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MsMojo
  • 6 weeks ago
The lights are up, the orchestra is playing, and the stage is set for the ultimate Broadway showdown! Join us as we count down our picks for the greatest Broadway singers of all time! Our countdown includes legendary voices like Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, Ethel Merman, Idina Menzel, and so many more! Who do you think is the true GOAT of musical theater? Let us know in the comments!
Transcript
00:00:00"'Come on, babe, why don't we paint the tack? And all that jazz.'"
00:00:07Welcome to Ms. Mojo. And today, we're counting down our picks for the Broadway performers who
00:00:12became the sound of Broadway for generations of theater fans. Since stars like Barbra Streisand
00:00:17have performed on Broadway, but are better known for work in other mediums,
00:00:21they deserve their own list, don't you think?
00:00:34Ben Platt has earned his place as one of Broadway's most impressive performers,
00:00:39thanks to his incredible voice and ability to pour his heart into every role.
00:00:56His Tony-winning performance in Dear Evan Hansen showed audiences just how powerful a leading
00:01:01man in a musical could be, blending stunning vocals with deep emotion. Known for his unique tone,
00:01:07impressive control, and dedication, Platt gives everything he has to each performance.
00:01:19His intense preparation and commitment to his craft help him deliver the same emotional impact
00:01:25night after night. Whether he's breaking hearts or hitting impossible notes,
00:01:30Platt knows how to make audiences feel every moment.
00:01:33It means no, this isn't over. Hell, it's just begun. Hail the resurrection of the South's least
00:01:46favorite sun.
00:01:47Number 49. Christine Ebersole.
00:01:50If you want to talk about true talent, you have to talk about the legendary Christine Ebersole.
00:01:54To reveal you in cup-free pants, you fashion outer ski pants, in a jersey knit designed to fit the
00:02:01contour of your shape, then cinch it with the cord from the drape.
00:02:06She is a total force of nature who can pivot from sharp satirical wit in Grey Gardens
00:02:11to gut-wrenching drama like war paint without breaking a sweat. Her voice is so remarkably expressive.
00:02:17It can be smoky, sweet, or piercingly honest, depending on what the moment calls for.
00:02:23Does she know how good I think she is enough to hold me? Forget how I overcame the obstacles
00:02:31life showed me.
00:02:33That's exactly what's made her career so thrilling to follow. She brings a sophisticated,
00:02:38old-school Broadway energy to everything she touches. And honestly, if you manage to watch
00:02:43her light up the stage in person, count yourself as very lucky.
00:03:01Number 48. Gavin Creel. Creel was a titan of musical theater, defined by a voice that effortlessly
00:03:08bridged vulnerability and powerhouse technical precision.
00:03:12I believe that God has a plan for us. I believe that plan involves me getting my own planet.
00:03:24Whether portraying the cynical Elder Price in the Book of Mormon, or the tortured Stephen Kodai in
00:03:29She Loves Me, he brought an infectious electric energy to every performance. His signature warmth and
00:03:36pristine diction allowed him to convey profound human truth through song, transforming standard ballads
00:03:42into intimate narratives.
00:03:56Beyond his vocal range, his genuine stage presence and unwavering commitment to his craft made him a
00:04:02beloved figure in the community. His passing left an immense void, cementing his legacy as a singularly
00:04:08transformative and irreplaceable Broadway icon.
00:04:27This powerhouse, hands down, might just be the defining voice of her generation.
00:04:42From the moment she made her debut in Miss Saigon, she captured our hearts with a sound that felt
00:04:48both youthful, yet incredibly wise. There is a raw, aching quality to her voice that hits you right in the
00:04:55gut.
00:05:06Whether she's singing for her life in Hadestown, or the Great Gatsby, or bringing modern flair to cabaret,
00:05:12Eva makes vulnerability feel like a superpower. She has this amazing gift for making you believe every
00:05:17single word she sings, and that kind of realness and heartfelt emotion is exactly what makes her a
00:05:23modern Broadway icon today.
00:05:25It's got to happen, happen sometime, maybe this time I'll win.
00:05:38Number 46, Robert Goulet.
00:05:41There is something so undeniably grand about this actor. He had that classic,
00:05:46booming baritone that made him feel like royalty every time he walked out onto the stage.
00:05:50If ever I would leave you, it wouldn't be in summer.
00:06:00Roles like Lancelot and Camelot were practically written for him. He brought such a lush,
00:06:05romantic feel to his roles that you couldn't help but get swept away.
00:06:24He had this natural, easy charisma that made him feel like a movie star who just happened to be
00:06:29singing his heart out for us. Even years later, his voice remains the gold standard for that big,
00:06:35beautiful, sweeping sound that defines the very best of musical theater history.
00:06:40To reach the unreachable star.
00:06:50Number 45, Sierra Boggess. Sierra Boggess is a vocal visionary who treats the Broadway stage like an
00:06:57operatic playground.
00:07:13With a soprano that drifts between ethereal crystalline highs and a rich, grounded midrange,
00:07:19she creates soundscapes that feel truly magical. Whether she's embodying the haunting mystery of the
00:07:24Phantom of the Opera or the whimsical spirit of the Little Mermaid, Boggess demonstrates rare technical agility.
00:07:38She masters the long line, spinning phrases with an elegant control that keeps audiences spellbound.
00:07:45Her dedication to expanding her range, from the lyrical ingenue to the dramatic coloratura,
00:07:49marks her as a uniquely brilliant and enduring treasure of the modern theater.
