Top 10 Most Iconic Broadway Performances of All Time

[@MsMojo]

What do YOU is the most iconic Broadway performance? Let us know in the comments!

[@josephmilsark123]

It’s bad enough that you think Zero Mostel is more iconic as Tevye than Chaim Topol but you completely snubbed The Phantom of the Opera.

[@Beth-zs2jr]

For me, Barrett Wilbert Read in Heathers The Musical will always be iconic for showing me the modern side of musical theatre (where I had only ever been introduced to the classics beforehand)

[@jnid1758]

what do me?

[@TheLauren87]

Michael Crawford as Phantom of the Opera

[@teleiamc]

The topic is ICONIC performances, right? In that case - how about Anthony Newley in The Roar of The Greasepaint, The Smell Of The Crowd?

[@kcsupersonic1]

I'm going to mention Colm Wilkinson, the original Jean Valjean. His performance of Bring Him Home is arguably one of the best single performances of a single song in any Broadway Musical. He is absolutely beloved by fans of the show and has had parts in the 10th Anniversary Concert, 25th Anniversary Concert, and the film version of Les Miserables.

[@TiggerE-ee6vv]

Colm Wilkinson IS Jean Valjean. I only ended up seeing the film adaptation due to his role as the bishop (which made me openly sob in the theatre when he was in the finale)

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

He's my favorite Jean Valjean.

[@dadiva18]

He could play any part in that show and nail it

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

@@dadiva18 Preach!

[@dennisbrooks3270]

Agree he should be on the list

[@dannysimion]

Lea Salonga is the first broadway actress who introduced me into this magical world of theater. She was so spellbinding. I heard only an audio version of Miss Saigon and Les Miserable and that was all it took to enchant me with her voice. Upon seeing the actual play, definitely a beauty. I love it!! Great list.

[@grayhatjen5924]

I had been involved with my local theatre for about two years when Miss Saigon hit my radar. I knew I would be attending a production when my school concert and jazz bands were to compete in some kind of completetion in Toronto (where the Princess of Wales theatre had been built, with Siagon's needs taken into consideration). I managed to get a copy of the making of Miss Saigon (no clue what the actual name was) and dear god, when Lea opened her mouth I can recall my jaw dropping and my mouth just hanging open. It was just her, Claude Michel and an upright piano and it was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard. (Okay, truthfully, also in the room but mostly out of shot were Cameron Macintosh, Alain, Bill Brohn and Nicholas Hytner (I think Hytner was there, anywah.) That show legitimately changed my life in ways that extended beyond the theatre. It has been difficult learning about some of the problematic pieces, specifically "Bui Doi", though I genuinely believe that was in part a translation issue. But it was also in part because they failed to have advisors specifically from Vietnamese culture to consult with. (Or if they did they were not retained for long enough. Also, there was the initial yellow face and attempt to alter the eye shape of Jonathan Pryce which was a bridge WAY TOO FAR. Imagine a production attempting that now. *shudder*) But beyond the problems, beyond the heartfelt introduction to theatre for so many younger folks, I can recall a vast number of Vietnam vets who for the most part attended in groups who managed to work through some grief, reach some points of catharsis that they'd been bottling up for decades. (Also, do you know that during the first couple/few nights of of previews, Kim didn't go behind the curtain she has used ever since. That shot occurred in full view of the audience, and it did NOT play well. There's taking your audience to the climax that is followed by intense grief and for those who catch it, hope, but watching her do it was too much. They could have dropped the curtain then as I'm sure very few if any heard another word that was spoken, caught a single glance of the minimal action (the single place where the hope I mentioned can be derived). Annnnnnd I'm realizing this is ridiculously long and may include a history lesson you didn't sign up for. I'll leave it just in case; apparently I was feel nostalgic.

[@jkentan]

It will probably interest you (if haven't yet) to watch the song that changed my life (it's available in youtube cut into 4 parts).

[@jeremyhelquist]

I was lucky enough to see her in Miss Saigon on Broadway!! The musical, in my opinion, is so underrated.

[@dannysimion]

@@jeremyhelquist oh man! Awesome!! While I love her in Les Miserables, I discovered her in Miss Saigon and it has a more impactful storyline for me.

[@jeremyhelquist]

@@dannysimion they both have amazing music and stories, but Les Mis is always going to be tops for me. 😂

[@katherineb4042]

I'm surprised that Michael Crawford in the Phantom of the Opera wasn't included, even as an honorable mention. His portrayal of the title character is arguably a large part of what has made this Broadway's longest running musical.

