretty much star-struck (something that does not happen often for me) but when I finally summoned up a "thank you SO MUCH Kristin, I absolutely adore you" after she signed the picture of her as Glinda for my Wicked themed room, she touched my hand, looked me right in the eye and said "Thank you so much" I can't tell you how much that really meant to me. It sounds stupid and pathetic, I know, I sound like just another fangirl. But I really have so much respect for her and I look up to her....or really, down to! she is SO tiny. but I hope I manage to be a warm and kind soul like her every day. ......
here is KDM as Matthew in Alt ar Boyz
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sendspace.com/file/a80j27 (it's from the middle of his run)