00:08:08Number 44, Joshua Henry.
00:08:11Now, this is the kind of performer who makes you stop whatever you are doing just to listen.
00:08:26He has this rich, soulful baritone that can be gentle one second and absolutely thunderous the next.
00:08:33His work in Carousel and the Scottsboro Boys was nothing short of legendary.
00:08:48He has this rare ability to dive deep into a character's struggle, which makes his performances
00:08:53feel deeply personal and real. You can tell that for him, it's not just about hitting the note,
00:08:59but about telling a story that truly matters. A move that earned him a Tony. He always brings so
00:09:04much grit and grace to the stage.
00:09:06In our struggle, we were not the only ones. Make them hear you. Make them hear you.
00:09:16Number 43, Aaron Tveit. Tveit might just be the ultimate modern Broadway leading man,
00:09:22and we are completely obsessed.
00:09:36He has this incredible tenor voice that somehow sounds just as good in a gritty rock show as it
00:09:41does in a classic soaring ballad. Whether he's bringing angst to next to normal, or charm of Catch
00:09:47Me If You Can, or full-on high glamour energy to Moulin Rouge, he never misses a beat.
00:09:53He has this effortless way of connecting with the audience that makes you feel like
00:10:06he's singing directly to you. He's polished, talented, and easily one of the most exciting
00:10:12performers to watch in the theater scene today.
00:10:28Number 42, Jesse Mueller. Jesse Mueller is the definition of a performer you just want to grab
00:10:34a coffee with. She has this warm, grounded quality that makes her feel like an old friend.
00:10:56In shows like Beautiful, On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, and Waitress, she proved that she does
00:11:02not need bells and whistles to command a stage. She just needs her incredible honeyed voice and a lot of
00:11:08heart.
00:11:20Mueller makes the hardest songs look easy, and she always focuses on the truth of the lyrics. She's the
00:11:26kind of artist who makes a massive theater feel like a cozy, intimate living room. She is truly one of
00:11:32the greats.
00:11:46Number 41, Ramin Karimloo. The magnetic force known as Ramin Karimloo has redefined the idea of a
00:11:54Broadway-leading man, with his lush, dramatic bear tenor and commanding presence.
00:12:10Best recognized for Les Miserables, Anastasia, The Phantom of the Opera, and its sequel,
00:12:16Love Never Dies, Karimloo possesses a voice simultaneously bold and emotive, capable of delivering both crushing
00:12:23heartbreak and soaring hope.
00:12:37His performances are deeply theatrical. He grabs the audience by the soul and doesn't let go.
00:12:43His sheer vocal power, combined with his undeniable charisma, make him one of the most unforgettable voices to
00:12:49echo through the Broadway stage.
00:12:51My broken soul can't be alive and whole till I hear you sing once more.
00:13:06Number 40, Maren Maisie. Maren Maisie was and always will be a true Broadway queen.
00:13:12Where are they now, those women who stared from the mirror, we can never go back to before.
00:13:28She had this incredible ability to make a theater feel massive one minute and deeply personal and
00:13:34intimate the next. We loved her in everything from Ragtime to Kiss Me Kate, because she never sang a song
00:13:40without fully understanding the person behind it.
00:13:53You could hear the truth in her voice, and it was always so moving.
00:13:58She was the kind of performer who gave everything she had, every single time. Her talent was a bright,
00:14:03beautiful light, and we feel so lucky that we got to experience her magic on stage.
00:14:08Anyone who had a heart would simply take me in his arms and always love me. Why won't you?
00:14:23Number 39, Brian Darcy James. Here we have the king of being relatable on stage.
00:14:30So yes, I'd be a hero, and if my wish were granted, life would be enchanted.
00:14:37I saw the story say. He has that down-to-earth,
00:14:41everyman baritone that just feels right. Whether he's playing the titular ogre in Shrek,
00:14:46a disgruntled playwright in Something Rotten, or pretty much any other role,
00:14:50we love that he's always looking for the humor and the humanity in a song in a way that powerfully
00:14:56connects with his audience.
00:15:06He makes his characters feel like real people you might encounter, which is a rare gift in musical
00:15:11theater. He brings so much warmth and sincerity to every role that you can't help but root for him.
00:15:18He is the best kind of storyteller.
00:15:20I'm becoming aware of us, as a pair of us, each accepting our share of what's there.
00:15:32Number 38, Heather Headley. Headley's stunning mezzo-soprano voice and soulful delivery have
00:15:38lifted her to the top of Broadway's championship roster.
00:15:51When she opened her mouth in The Lion King or Aida,
00:15:54she blew everyone away with a voice that was pure soul. She has this incredible,
00:16:00rich sound that is deeply rooted in gospel and R&B,
00:16:03and she brings that unique flavor to everything she does.
00:16:19It's not just that she has a huge range, it's that she sings with such emotional intensity
00:16:24that you find yourself holding your breath. Needless to say, her performances will forever
00:16:29be remembered as iconic. We're in awe.
00:16:43Number 37, Jerry Orbach. Talk about a total legend.
00:16:47Broadway fans know him as so much more than his TV roles.
00:16:51He had the smooth, charming bass baritone that made everything feel so effortless.
00:16:55Try to remember when life was so tender, that love was an ember about to billow.
00:17:07Whether he was starring in The Fantastics, Chicago, or Promises Promises,
00:17:11he brought a level of wit and intelligence that made every performance a joy to watch.