[@13blackcatzzz]

Same with Sarah.

[@kristashafer93098]

I was surprised too. He was incredible!

[@henriklindholm7007]

I prefer the kinder, gentler rendition of the role that Colm Wilkinson started

[@evelynmarks2212]

Definitely Michael Crawford in Phantom. When he sings I get goosebumps. And Barbra should have been much further up on the list. She made Fannie.

[@DrexelGregory]

Thought he’d be #1

[@jacobferguson3108]

Shout out to Kristin Chenowith for Glinda. The way she hits her high notes is perfect

[@bellaknightR597]

Ikr I only want to see Wicked if She and Idina Menzel are the stars but I can't

[@doylesgirl73]

Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean should have been on the list. He set the standard and his version of Bring Him Home is prefection.

[@yeoldewomynofportlandorego6905]

I AGREE

[@lumiere85]

Ethel Merman as Mama Rose. Still the most iconic performance. Mention musical theatre to a non musical lover and that’s what comes to their mind. Also, Micheal Crawford as The Phantom.

[@LeatherDaddyAndy]

I was thinking this too - she should have at least gotten an honorable mention.

[@pugs144]

Missing from this list as well as history is the great Paul Robeson doing “Old Man River” from Showboat. He was a true renaissance man who is not remembered as he should be. His rendition of the song will bring tears to your eyes.

[@kristashafer93098]

Not even an Honorable Mention for the brilliant Michael Crawford in The Phantom of the Opera?? This man won audience and critical acclaim for his masterful performance, and received every award a musical theatre star can win! Plus it was after his final stint as Erik that he was awarded the Order of the British Empire.

[@kirstym.]

Damn agreed Michal Crawford was masterful in the role. Sadly i never got to see him (as i wasnt born) as Erik but I've heard his music of the night and it gives me chills

[@giomediaworks]

Jennifer Holliday rightfully number one! She took the 80s by storm with Dreamgirls. I don't think a Broadway audience has ever responded to a performance the way did to hers as Effie White. And I'm Telling You and the underrated I Am Changing had people cheering, crying , on their feet for minutes.

[@Sapphire295]

Only the color purple, I'm here by Cynthia erivo comes close.....

[@sunnyangiebeenestork1899]

YES! Show-stopping song with a show-stopping performance!

[@Michael-gf8pf]

Being in that theater and breathing the same are as Miss Holliday was spellbinding. I have never forgotten that performance. I saw her a few years later touring in Sing Mahalia, Sing! Which was to go to Broadway. She was perfect to play Mahalia Jackson.

[@paultrumble8110]

Jennifer Holliday I agree

[@sallysmith7242]

Agreed. As someone who has seen just about every musical in the last 30 years, Holliday’s performance is the most memorable & fantastic.

[@patricedecourcy4505]

Well, Streisand's talent is just enormous. Beautiful sound of her voice plus her amazing technique plus her acting - what a great combination.

[@jessicaayre543]

I deffos feel like she should be higher up on the list 😄

[@jc4373]

Your number 1 pick is exactly right! After seeing over 400 Broadway shows during my Life so far, this has to be the best.

[@ukuleleeddie1953]

I think Streisand’s Fanny Brice is by far more iconic than the other 9 placed above her. Her performance and the role have certainly inspired many generations of performers to start performing careers.

[@stevenkoretski4288]

Yes, I agree. It also took 50 years for someone else to attempt the role because Streisand's interpretation is so iconic. The revival star has not been able to match the impact that the original "Funny Girl" had. Sorry, but the count down seems biased.

[@ProgressiveSolutions]

Not just iconic - without her that show would have flopped. The book is meh, the music far below Jule Styne's best, and the lyrics are dreadful.

[@michaelmanus7765]

Truly one of the silliest lists. You were not around for some of the greatest plays (in their day) and the music that sold sheet music or some with songs that ended up on the radio. You would need to go back to early days of Broadway as well and see some amazing performances.

[@charlesoshea4803]

I have been blessed and fortunate to see many first run Broadway shows since 1969, when I saw "1776" with William Daniels as John Adams. Only once have I been in a theatre where the show literally stopped- a show stopper- in mid show after a song: Jennifer Holiday in Dreamgirls. Unforgettable.

[@uwsgrrrl9981]

I saw Evita with Patty Lupone. When she sang “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”, I was blown away. Lea Salonga in Miss Saigon. I don’t remember the song, but most of the women were crying.

