OBC. What does is it mean to you? After a quick Google search, I found that OBC means a lot of things to the rest of the world… “Oriental Bank of Commerce”… “Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry”… “Ohio Basketball Club”… and a bunch of other things that would probably put theater people to sleep. Nope, in the theater community, OBC means something much more important (obviously). It’s the “Original Broadway Cast” and it’s all we seem to care about. After the originals leave, shows settle in for a healthy run with endless replacements, and we tend to lose interest
How unfortunate.
Truth is, replacements can be a wonderful thing. Some of my favorite experiences on Broadway have been thanks to brilliant performances by Broadway replacements. They rejuvenate the show, and keep everybody else on their toes, actually acting. They’re under-appreciated. So, let’s celebrate them! Here are my Top Ten Broadway Replacements…
10)Adam Pascal: Pascal’s voice might be one of the most iconic on Broadway. From Rent to Aida, his unique sound has graced many a musical. But, when Pascal took over Huey from Chad Kimball in Memphis, he showed a whole new side. The slick and smooth Pascal we love was gone, and his “hick” was on full display. Still, he completely made the role his own, and won over the crowds instantaneously. Impressive.
9)Beth Leavel: I adore Beth Leavel. If you don’t, you’re just wrong. She is endlessly versatile, yet constantly original, and has replaced in numerous shows. For me, most memorable is her turn as Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein. Andrea Martin was brilliant, but Leavel brought her signature quirkiness to the role, and I truly believed that “he vas her boyfriend.”
8) Matt Doyle: Matt Doyle recently stepped into The Book of Mormon as Elder Price, a role that earned Andrew Rannells a Tony nod. To say he holds his own is an understatement. Doyle brings a lovable warmth to the role that makes it impossible to hate Elder Price, even when Jesus does.
7) Faith Prince: Though I didn’t see it, I heard Prince’s take on Ursula in The Little Mermaid was deliciously evil. But, I’m anxious to see her next “villian”… Miss Hannigan! Prince is the latest replacement in the Annie revival, and it’s casting genius! If you’re not familiar with Prince, you better do your homework on Guys and Dolls! She’s hilarious, and I’m sure she’s bringing the house down in her attempt to eradicate little girls.
6)Nick Jonas: You’re probably as surprised to be reading this as I am to be writing it. But, my socks were sufficiently knocked off when Jonas took over How to Succeed from Darren Criss. Jonas proved that growing up on Broadway can teach you some invaluable chops for your adult life. I hope to see him on the boards again soon.
5) Marin Mazzie: Alice Ripley. Gotta love her, and her performance in Next to Normal is hard to describe. Let’s just say she deserved the Tony. But Marin Mazzie came in, and blew it out of the water. Her take on Diana was played more externally than Ripley, but this brought a fresh new life to the musical’s final weeks on Broadway.
4) Charlotte D’Amboise: If you’ve seen Pippin, you’ve gawked at her “Spread a Little Sunshine” dance break. D’Amboise has been around a while, and her triple-threat talent has captivated audiences in everything from A Chorus Line to Carrie. But most will argue that she will forever be their favorite Roxie Hart. And why not? Few people can dance Fosse the way she can, and her enticing charisma is just the Razzle Dazzle that makes Chicago shine.
3) Harvey Fierstein: Fierstein might be a great writer, but nothing beats when he returns to the stage. His 2011 turn as Zaza in his own show, La Cage aux Folles, was one of the most memorable performances of my theater-going career. Between his impeccable comedic timing and his heart-wrenching depth, he was what he was, and that was perfection.
2) Sierra Boggess: Where do I even begin. Sierra Boggess is magic. I was lucky enough to view her first performance as Christine Daae for her run in the 25th Anniversary cast of Phantom of the Opera. It’s clear why Boggess was hand-picked by Cameron Mackintosh to step into the show. I’ve seen many a fantastic Christine, but Boggess’ performance was complete bliss.
1) Stephanie J. Block: Alright, she’s the queen. Or maybe the “Pirate Queen.” Regardless, Stephanie J. Block is replacement royalty. Whether it’s Idina Menzel or Sutton Foster, she doesn’t fill their shoes. She takes their shoes, throws them out, has the Kinky Boots company make her a better pair of shoes, and then struts her stuff. She reels in the fans, the self-proclaimed “Block-heads.” Yes folks, she’s that special. And who wasn’t thrilled beyond compare when she finally received a Tony nod this year for originating a role? Go Stephanie! After all that replacing, she better have many more Tony nominations heading her way soon. She’s earned it!
Photo via PopCrush
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