00:17:16I don't care for any fine attire Vanderbilt might admire. No, no, not me.
00:17:24All I care about is love.
00:17:27He was the type to make you smile with a perfect well-timed line,
00:17:31or melt your heart with a perfectly sung note. He was the consummate pro-talent,
00:17:36charismatic, and always the coolest person in the room. He really showed Broadway and
00:17:41was the only way beyond what a leading man should be.
00:17:43She likes basketball! Look at that fly! It's an open and good things are on their way!
00:17:53Number 36, Stephanie J. Block. This actress is Broadway's definition of a vocal powerhouse,
00:17:59with serious dramatic range.
00:18:13She can unleash a huge belt that shakes the theater, but she can also pull back and make a song
00:18:18feel
00:18:19deeply personal. That flexibility has helped her shine in everything from The Share Show to 9 to 5,
00:18:252 Falsettos, and, of course, Wicked.
00:18:28Who can say if I've been changed for the better, but because I knew you.
00:18:37What makes Block so respected is that she brings intensity without losing control.
00:18:43You always feel the emotion behind the sound, and that's what turns a strong singer into a standout
00:18:48Broadway artist. Whenever and whatever Block sings, the performance always feels larger than life itself.
00:19:07Number 35, Kelly O'Hara. Kelly O'Hara is, in a word, elegant. She has this crystal clear,
00:19:14stunning, operatic soprano voice that is just pure beauty.
00:19:18Shall we still be together with our arms around each other? And shall you be my new romance?
00:19:27Whether she's starring in The King and I or South Pacific,
00:19:30she brings a sense of grace that is really hard to find anywhere else.
00:19:34Well, excuse that expression I use, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in
00:19:40love,
00:19:40with a wonderful guy. But it's not just her technique, it's the way she connects to the
00:19:46lyrics and makes every song feel like a deep, emotional story. She's the type of performer
00:19:51you watch and think, wow, I could listen to her forever. She's a total pro, a brilliant actress,
00:19:57actress, and one of the most gifted voices ever. We adore her.
00:20:00I love you.
00:20:08Number 34, Cynthia Erivo. With an electrifying voice and commanding presence, Erivo swiftly
00:20:15rose to Broadway stardom with her Tony winning role in The Color Purple.
00:20:28Her voice is a rare, breathtaking blend of soul, gospel, and theatrical power,
00:20:34delivering each note with fierce emotion and impeccable technique. Erivo has a unique ability
00:20:39to fuse intensity with nuanced storytelling, transforming every single performance into
00:20:45a profound, almost spiritual experience for the audience. And she knows how to do comedy too.
00:21:02In a time where authenticity reigns supreme, Cynthia's incredible vocal artistry and heartbreaking
00:21:09sincerity have solidified her status as one of the most dynamic,
00:21:13legendary singers to ever grace the stage and screen.
00:21:27Number 33, George Hearn. Hearn is one of Broadway's great bass baritones,
00:21:33and his reputation was built on a voice that could be rich,
00:21:36elegant, and devastatingly expressive.
00:21:39Life's not worth a damn
00:21:43Till you can shout out loud
00:21:47I am what I am
00:21:52He became especially associated with Stephen Sondheim material,
00:21:56which makes perfect sense because he had the musical intelligence to wring every possible shade out of a lyric.
00:22:02His performances in La Cage aux Folles, Sunset Boulevard, and Sweeney Todd helped cement his status as a major stage
00:22:09presence.
00:22:21Hearn has both the vocal control and the interpretive depth to make complex Broadway songs feel completely alive.
00:22:28His approach to singing involves storytelling through every nuance, making him a beloved figure for audiences.
00:22:34But inside that flickering light beam is a youth which cannot end.
00:22:45Number 32, Rebecca Luker.
00:22:48This performer had one of the purest, loveliest soprano voices ever to grace Broadway.
00:22:54I, my side, let me walk with him, with the others right by.
00:23:02There was a clarity to her sound that felt almost luminous,
00:23:05and it made her a natural fit for elegant, emotionally rich musical theatre.
00:23:10She shined in productions like The Music Man, Show Boat, The Sound of Music, and Mary Poppins,
00:23:16always bringing poise and warmth to every role.
00:23:18Then you know the notes to see, you can see, you can see, you can see, you can see.
00:23:32Luker's reputation came from her ability to sound effortless while handling demanding material
00:23:37with incredible musicality. She never needed to oversell a moment. Her voice did the work.
00:23:43That kind of graceful, finely tuned artistry is exactly why she's remembered so fondly.
00:23:59Number 31, Elaine Stritch.
00:24:02Elaine Stritch was a Broadway legend with a voice that could cut through any crowd.
00:24:07Raucous, biting, yet deeply human.
00:24:09Another reason not to move. Another vodka stinger.
00:24:21I'll drink to that.
00:24:23Famous for her roles in Company and A Little Night Music,
00:24:27Stritch's singing was steeped in personality and fearless honesty.
00:24:30Her rough-edged voice was less about classical perfection,
00:24:34and more about raw emotion, theatrical wit, and storytelling power.
00:24:38What once was a gown with train is now just a simple little prop.
00:24:46What once was a sumptuous feast is figs.
00:24:52Her performances had a conversational intimacy that made audiences feel like they were part of the
00:24:57conversation. She showed that Broadway singing is as much about attitude and connection as it is about
00:25:03hitting the right notes.