[@MegHammil]

Angela Lansbury in Mame, Robert Preston in The Music Man, Colm Wilkinson in Les Mis. Also Julie Andrews is honorable mention to no one. She belongs in the top 10. Anyone else who attempts these roles lives with the legacy of those before them.

[@SusanSloate]

Ethel Merman isn't mentioned ONCE? Seriously? Not for ANNIE GET YOUR GUN or ANYTHING GOES or GYPSY? Not ONCE? She's considered one of the most important Broadway musical stars ever. I'm stunned that didn't get a single mention!!

[@queenofzen6187]

Agree!!!

[@fredrika27]

These lists aren't made for baby boomers and Gen Xers, who would actually KNOW the artists and history of the theater. I noticed that many of these lists are lacking because the people making them don't know their history or were born during the artists' heyday!

[@TomIdelson]

You are so right!

[@tristan90us]

I saw Merman in Annie Get Your Gun.

[@chinavaughan6383]

Totally agree!😯

[@susanvaughan4210]

Betty Buckley's "Memory" from "Cats", or Ethel Merman's "Everything's Coming Up Roses" from "Gypsy".

[@muhltrayneify]

Thank you for including Audra M as Sarah in Ragtime. I saw the original production in Toronto and the cast album still sends shivers up my spine.

[@katiefrankie6]

I was calmly doing my homework on a Saturday night in college, listening to “Showtunes Saturday Night,” when Audra McDonald burst through my radio. I’d never heard of “Ragtime” until that moment. I don’t think I’ve ever quite recovered from hearing her voice!

[@jandreidrn]

No mention of Carol Channing as Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly? Really? She returned to that roll for multiple decades!

[@stevefreedman470]

A true legend...I had seen Carol in Dolly and she was AMAZING! SHE WAS DOLLY LEVI!

[@TomIdelson]

You are so so right!

[@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ]

She is so iconic! Even though I don't like Hello Dolly, she's amazing!

[@kennethwayne6857]

No mention of Rex Harrison in 'Fair Lady', Robert Preston in 'Music Man' or Yul Brynner in 'King and I'. Granted, those were a long time ago, but they all did the films (thankfully) so we can all still enjoy them. Also, I would rate Gwen Verdon and Julie Andrews at much higher than an honourable mention, but that's just my not-so-humble opinion.

[@kplobat2]

I saw Bryner as the King ..... in the mid 80s before he died .... just incredible.... the 1st sight of him ... fists on his hips legs spread .... the applause went on and on almost 5 minutes easily ... he didn't move a muscle.... similar for Shall We Dance and his curtain call .... it was electric. And there should be others on this list: ... Robert Preston, Rex Harrison and Stanley Holloway, George Rose (saw him as the Major General... awsome) , Zero Mostel (hello 3 Tonys to his credit) , Richard Keily , Stubby Kaye (introduced 3 or 4 showstoppers between Guys and Dolls and Li'l Abner) and Vivian Blaine, Robert Alda (a very nice talented guy), Sam Levene .... David Burns ..... Merman, Martin, Bea Lillie ... so many many more ... I think they need to really research great BWay performances .... There was a pre-Disney BWay .... the 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s where some actors spent their entire careers on the BWay stage or mostly ... Larry Kurt (what a great Tony in WSS) ... Carol Channing .... and these performers didn't have a mic taped to their heads either.

[@TomIdelson]

YES to everything you wrote! x

[@dianaaljadeff2983]

They talked only about the more recent performances or those that were after the síxties. They didnt name Mary Martin in South Pacific Ethel Merman in Gypsy Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady Robert Preston and Barbara Cook in The Music Man and Barbara in She loves me John Raitt in Carousel Alfred Drake in Kismet and Kiss Me Kate Gwen Verdon in Sweet Charity and Damn Yankees Michael Crawford in The Phantom of the opera Carol Channing in Hello Dolly Yul Brynner in The King and I Richard Kiley in The Man of La Mancha and many more. But for Miss Mojo the musicals started in.the sixties forgetting many years before

[@scottyarbour2570]

Just gotta say that Elaine Paige as Grizabella should be on here, and if that an actor was ever born for a role… Colm Wilkinson was born to play Jean Valjean. Iconic

[@brucecoleman4228]

She is a West End performer not a Broadway Performer. Might be why she is not here.

[@Cyberlucy]

@@brucecoleman4228 Yes Betty Buckley in Cats

[@sojournertruth9844]

@@Cyberlucy 💯 Betty was my favorite, and her vocals on "Memory" are effortless and unmatched.

