Photo credit: www.broadwayworld.com
Broadway Legends Reflect on Their Iconic Roles in New York Magazine
In an enchanting collaboration, 29 Broadway luminaries, including notable figures such as Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, and André De Shields, are revisiting their most celebrated performances in a special feature for the latest issue of New York Magazine. This annual Yesteryear issue celebrates the enduring legacies of these artists as they share personal insights and memorable moments from their time on stage.
The feature spotlights a remarkable range of performances, allowing each star to reflect on significant roles, such as:
– Barbra Streisand on Fanny Brice in Funny Girl
– Patti LuPone on Eva Perón in Evita
– Joel Grey on the Emcee in Cabaret
– Donna McKechnie on Cassie in A Chorus Line
– André De Shields on the Wiz in The Wiz
– Nathan Lane on Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls
– Bebe Neuwirth on Velma Kelly in Chicago
– Liza Minnelli on Herself in Liza With a “Z”
– Jeffrey Wright on Lincoln in Topdog / Underdog
– Mandy Patinkin on George in Sunday in the Park With George
– Audra McDonald on Madam Rose in Gypsy
– Betty Buckley on Grizabella in Cats
– Matthew Broderick on Eugene Morris Jerome in Brighton Beach Memoirs
– Harvey Fierstein on Arnold Beckoff in Torch Song Trilogy
– Mary-Louise Parker on Catherine in Proof
– Tommy Tune on Billy Buck Chandler in My One and Only
– Whoopi Goldberg on Fontaine in Whoopi Goldberg
– Rita Moreno on Googie Gomez in The Ritz
– Lin-Manuel Miranda on Usnavi in In the Heights
– Lea Salonga on Kim in Miss Saigon
– Estelle Parsons on Miss Margarida in Miss Margarida’s Way
– Bernadette Peters on Sondheim’s Women in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends
– William Daniels on John Adams in 1776
– Joanna Gleason on the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods
– Andrea McArdle and Sarah Jessica Parker on Annie in Annie
– Cherry Jones on Sister Aloysius in Doubt
– Idina Menzel on Maureen in Rent
– Dick Van Dyke on Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie
In her reflection, Barbra Streisand remarks on her journey portraying Fanny Brice, stating, “People say success changes you, but I think it just makes you more of who you are. I’m still the same person I was then — a combination of confidence and insecurity.” This introspection emphasizes the complexity of identity amidst fame.
Liza Minnelli also shared her thoughts on her Broadway debut in Liza With A “Z”, noting, “It gave me an opportunity for people to know me outside of my parents and outside of Sally Bowles. I didn’t have hit records, but Liza With a ‘Z’ gave me the equivalent of multiple hits.” This highlights her desire for personal recognition beyond familial associations.
Additionally, for Audra McDonald, portraying Rose in the revival of Gypsy holds deep personal meaning. She expressed, “Rose is an amalgam of so many women in my life, in my ancestry — I’m not saying any of them are as extreme as Rose, but that fierce love, loyalty, determination that your children are going to have better than you had, especially coming through a Black lens.” This statement underscores the representation of diverse narratives within the arts.
For those interested in exploring this rich tapestry of theatrical history and personal experience, the full profile featuring interviews and captivating photographs is available here. Readers can also find print copies in the April 7, 2025 issue of New York Magazine.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com