00:25:04Christ knows! At least I was there!
00:25:08And I'm here!
00:25:11Lot goes here!
00:25:15I'm still here!
00:25:19Number 30, Donna Murphy.
00:25:21After cutting her teeth as an understudy on some legendary shows,
00:25:25Donna Murphy went on to win two Tonys.
00:25:35From Anna Leonowens in The King and I to Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly,
00:25:39she's played some of the greatest roles ever seen on Broadway.
00:25:42Some of her best work was with composer Stephen Sondheim.
00:25:45It gives me purpose, gives me voice, to say to the world,
00:25:55this is why I live.
00:26:00Her rich tone and delicate phrasing made characters like the Lovelorn Fosca feel achingly real.
00:26:06Donna Murphy hasn't just played some of the greatest roles on stage,
00:26:09her gorgeous instrument has also been immortalized on a Disney soundtrack as the voice of the nefarious
00:26:14Mother Gothel in Tangled.
00:26:16Skip the drama, stay with mama, mother knows best.
00:26:25Number 29, Dorothy Loudon.
00:26:27Though she's unfairly oft-forgotten by modern-day musical fans,
00:26:31the original Miss Hannigan had one of the brassiest voices on Broadway.
00:26:34Easy drink, better get there soon.
00:26:44From Annie to Sweeney Todd, Dorothy Loudon could be counted on to fill the theater with
00:26:48her lively personality and powerhouse performance.
00:26:52Loudon could be deliciously hammy and bawdy when the situation called for it,
00:26:56but her voice was one of a kind.
00:26:58Working for a nice man, like a sick man or a white man,
00:27:02in a great, big, broad way!
00:27:07Her secret weapon was a vibrato like a jackhammer.
00:27:10She could use it to profound comic effect,
00:27:13but could also instill emotion and vulnerability
00:27:15when it came to ballads that required more earnestness.
00:27:18I believe it's true, doesn't that make someone belong to you?
00:27:27Number 28, Richard Kiley.
00:27:29The original star of Man of La Mancha epitomized the classic Broadway baritone.
00:27:34A two-time Tony winner, Richard Kiley was noted for his versatility in the kinds of roles he could
00:27:49pull off, but it's his resounding voice that gave him gravitas and credibility as an all-time leading man.
00:27:55We'll follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far.
00:28:04Not only is he responsible for theater's Don Quixote,
00:28:07but he was also the first to commit the popular show tune The Impossible Dream to recording,
00:28:12a song he would reprise many times over the rest of his career.
00:28:15Kiley's voice was so sought after, in fact, that Steven Spielberg cast him as the narrator
00:28:20of the tour ride featured in Jurassic Park.
00:28:22During most of your tour, the appropriate information will be automatically selected and displayed for you.
00:28:28Hey, look!
00:28:28Simply touch the area of the screen displaying the appropriate icon.
00:28:32Are we gonna hit that?
00:28:33Welcome to Jurassic Park.
00:28:35Number 27, Pearl Bailey.
00:28:38Talk about distinctive range.
00:28:40Pearl Bailey's voice could go from velvety smooth to a guttural growl in the same phrase.
00:28:45I'm gonna take his hand, he'll take mine.
00:28:49Watch it, honey, let me get this whole thing together.
00:28:52I will be the touch that's a thing we'll see in the good.
00:28:56Making her Broadway debut in 1946 in St. Louis Woman,
00:29:00Bailey had a projection that was as big, broad, and iconic as her sense of humor.
00:29:05For decades, she juggled a career on the stage, screen, and on television.
00:29:10There ain't but one big heart, one heart, in all the world.
00:29:19Beat out that rhythm on a drum, beat out that rhythm on a drum, beat out that rhythm on a
00:29:26drum.
00:29:27There's one big heart in all the world.
00:29:29One of her biggest accomplishments was tackling the role of Dolly
00:29:32Levi in Hello Dolly in the first Broadway revival.
00:29:35A shameless showboat and a born entertainer,
00:29:38Bailey had an infectious energy to match her incredible voice.
00:29:42I'm gonna raise the roof, I'm gonna carry on, give me that old trombone.
00:29:47Number 26, John Raitt.
00:29:50Perhaps best known for originating the controversial but classic role of Billy Bigelow in Carousel,
00:29:55John Raitt had a career that spanned several decades and shows.
00:29:58Listening to Raitt is like taking a journey to the past.
00:30:01The tide's creeping up on the beach like a thief, afraid to be caught stealing the land.
00:30:14Behind his composed exterior, he was a force of nature on stage.
00:30:18Clear as a bell, sonorous as a horn, and teeming with romance and feeling,
00:30:23his voice is unlike anything seen on today's Broadway stage.
00:30:26He also had the stage presence and looks to match.
00:30:30Is it all going in one ear?
00:30:37Raitt passed his talent for music along to his daughter and frequent duet partner,
00:30:41renowned singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt.
00:30:47Wonderful in every way.
00:30:52Number 25, Alfred Drake.
00:30:55A sweet mystery of life, at last I found thee.
00:31:01If Rodgers and Hammerstein shaped the Broadway musical as we know it,
00:31:04then Alfred Drake did his part in helping shape the leading man.
00:31:07Debuting the role of Curly McClain in Oklahoma, it's Drake's lilting that introduced the score's
00:31:12legendary opening number, Oh What a Beautiful Morning.