[@TomIdelson]

Yes!!

[@sharonmuldrew5404]

I came into the comments just to see if anyone thought it was odd not to include Ms. Buckley.

[@heatherr0420]

I haven't had many trips to broadway, it was always was a little pricey for me, but damn it, this just inspires me to figure out a way to maybe go at least a couple times a year. And anybody who has the opportunity to see any Broadway show or play should take it. If you've never been, it's like nothing else. And who didn't guess Jennifer Holiday would be number one? I listen to and watch old performances of her singing and it brings me chills every damn time

[@lowr1000]

" Dream Girls" was the first musical I had ever seen at 17 . I'm from Houston. Jennifer Holidays hometown. The show was complete magic . I've never forgotten. The big I'm telling you.. closed the first act ..after wave after wave of standing ovations people kept their seats..not in bar being seen..we were all just that egear for more!!!

[@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ]

What's your favorite song from dream girls?

[@Ash-dt8qy]

Barbra is one of a kind I remember my gran showing me Funny girl and I was hooked. My daughters bedtime song was People. She was 3 and singing Don't rain on my parade

[@pottergoose]

BIG performances missing from list Michael crawford- phantom Ethel merman- Gypsy Colm Wilkinson- Les mis Fantastic list but these three should at least have been in honorable mentions

[@kisameherman708]

Me: Sees Jennifer Holiday in thumbnail. Me: Instantly clicks.

[@Philip-de-la-Torre-Senior]

I would have thought that Melba Moore in Purlie would have found a place on this list. She had some show stopping songs and got a Tony for her role in Purlie. It was icing on the cake. What a breathtaking voice!

[@Thisismyusername227]

yesssss

[@mimivance5119]

Stephanie Mills as Dorothy in The Wiz. Her version of When I Think of Home is phenomenal.

[@stevefreedman470]

I agree...Stephanie Mills was AMAZING!

[@stephaniemills_fanpage]

PREACH!!!

[@sojournertruth9844]

AGREED!

[@da1kid101]

Tell it

[@TomIdelson]

Yes!

[@crazysingergirl5777]

They really should have done this in 2 parts: 10 best female performances and 10 best male performances. There were only 2 males on this list which meant we missed out on Colm Wilkinson, Michael Crawford, Mandy Patinkin (I know he was on the list, but his role in The Secret Garden was stellar as well), Tim Curry, and others.

[@LJB103]

How about the actor who was originally just the co-star before becoming the star when the original female star died (Gertrude Lawrence): Yul Brenner as King Mongkut in The King and I?

[@JoeLinnMN]

Hugh Jackman was amazing in The Boy from Oz. He was almost never offstage, singing and dancing the whole time. He did improvisational interactions with the audience that felt welcoming rather than embarrassing.

[@claudiadibene211]

Wait.. HE WAS IN WHAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@IslesYankeeLady]

I saw it 3 times. It’s super close, but it doesn’t top these. There’s a ton of great stuff that’d make top 20-50.

[@scarlettina710]

Colm Wilkinson: Jean Valjean. I saw Colm Wilkinson when Les Mis came to Broadway. He had so much charisma that you could barely see anyone else on stage each time he walked on, and "Bring Him Home" brought the house down. It was absolutely stunning; gave me chill after chill. I've seen a lot of Broadway and it was like nothing I've ever seen before or since.

[@erinlizzie09]

Bernadette Peters is the best! I love her.

[@ebaluran]

I am sooooooo glad my forever love Lea Salonga got recognized! YASSS QUEEN!!!

[@jeffbatdorf]

I saw Lea in Miss Siagon in 1991 at the Drury Lane in London. Blew me away! I'm also glad she got recognized.

[@HaleyRadiant]

Underrated shoutout to Christy Altomare as Anastasia! Just seeing her in show clips always gets me in the feels! & she really is a real life princess from also seeing her interact w/ fans & of course playing Anya for as long as she did! Definitely one of my favorite performances from Broadway ever! ☺️💖💜👑

[@j.michaelbrounoff6129]

Startling omissions: Alfred Drake in "Kiss Me Kate," Robert Preston in "The Music Man," Rex Harrison in "My Fair Lady," Carol Channing in "Hello Dolly," and--drum rolllllll--Ethel Merman in "Gypsy."

[@joshuachukwudi3013]

Cynthia Erivo's version of I'm here from the musical Color Purple is evergreen. I was blown away by her performance

[@Kaikenp]

Cynthis Erivo in The Color Purple? There's a clip of her at the beginning but not even an honorable mention. Her singing I'm Here gives me chills.