00:31:15I got a beautiful feeling, everything's going my way.
00:31:23Appearing in plays such as Kismet, Kiss Me Kate, and The King and I,
00:31:27Drake's prolific career and popularity was only helped along by the various telecasts he appeared on.
00:31:32Broadcasts of TV musicals made him a bona fide star in people's living rooms,
00:31:37as well as on the stage.
00:31:39Where is the life that late I led?
00:31:41Where is it now, totally dead?
00:31:45Number 24, Barbara Cooke.
00:31:47As one of the premier sopranos of the Broadway stage in the 1950s and 60s,
00:31:51Barbara Cooke's soaring vocals made her a star.
00:32:02She won a Tony for her role of Marion Peru in The Music Man and lent her talents to the
00:32:06scores of
00:32:07Candide and She Loves Me, among a plethora of others. Although personal setbacks made roles
00:32:12sparse in the latter part of her career, Cooke re-emerged as a cabaret and concert singer.
00:32:17It's been said she knocked some dead when she lands in town.
00:32:25With her special operatic abilities and the kind of control that never failed to wow,
00:32:29her interpretations of songs by the stage's greatest composers introduced her to legions of new fans.
00:32:35They'll never believe such joy could exist.
00:32:44Number 23, Brian Stokes Mitchell.
00:32:47It's more than promising, Sarah, it must be true.
00:32:54Rocketing to stardom after his performance in the 1998 production of Ragtime,
00:32:59Brian Stokes Mitchell and his resonant baritone have been indispensable ever since.
00:33:04Mitchell's voice and overall bearing as a performer straddles the line between
00:33:07the traditional leading man and modern theater sensibilities.
00:33:10It makes him a natural choice to head revivals of classic shows like
00:33:14Man of La Mancha or Kiss Me Kate, which won him a Tony in 2000.
00:33:18Go in love with you, my love.
00:33:27Time and again, his buttery tones let him hold an audience in the palm of his hand.
00:33:32And in this moment, we were all Reba McIntyre.
00:33:38Never let her roll.
00:33:51Number 22, Mary Martin.
00:33:54This longtime favorite of Rodgers and Hammerstein was known for her sizable vocal range.
00:33:58And you will know there's a lot in my room when I think of that wonderful guy.
00:34:05Despite being one of the biggest Broadway stars of her time,
00:34:08Mary Martin's roles were often played by other stars when they came to Hollywood.
00:34:12However, many audiences got to know her through her television appearances,
00:34:16including the beloved 1960 television broadcast of Peter Pan.
00:34:33She was a star in her own right and time, and became a Kennedy Center honoree in 1989.
00:34:38From her crystal clear high notes to her richer, deeper tones,
00:34:42Mary Martin was a sight to behold, or should we say, a sound to hear.
00:34:46Do you mean something more like, um...
00:34:58Number 21, Liza Minnelli.
00:35:01It's easy!
00:35:02It's Leezy.
00:35:04No!
00:35:05Liza!
00:35:08She may have been the daughter of two Hollywood legends,
00:35:12but Liza Minnelli carved out her own sound and her own star persona on the stage.
00:35:16For such a small frame, she has an incredibly powerful voice,
00:35:20which only grew as she matured into a seasoned performer.
00:35:29Her first Tony came from her Broadway debut in Flora the Red Menace,
00:35:33and if that doesn't prove her mastery of the arts, we don't know what will.
00:35:37The show's composers, Kander and Ebb, who also wrote Cabaret and Chicago,
00:35:41would become her most frequent collaborators and write numerous songs specifically to fit her voice.
00:35:46It's only a cabaret, oh chum, and I love a cabaret!
00:36:02Number 20, Norm Lewis.
00:36:04This notable performer has been cast in some of musical theater's most beloved roles.
00:36:09Since his Broadway debut in 1993, Lewis has wowed audiences as Curtis Taylor Jr. in Dreamgirls,
00:36:16Billy Flynn in Chicago, and Javert in Les Miserables.
00:36:19And so it must be, for so it is written, on the doorway to paradise, that those who falter and
00:36:30those who fall, must pay the price!
00:36:37Plus, he was the first African American actor to play the titular role in Broadway's longest running show,
00:36:42The Phantom of the Opera.
00:36:44Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender!
00:36:51His voice is slightly deeper, warm and clear, perfectly suited for intense male characters.
00:36:58With incredible control and placement, Lewis' vocal talent is majorly enhanced by his pristine technique.
00:37:04From that cruel, harsh, whole wild world above!
00:37:15Number 19, Raul Esparza.
00:37:18The Law & Order Special Victims Unit actor made his first impression in the entertainment industry singing on stage.
00:37:36In 2000, he drew eyes as Riff Raff in the Rocky Horror Show Broadway revival,
00:37:41and later starred in the 2006 revival of Stephen Sondheim's Company.
00:37:46He was also cast in the original off-Broadway run of Jonathan Larson's Tick Tick Boom.
00:37:51Why do we play with fire? Why do we run our fingers through the flame?
00:38:02His distinctive voice has tons of personality, which is great for live theater.
00:38:08Esparza may have broadened his resume with gigs in film and television,
00:38:12but we'll always think of him as a musical guy first.
00:38:15Somebody let me come through, I'll always be there, as frightened as you,
00:38:22to help us survive being alive.
00:38:30Number 18, Joel Grey.
00:38:32After 70-plus years of work, this charismatic actor has undoubtedly left his impression on modern musical theater.
00:38:39Cause it feels wonderful, they think I'm wonderful, hey look who's wonderful, this corn-fed egg.
00:38:50His most memorable performance is without a doubt as the master of ceremonies
00:38:55in the Broadway production of Cabaret and its film adaptation.
00:39:10But he's also a show-stealer in supporting roles like Moonface Martin in Anything Goes,
00:39:15and Amos Hart in Chicago.
00:39:18Expressive and charming, Grey infuses each of his vocal performances with character.
00:39:23His singing voice is light and bright, perfect for solos and group numbers.
00:39:28When the singer takes to the stage, you can tell how dedicated he is to his craft.
00:39:42Number 17, Mandy Patinkin.
00:39:45For his first appearance on Broadway, Patinkin appeared in the play Trelawney of the Wells,
00:39:50alongside Meryl Streep and John Lithgow.
00:39:51Soon after, he was cast in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita with Patti LuPone.
00:40:03Having brushed shoulders with so much talent on stage,
00:40:07it's no surprise that he's got incredible acting and singing skills of his own.
00:40:20In fact, he won a Tony for his performance in Evita, and was nominated for two others.
00:40:26The singer's recognizable voice is rich and gruff, with a prominent vibrato.
00:40:31His high notes are powerful and fill whatever space he's singing in. A true force on the stage,
00:40:37if we've ever seen one.
00:40:38But the woman who won't wait for you knows that however you live,
00:40:43there's a part of you always standing by, mapping out the sky.
00:40:50Number 16, Jeremy Jordan.
00:40:52It's no wonder Jordan is one of Broadway's favorite leading men from the 21st century.
00:40:57His voice is youthful, heroic, and clear, with a four-octave range.
00:41:03I got nothing if I ain't got Santa Claus.
00:41:20It's perfect for scrappy male protagonists like Jack Kelly from Newsies,
00:41:24and Clyde Barrow from Bonnie and Clyde.
00:41:40The native Texan claimed his spot as one of musical theater's greatest singers,
00:41:44from not only the stage, but also the screens, big and small.
00:41:48He was cast in the musical show Smash, and stars opposite Anna Kendrick in the film adaptation of
00:41:54the last five years.
00:42:07Number 15, Jennifer Holliday.
00:42:10This star has one of the most powerful voices to ever grace a Broadway stage,
00:42:14let alone our ears.
00:42:30Soulful and strong, her talent is unmatched.
00:42:34Holliday's performance as Effie Melody White in the original run of Dreamgirls is alone enough to
00:42:40qualify her for our list.
00:42:41You're not alone!
00:42:50Me!
00:42:55Her solo at the 1982 Tonys is one of the most iconic moments in Broadway history.
00:43:01That being said, we shouldn't forget her appearances in various
00:43:05stages of the musicals Chicago and The Color Purple.
00:43:21She's also a successful recording artist, having produced both R&B and gospel music tracks.
00:43:28Number 14, Carol Channing.
00:43:31This memorable actor and singer is a staple of 20th century musical theater.
00:43:35Before the parade passes by,
00:43:43I'm gonna go and taste Saturday's highlights.
00:43:50She starred as Lorelai Lee and Dolly Gallagher Levi in the original
00:43:54Broadway runs of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Hello Dolly, respectively.
00:43:58One of my old favorite songs from the way back when
00:44:06So reach that gap, fellas
00:44:10Besides her big eyes and blonde bob,
00:44:13the icon's distinctive singing voice set her apart from other leading ladies in showbiz.
00:44:18It's raspy, nasal, and full of character, making it perfect for comedic performances.
00:44:24But square-cutter pear-shaped, these rocks don't lose their shape.
00:44:30Diamond!
00:44:31Oh!
00:44:33Our girl's best friend!
00:44:35Stylistically, Channing often embedded her singing with humor.
00:44:39After decades of success, in 1995, she was awarded the Tony for Lifetime Achievement.
00:44:46Number 13, Christian Borle.
00:44:48Since the beginning of the new millennium, Borle has made regular appearances on the Broadway stage.
00:44:53Oh, hello, is it good to see me or what?
00:44:56My days are so busy, it's making me dizzy, there's so much I gotta do.
00:45:01It's lunches and meetings and poetry readings and endless interviews.
00:45:05His credits include The Bard in Something Rotten and Marvin in the 2016 Falsettos revival.
00:45:11Likewise, his performance as the original Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde the Musical holds a special place in our hearts.
00:45:24With a warm, rich tone that sits at a higher range, Borle's register is well-suited for a variety of
00:45:30characters.
00:45:31He shows technique with his ability to infuse the personality of whatever character he's playing into his performance.
00:45:37Whether cast as someone sweet, conceited, or just plain evil, this singer always sounds incredible.
00:45:45I'm best when I cheat, so I'll cheat, whizzer and I'll shove, and I'll kill for that thrill of first
00:45:54love.
00:45:55Number 12, Betty Buckley.
00:45:58This actress has appeared in celebrated works of film, television, and theater.
00:46:03With one look, I put words to shame.
00:46:08Just one look sets the screen aflame.
00:46:13However, despite her work on both the big and small screens, she's still often referred to as the voice of
00:46:20Broadway.
00:46:25Serenity, serenity, a haven where I could hide.
00:46:34One of her most notable early roles is Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, for which she won a Tony.