[@JeremiahRN]

I saw her on Broadway twice in The Color Purple; she was incredible and brought me to tears both times, I’m ecstatic she’s playing Elphaba in the movie version of Wicked!

[@olvialee7221]

From Jennifer Holiday to Jennifer Hudson. I had no idea she played Effie White at the age of 21. Talk about the girl of the hour

[@erinlizzie09]

Julie Andrews will always be queen to me.💗

[@kitkat1999]

Thank You!!!! Cannot believe she was only an honorable mention.

[@marvinrosenthal6158]

Ethel Merman isn't even merited with an honorable mention. She had many iconic Broadway performances.

[@trinaq]

I'd forget that Angela Lansbury was the original Mrs Lovett on Broadway. Having been accustomed to Helena Bonham Carter's portrayal, Lansbury certainly made Lovett all the more sinister while presenting a cheery exterior.

[@stecky87]

Emma Thompson did a version more recently that was also fantastic

[@sparklemotion101ni3]

Patti. Playing the tuba. Please never mention that horrible movie version of "Sweeney" again.

[@patylombard6991]

Christine Ebersole in GREY GARDENS gave the most brilliant Tony Award winning musical performance I have ever seen. Ranks with the BEST of all time.

[@olvialee7221]

I was blown away by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s performance as Alexander Hamilton. Having a founder member doing rap is a genius creative idea. Ever since that musical, I love his work in Disney’s Moana, Encanto and Sony Animation’s Vivo on Netflix

[@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ]

aLeXaNdEr hAmiLtOn!! 😂

[@Miss_Camel]

lol I know “Cats” is weird, but like…Betty Buckley doing “Memory”? Ticket and album sales alone should qualify her

[@karenk3043]

I was torn between Peter Pan and South Pacific for Mary Martin. Richard Kiley in Man of la Mancha would be my number one. Larry Kert in Westside Story, Ben Vereen in Pippin, amazing! As for Chicago, it was Gwen Verdon who mesmerized me.

[@IslesYankeeLady]

I’m too young to have seen it but most people won’t know/remember who Richard Kiley is. I buy he should be on the list. And Ben Vereen too. Although I’m loathe to support him these days. It’s arguable to do like, 4 of these lists, and go by era based on what was the ideal. 1920ish-1945, 45-70, 70-95, 95-Present. Does the performance have to be considered the greatest just then? Or stand the test of time? Peter Pan is so problematic. South Pacific arguably is too, and I know it was trying to address racism. But Bloody Mary can still be a stereotype unless one is really careful. Something like Showboat was historically HUGE, but the times mean it’s looked at so differently. Rightfully so. Actually, Paul Robeson arguably belongs here. I wish he’d been able to sing what he wanted though. Such a beautiful voice.

[@kplobat2]

@@IslesYankeeLady just listen to the original BWay albums.... Keily was awesome... I unfortunately saw a replacement as Don Q ....

[@arrow_of_ravenclaw5155]

Carol Burnett as Winnifred. I’m in the show and it’s always her performance we hold as the great Winnifred

[@chrisv.h.2307]

This is cool and a tough list! I'll give a shout out to Elaine Stritch in Company.

[@olvialee7221]

30: I love Idina Menzel as Elphaba in Wicked! She is my favorite actress. I saw this when I was 8 and still love it

[@bestnameeverf]

She did a small concert in my hometown when I was in hs and she was super nice! I kept seeing if Taye would be there too lol. No luck.

[@pawdaw]

Donna Murphy as Fosca in Sondheim's Passion. Unforgettable. Heartbreaking.

[@sschimel]

Ethel Merman as Mama Rose? Or Reno Sweeney? Mary Martin in The Sound of Music? John Raitt in Carousel? Helen Morgan in Show Boat? Gene Kelly in Pal Joey? Nell Carter in Ain't Misbehavin'?

[@TheDramaDorks]

Glenn Close as Norma Desmond should have at the very least been an honourable mention.

[@jhorgeneestiller9684]

My gosh, MICHAEL CRAWFORD as PHANTOM OF THE OPERA created the longest running Broadway and West End musicals. COLM WILKINSON as JEAN VALJEAN in LES MISERABLES. Don't forget the great GLENN CLOSE as NORMA DESMOND in SUNSET BOULEVARD. Then YUL BRYNER in THE KING AND I was so legendary and so iconic he played the role till his late years, actually until his death, and won the Tony and the Oscar for the same role. The original Annie singing Tomorrow is so unforgettable.

[@PeBoVision]

Another comprehensive compilation of stunning stage performances, from the Ladies of Mojo. I could go on to list my all time favourites, but it would max out the KZbin message length several times over, so I'll just give my thanks for your list.

[@margochristensen6359]

I was fortunate to see Patti Lupone in Evita. She was remarkably brilliant. The musical requires an enormous amount of physical energy dancing and singing throughout the show. Her voice is admirable. It is my most memorable theatre experience. Brava ms. Lupone.

[@Danae333333333333]

This video despairly needs a part 2! There are do many performers left out and that's unfair!

[@williamboyle9752]

Very few men on that list. I wonder whether that's because the best roles in musicals are written for women. I would add Joel Grey in Cabaret and Dean Jones in Company--and I'd upgrade Zero Mostel from Honorable Mention.

[@Cyberlucy]

I was shocked to find musicals from prior to 1980 on this list. You must be finally checking out classics from the old days. Missing however from here is Mary Martin in Sound of Music, Richard Kiley in Man of La Mancha, Yul Brenner in the King and I, Alfred Drake in Kismet, Robert Preston in the Music Man, Carol Channing in Hello Dolly, Michael Crawford in The Phantom of the Opera, Betty Buckley in Cats, Colm Wilkinson in Les Miserable, Ethel Merman in Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy. You really need to start reading and watching histories of Broadway.

[@roannleonard7899]

Jennifer Hallidays performance is one of the best things I've ever heard. I almost forget to breathe when I listen/watch.

[@lesliematteis8010]

Amen!!!!

[@scoopiano]

They really should have you do these lists. Spot on

[@amikireicraftstore]

I know you showed it but: BILLY PORTER AS LOLA. That was astonishing in every sense of the world. I love Patty LuPone, I wanna be her when I grow up hahaha And Sutton Foster in Anything Goes!!! That is for sure missing, well, Sutton Foster in anything she does. And Anthony Rapp as Mark in Rent, if that is not iconic, I don't know what is.

[@adinaconn3517]

As others have mentioned, I think it’s horribly remiss not to have included Colm Wilkinson as Jean Val Jean. He was absolutely iconic in that role, and his voice is hauntingly and poignantly suited. Albeit Les Miz did not begin as the Broadway sensation as predicted. It has, however, become legendary. Additionally, Elaine Stritch for her role in “Company,” should have been included. Her rendition of “The Ladies Who Lunch,” is inimitable and absolutely unforgettable. Anyone who knows the history of American musical theater would give that nod to Stritch. Crawford in “Phantom,” is certainly worth a mention. And both Betty Buckley and Glen Close were iconic in “Sunset Boulevard.”

[@swaggmaster9000]

I am OBSESSED with these broadway countdown videos! Please keep them coming!

[@Michael-gf8pf]

I saw all but Barbra Streisand on Broadway! I have seen her in the Funny Girl film! Great list! I agree with them all.

[@MsMojo]

Yes! Thank you!

[@mauraorcini7654]

Barbra Streisand is my favorite she is a legend

[@mystikceleste]

Michael Crawford in Phantom, for sure. Also Jeremy Jordan as Jack Kelly! Side note, his version of Don’t Rain On My Parade is phenomenal! If they ever did a gender bent version of Funny Girl, he would be perfect.

[@nemorogers2290]

I feel that I have something to say about the Audra McDonald ‘Billie Holiday’ performance. First time hearing it; Spot. On. Although the vibrato and almost drunken swing of Holiday’s voice is missing to pack that punch, which was also Holiday’s attitude and sultry way of moving with the music, what an amazing job McDonald did for this role!

[@milliemouse6525]

When I saw Audra McDonald on tv, I thought, 'She's a pretty girl,' and THEN I heard her sing one time. Knock me over!!! She is SOOOO amazing and has the awards to prove it 🙂!

[@erinlizzie09]

Jennifer Holiday's version of And I'm telling you is the best! No one cam top it.

[@eduardochavacano]

A girl named Charice beat Jennifer Holiday.

[@julianadams5311]

@Eduardo Viajero Heck no

[@sandra-jones]

@@eduardochavacano care to put that to a vote?

[@heroxzq1263]

@@eduardochavacano lol you trippin

[@wmg93]

Basically "ten clips I could find on KZbin". Where is Gertrude Lawrence (Lady in the Dark), Ethel Merman (Annie Get Your Gun), Barbra Cook (Candide), Barbara Harris (The Apple Tree)?