00:46:40She's since become associated with the role's power ballad, Memory, which showcases her vocal talent and skill.
00:47:00Her voice ranges from being bright and clear in some instances to deep and powerful in others.
00:47:06Other musical credits include Dolly in Hello, Dolly, and Mama Rose in Gypsy, twice.
00:47:13Number 11, Kristen Chenoweth.
00:47:16With a bachelor's degree in musical theater and a master's in opera performance, Chenoweth is quite literally a master of
00:47:22her craft.
00:47:31She had the option of also attending Philadelphia's Academy of Vocal Arts on a full ride, but turned down the
00:47:37scholarship to accept her first professional role.
00:47:40When life's a dizzy maze, on alternating days, I choose a different phrase.
00:47:46Your new philosophy.
00:47:48My new philosophy.
00:47:49She's best known for originating the role of Sally Brown in the 1999 revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie
00:47:55Brown, and Glinda in Wicked.
00:47:57Everything that really tells to be popular, I'll help you be popular.
00:48:04You'll hang with the right cohorts, you'll be good at sports.
00:48:07The characters she plays always come through her performances effortlessly.
00:48:11And do we even have to mention how incredible her vocal control is?
00:48:16While her success in theater opened doors for her in film and television, she regularly returns to her Broadway roots.
00:48:23Max, I really, really love this play.
00:48:26I can safely say, I will slip away.
00:48:31Make way for bad, bad, bad.
00:48:37Some have deemed her the queen of Broadway, and it's not hard to see why.
00:48:41Tell them how I am defying gravity.
00:48:47I'm flying high, defying gravity.
00:48:52And soon I'll match them in ring down.
00:48:57This powerhouse singer originated two of the most well-known female roles in contemporary musical theater.
00:49:03On stage, there are no big names.
00:49:06At least not yet.
00:49:08I gotta get through opening night.
00:49:09I have a job to do.
00:49:11Menzel made a name for herself first as the diva performance artist Maureen in Rent,
00:49:15and then as the misunderstood Witch of the West Elphaba in Wicked.
00:49:19Her bright and powerful voice suits independent and aspirational female characters.
00:49:24Am I always starting over in a brand new story?
00:49:32Plus, her range is expansive, and she's a total pro at belting.
00:49:37It's no wonder she was picked up by Disney to play Elsa in the beloved animated film franchise Frozen.
00:49:42Past is in the past!
00:49:47Number 9. Sutton Foster
00:49:49This darling of contemporary musical theater is a triple threat.
00:49:54Skilled in acting, dancing, and, of course, singing.
00:50:02Please no more attention!
00:50:05I've counted to ten!
00:50:08Her voice is full and bright, perfect for a number of Broadway's most iconic leading roles.
00:50:14Her technique is solid, and she always looks like she's having fun on stage.
00:50:19This morning, I'm okay!
00:50:25This morning, I'm okay!
00:50:30Foster has a timeless quality to her sound,
00:50:33which makes her especially well-suited for shows with historical settings.
00:50:37She won a Tony for her performance as the titular character in Thoroughly Modern Millie,
00:50:42and another as Reno Sweeney from Anything Goes.
00:50:45How the performer manages her breath support after a minutes-long dance break, we will never understand.
00:50:51Anything, anything, anything, anything, anything, anything!
00:51:04Number 8. Julie Andrews
00:51:07Many of us first heard Andrews' voice as children watching Mary Poppins or The Sound of Music.
00:51:13The hills are alive with the sound of music.
00:51:20We've since come to respect her for her work on the stage as well as the screen.
00:51:25She started on the West End as a child and quickly found her way to Broadway.
00:51:29In 1956, she appeared as Eliza Doolittle in the original run of My Fair Lady.
00:51:35With one enormous chair, wouldn't it be lovely?
00:51:42When she was younger, the soprano had a clear and regal sound, which she demonstrated with impeccable technique.
00:51:49When they're beset and besieged, the folk not noblesly obliged, however do they manage to shed their weary lot, oh
00:52:01what do simple folk do?
00:52:06Sadly, an ill-performed surgery in 1997 permanently damaged her vocal cords.
00:52:12Still a singer at heart, the actress has given occasional vocal performances in the years since.
00:52:17A work of art with its own rare design.
00:52:21It may not be the same, but we still appreciate her new tone.
00:52:26Number 7. Lea Salonga
00:52:28This musical theater star has a singing voice fit for a Disney princess.
00:52:33When will my reflection show who I am inside?
00:52:49The Filipina actress landed a gig on the West End when she was just 18 years old as the original
00:52:55Kim in Miss Saigon.
00:53:08She won a Tony when she reprised the role on Broadway, making her the first Asian actress to do so.
00:53:14Not to mention she's appeared as both Eponine and Fontaine in Broadway productions of Les Miserables.
00:53:19All my life, I've only been pretending.
00:53:26Salonga's voice is beautifully bright and clear, and she has impeccable technique.
00:53:32Her placement is precise, and she demonstrates good control of her vibrato.
00:53:48As the singing voice of both Princess Jasmine and Mulan, we've enjoyed listening to her for basically our entire lives.
00:53:57Number 6. Angela Lansbury
00:54:00By the time she made it to Broadway, Lansbury was already an award-winning actress from the golden age of
00:54:06cinema.
00:54:06Just like in Hollywood, she quickly found success in musical theater,
00:54:11playing the titular character in Name and Rose in Gypsy, among other acclaimed parts.