[@LJB103]

Jennifer Holliday deserves to be #1 for this performance. She got her lucky break when Nell Carter chose "Give Me a Break" on television over playing Effie on Broadway. I can hear Carter in my mind, but I would have liked to hear her live. It's the same for an iconic movie role: In my mind, I can hear Claudette Colbert as Margo Channing (cast in the role but ruptured a disc and had to pass on it) saying "Fasten your seatbelts; it's gonna be a bumpy night."

[@showtunestarpower]

How could you not include Ethel Merman singing EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSES, ROSES TURN, I GET A KICK OUT OF YOU, or THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS? (Take your pick.). From 1931 to 1970, Ethel Merman ruled the stage.

[@kidkrowtaylor.ৎ]

Everything's Coming Up Roses

[@JS-bd5kf]

I would have thought Ethel Merman would at least get honorable mention for Gypsy. Wasn't she the original Broadway Belter?

[@greatfilmmaker]

One of the few times I TOTALLY COMPLETELY UNDOUBTEDLY!!AGREE!!

[@billysblues4678]

What a joke! There are some great performances in here, but come on.....the 10 most Iconic??? How about Ethel Merman, Carol Channing, Sutton Foster, Kelly O'Hara, Liza Minnelli, Hugh Jackman, Shirley Jones, Alfred Drake, Janice Page, John Raitt, Tommy Tune, Laura Osnes, etc. - the list goes on and on........

[@tevinklyce8710]

Cry baby

[@philcordova]

Elaine Paige, Memory, Cats. Sarah Brightman, Phantom of the Opera, Phantom of the Opera. Ben Platt, You Will Be Found, Dear Evan Hanson

[@chinavaughan6383]

Oh, how I wish I had the opportunity to see these incredible performances performed live (thanks to my wonderful nephew, I did get to see Hamilton on stage when the family visited him in Brooklyn, NY🥰)

[@GSchulman]

You played a clip in the beginning but Cynthia Erivo in The Color Purple is the best performance I’ve seen in my entire life

[@kermitTHEdinosaur93]

There's a few others I can think of: .James Monroe Iglehart as the Genie in Disney's Aladdin .Ethan Slater as Spongebob in Spongebob: The Musical .Sierra Boggess as Ariel in The Little Mermaid: The Musical .Susan Egan as Belle in Beauty and the Best .The entire cast of Hamilton and Wicked .Ben Platt as Evan Hansen in the original brodway cast of Dear Evan Hansen .Sara Ramierz as the Lady of the Lake from Spamalot

[@ellenmraz4635]

Raúl Esparza as Bobby in Company. Being Alive performed by him is moving.

[@louisemoore7715]

Rosalind Russell as Auntie Mame was unforgettable.

[@erinlizzie09]

I will never forget the first time I saw Mrs. Barbara in Funny girl. I was fourteen and I looked at my mom and said "I want to do that!" I wish I could, but alas, I don't have that voice.

[@jordannickel-dubin9851]

Now we’ve seen Beanie….I think anyone can play Fanny. :/

[@williambrown7191]

These are some very wonderful performances, but I heartily disagree with Jennifer Holliday, who I think is an excellent Honorable Mention. Several Honorable Mentions should be in the top ten, especially Julie Andrews and Zero Mostel. Who is glaringly missing from ths list is Robert Preston for the Music Man. But then, since the list is heavily oriented toward post year 2000 performaces, why should I wonder.

[@aimeekessell5022]

Heavily oriented to post 2000? Um. I think the only post-2000 shows in this list was Wicked and Hamilton. But there are many missing performers. The fact that neither Sarah Brightman or Michael Crawford were at least honorably mentioned for The Phantom of the Opera is shocking. Or Colm Wilkinson in Les Mis.

[@cristinavalentegri]

My number one would definetely be Carol Channing in "Hello Dolly"! It's a shame she wasn't even mentioned...

[@vlera8447]

Not mentioned because she couldn't sing or dance.

[@cristinavalentegri]

@@vlera8447 Ms. Channing is part of Broadway history, with great contributions such as "Gentlemem Prefer Blondes" and "Hello Dolly". I bet, in a career of 60 plus years, many audiencies could prove her many talents, especially as an actress and entertainer.

[@poetcomic1]

I must be out of it, but that was the STRANGEST selection of top tens in musical theater EVER.

[@suchisthismystery2814]

Streisand is in a league of her own.

[@jacktaggart2489]

Gwen Verdon in "Sweet Charity", Ethel Merman in "Annie Get Your Gun", Carol Channing in "Hello Dolly", and many more of that caliber were not even mentioned in your list.

[@cka2nd]

Well, you redeemed yourselves with some of the honorable mentions (Zero, Mary Martin), although completely leaving out Ethel Merman's Mama Rose is unforgivable. I'd also nominate Alfred Drake in Oklahoma! (though it's more of an ensemble piece than Kiss Me, Kate), John Raitt in Carousel (especially his "Soliloquy"), Richard Kiley in Man of La Mancha (is there a more heroic role?) and Carol Channing in Hello Dolly!, even though she was capably replaced in the role by almost every big aging singing star still around in the 60's and 70's. Channing's Dolly just screams Broadway musical like maybe no other role. Now, if we were talking about iconic Broadway performances in a straight play, we might have to start and stop the list with Laurette Taylor's "Amanda Wingfield" in The Glass Menagerie. I cannot tell you how green with envy I turned when my mother casually mentioned that she had seen that performance.

[@sweeta1250]

Omg Jeremy you are Wickedly Amazing 👏 Wicked is my favorite musical💚You aced it 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@geraldineclarke5434]

Well, I saw two of these on stage. Thanks for bringing up great memories. But I would add two others that I also saw: Alfred Drake in Kismet and Tammy Grimes in The Unsinkable Molly Brown - ABSOLUTELY UNFORGETTABLE!

[@rubygracemoseley8144]

I'm very surprised Michael Crawford in Phantom of the Opera isn't on here but I did really like this list

[@IamPam_Iswear]

Jennifer Holiday still gives me goosebumps when I hear her sing that song. Shudders. Insane.

[@LaLayla99]

I would have given an honorable mention to Sutton Foster in "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

[@IslesYankeeLady]

Eh. She’s absurdly talented, but iconic all time? Not quite this list. I did see it. But that part isn’t really unique enough. Give her an average lead Broadway role, and she’ll kill it. I’ve seen her in 5 different shows. All just a bit too similar. I’m being hard on her because she’s almost too consistent for her own good.

[@grown-upactress4155]

Angela Lansbury live in Sweeney Todd was good in a super-human way.

[@crashvds777]

Honorable mentions for Michael Crawford Ethel Murman Jeremy Jordan

[@Ann12681]

How can you talk about the best performances when you exclude the great performances of the golden age of musicals , the 30s, 40s and 50s.

[@cryspbacon]

jennifer holiday’s voice terrifies me. how can someone be that talented & still have their voice intact?

[@TomIdelson]

Absolutely agree with your well researched list (though I might have changed the order)!!! I would also mention Ethel Merman's Rose since it changed theatre for ever (and because she is the 1st lady of Bway), and Sutton Foster's Millie..

[@shaliseshaw9385]

Betty Buckley singing Memory in Cats, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, The Phantom of The Opera, Avenue Q, Sunset Boulevard, If/Then, A Little Night Music, and other musicals should've been on the list. 🗽🎶🎶🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎻🎸🎺🎷🎹🎫🎟️🎭

[@Ninafan68]

Mmmm, I agree. Betty Buckley is so wonderful in everything she does. I think she should have been bigger name, at the level of Glen Close.

[@beaellie9766]

@@Ninafan68 Have you heard of her reputation?

[@Ninafan68]

@@beaellie9766 No, what about it?

[@beaellie9766]

@@Ninafan68 Her reputation offstage may have played a part in her not being a "bigger" name. She is HUGELY talented...

[@Ninafan68]

@@beaellie9766 Well, she can't be worse that Patti Lupone. Lupone is a nutcase : screaming at the top of her lungs at the public because they don't behave the way that she likes. Why is that witch still there? With her husky, forced voice and abrasive personnality, I don't understand what is her appeal.

[@What_Makes_Climate_Tick]

There are a lot to choose from. The first few seconds of the video made a nod to Billy Porter in Kinky Boots. Ethel Merman in Gypsy and/or Annie Get Your Gun might have made the list. Or Robert Preston in The Music Man. I was tempted to say that so many of the shows mentioned in the video and the comments really focus on one character,. But actually not so: Hamilton and Into the Woods in particular are ensemble cast shows.

[@carsonbierman2873]

Heather Headley in Aida and more recently as the Witch in Into the Woods, unmatchable

[@Thisismyusername227]

yessss

[@olvialee7221]

Honestly, if you added more, I’d agree a hundred percent