00:54:24Her voice was totally her own, and remarkably so. Since it was especially distinct, it always felt so real to
00:54:31the roles she played,
00:54:33many of which were rather comedic, or, at the very least, tongue-in-cheek.
00:54:37Did you call me for a piece? Do forgive me if we had a little thing. What is that? But
00:54:43you think we have a plague?
00:54:44Whether it was the devious Mrs. Lovett or the maternal Mrs. Potts, Lansbury defined some of Broadway's,
00:54:51and Hollywood's, most beloved characters.
00:54:54Open a new window, open a new door, travel a new highway that's never been tried before.
00:55:03Number 5. Chita Rivera
00:55:05This passionate performer claimed her place as a Broadway icon by originating more than one beloved role on stage.
00:55:11Early in her career, she made waves as Anita in West Side Story and Velma Kelly in Chicago.
00:55:18And that's good, isn't it grand? Isn't it great? Isn't it swell? Isn't it fun? Isn't it?
00:55:29She went on to win a Tony for her performance as Anna in The Rink, as well as one for
00:55:34Kiss of the Spider Woman and a Lifetime Achievement Award to boot.
00:55:56This was a woman who knew confidence was key. Combining music, comedy and spectacle, Rivera was a master entertainer.
00:56:03The fullness and wonderfully distinct quality to her voice only made her irreplaceable,
00:56:08and we couldn't imagine musical theater without the impact of her show-stopping vocals and dance moves.
00:56:14Could be the start of something. Could be the start of something good!
00:56:29Number 4. Bernadette Peters
00:56:31This vocalist has understandably been deemed the foremost interpreter of composer Stephen Sondheim.
00:56:37I'm not good, I'm not nice, I'm just right. I'm the witch, you're the world.
00:56:48She's appeared in many of his shows on Broadway, including Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and
00:56:54A Little Night Music.
00:56:55One who keeps tearing around
00:57:01One who can't move
00:57:05Her voice sits at a mid-range, making it perfect for belting out passionate verses.
00:57:10She's also capable of producing beautiful high notes, making her an overall well-rounded artist.
00:57:17Plus, her voice has a prominent vibrato and forward placement, which distinguishes her from other mezzos.
00:57:23With well-trained technique, Peters' vocal performances are some of Broadway's best.
00:57:28And if it wasn't for me, then where would you be, Miss Gypsy Rosalie?
00:57:37Number 3. Ethel Merman
00:57:40Considered by some as the undisputed first lady of the musical comedy stage, this vocalist was a significant member of
00:57:47Broadway history.
00:57:48Good authors, too, who once knew better words, now only useful and are worth writing prose.
00:57:56Anything goes
00:57:57With notable vocal talent and technical skill, she was certainly well deserving of the title.
00:58:04Look at that crowd up ahead
00:58:08Not me if my old spirit is showing
00:58:12From Anything Goes to Hello Dolly, Merman had appeared in many of musical theater's most iconic shows, even originating the
00:58:20lead role of Rose in Sondheim's Gypsy.
00:58:22Honey, everything's coming up, Rose in Sondheim. Now you're in it, can't stand the world on its ear.
00:58:38Her powerful mid-range voice was capable of blowing crowds away.
00:58:42Skill-wise, her enunciation and placement were precise.
00:58:46I got my man, who could ask for anything more? Who could ask for anything more?
00:58:56Ahhhh
00:58:58The performer's voice was practically built for belting, a gift very few have.
00:59:03When it comes to Broadway legends, she was an original.
00:59:07There's no business like show business, like no business I know.
00:59:15Number 2. Patti LuPone
00:59:17This classic Broadway belter obtained her status as a musical theater icon by appearing in many popular roles.
00:59:24She first drew attention as the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita.
00:59:38Having gone on to play Nancy in Oliver, Fontaine in Les Mis, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, and Mama Rose
00:59:45in Gypsy, her bio is totally stacked.
00:59:48Lupone demonstrates practiced technique and a confident style with her mid-range singing voice.
00:59:54She projects outward and manages to completely fill whatever space she's in.
00:59:59Let's hear it for the ladies who launch, everybody rise!
01:00:07Her warm and focused tone is full of personality, which she tailors to suit whatever character she's performing as.
01:00:26Truly, no one's voice compares to Lupone's.
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01:01:00Number one, Audra McDonald.
01:01:03Although she celebrated for her work on the stage and the screen, McDonald's legacy on Broadway is unparalleled.
01:01:18She's the recipient of six Tonys, which is more than any other performer in the award show's history.
01:01:24And she's also the only person to have won in all four categories.
01:01:28And I found the theater, and I found my home, and I found a place to express myself.
01:01:36McDonald earned her accolades as Carrie in Carousel, Sarah in Ragtime, and Bess in Porgy and Bess, among others.
01:01:44Be your man rule, beyond this lifetime.
01:01:53Her voice is rich, with an incredible feat of dimensionality and effortless precision.
01:01:59Although her range is broad, she has a distinctly soprano tone that can honestly only be described as angelic.
01:02:16One thing's for sure, when this icon starts to sing, we always stop to listen.
01:02:23Who do you think is the greatest of all time of musical theater? Let us know in the comments.
01:02:28Who do you think is the greatest of all time of musical theater? Let us know in the comments.
01:02:30We'll see you next time.
01:02:30We'll see you next time.
01:02:30Bye-bye.
01:02:31Bye-bye.