[dorydaryl]

Was watching some clips on You Tube the other day and, being a real fan of musical theatre, I got thinking about some of my favourite performers, past and present, from Broadway and the West End I'm thinking 'divas' in the context of women but if anyone replies to the thread, men are not excluded!

Has anyone else got particular memories or experiences they'd like to share?

Some of my favourites:

Angela Lansbury
Elaine Stritch
Patti LuPone
Bernadette Peters
Tyne Daly
Caroline O'Connor
Maria Friedman
Tracie Bennett (now making a name on Broadway and has been Tony nominated, as well as winning two Oliviers in the West End).

There are loads more but they are the ones that immediately come to mind.

Saw Patti Lupone in 'Sunset Boulevard' in the West End (twice) back in the early 'nineties. She was starring opposite John Barrowman, who is a bit of a diva, I guess (in the nicest way). They were both fantastic in the roles. I wrote to her to say how sorry I was that she didn't get to take it to LA and was replaced after being promised by ALW that she would get to do so. She sent me a lovely personal letter back, thanking me for my support. She's got a reputation for being feisty so I was quite touched.

Please feel free to chip in with your experiences, good and bad. Film musicals also count.

[21stCenturyBoy]

I have nothing to add aside from Patti Lupone is a brilliant, and frustratingly underrated, actress.

[dorydaryl]

Originally Posted by 21stCenturyBoy

I have nothing to add aside from Patti Lupone is a brilliant, and frustratingly underrated, actress.

Yep...and has a cracking sense of humour, if you read some of the stuff she comes out with

[comedy89]

Angela Lansbury is quoted as the first lady of musical theatre. 5 Tony awards from the 1960's to 2009 and still acting on broadway at 86. I am sure she will win a record breaking sixth tony award soon.

Suprised the Tony's have not awarded her with a lifetime achievement award. She has also hosted the Tony's more than anyone else.

The 2012 Tony's with Neil Patrick Harris hanging behind her like Spiderman was hillarious.

[Nyota]

As a theatre lover, I would give my right arm to see Angela Lansbury in something. The chances are getting slimmer by the day though, even though she's still working.

I think John Barrowman easily counts as a diva. He's had many, many leading roles over the years and is absolutely fantastic live.

If we're going the route of men-can-be-divas-too, I think Michael Ball is also worthy of a mention. I'm hoping to catch him in Sweeney Todd before he leaves.

[littlebooties]

Saw and met Lorna Luft. Amazing singer and very gracious and warm to those of us who stayed to ask for her autograph afterwards.

[dorydaryl]

Oh yes. La Minnelli and La Luft. The latter seems the more grounded of the two and comes across as lovely. I adore Liza's stuff, too. She takes after her mum, more (performance wise- looks, wise, Liza is her dad all over) whereas Lorna seems to have her own style. Some might disagree. Feel sad that Liza's had so many personal struggles, though.

Michael Ball and Neil Patrick Harris definitely contenders for male diva status. Mandy Patinkin and Johnathan Pryce, too. I can also remember the stir Michael Crawford created when he took on the Phantom role- so opposite to the Frank Spencer he was known for. I think he also did Barnum just before that, too, and was such a perfectionist his feet were raw and burned from all the tightrope walking. I've read in several sources that his drive for perfectionism can make him sometimes difficult to work for. Sweeney Todd with Michael Ball is looking great and I never realized Imelda Staunton had form in musicals. Her Mrs. Lovett is looking good.

Nyota, I've seen JB live, too. It was quite soon after my dad died and it just lifted me up so much. He was amazing.

[MrMarple]

Originally Posted by dorydaryl

Was watching some clips on You Tube the other day and, being a real fan of musical theatre, I got thinking about some of my favourite performers, past and present, from Broadway and the West End I'm thinking 'divas' in the context of women but if anyone replies to the thread, men are not excluded!

Has anyone else got particular memories or experiences they'd like to share?

Some of my favourites:

Angela Lansbury
Elaine Stritch
Patti LuPone
Bernadette Peters
Tyne Daly
Caroline O'Connor
Maria Friedman
Tracie Bennett (now making a name on Broadway and has been Tony nominated, as well as winning two Oliviers in the West End).

There are loads more but they are the ones that immediately come to mind.

Saw Patti Lupone in 'Sunset Boulevard' in the West End (twice) back in the early 'nineties. She was starring opposite John Barrowman, who is a bit of a diva, I guess (in the nicest way). They were both fantastic in the roles. I wrote to her to say how sorry I was that she didn't get to take it to LA and was replaced after being promised by ALW that she would get to do so. She sent me a lovely personal letter back, thanking me for my support. She's got a reputation for being feisty so I was quite touched.

Please feel free to chip in with your experiences, good and bad. Film musicals also count.

Ahhh, Sharon Gaskill from Corrie!!!
Seriously though, she was fantastic as Judy Garland. I think she really deserved to win the 'Tony' though. Pity she didn't IMO.

[JamieHT]

I like Patti Lupone's voice but I've not heard great things about her as a person, but then some people seem to think diva-ish behaviour is acceptable - I do not.

[Yorkie47]

Michael Ball and John Barrowman - both wonderful musical theatre performers and fabulous live entertainers in concert too. I remember seeing JB in Miss Saigon and thinking what a great voice he had. His live concerts are great and such good fun too.

The sheer awesome talent of Michael Ball continues to amaze me - if you like musical theatre then don't miss Michael and Imelda Staunton in Sweeney Todd - both are just fabulous!

I've heard Michael Ball is great to work with and I think the real diva is that other Michael, Crawford. Hugely talented but very difficult to work with from what I gather.

I do think the genre of musical theatre is one of the hardest of all the performing arts (despite what Simon Cowell thinks) and I am always impressed by the talent I see in the West End.

[dorydaryl]

Originally Posted by JamieHT

I like Patti Lupone's voice but I've not heard great things about her as a person, but then some people seem to think diva-ish behaviour is acceptable - I do not.

Good point. If they're good and know they're good, it's not any excuse to be nasty. I remember there being a big thing about her stopping the show and sounding off at what she saw to be a 'disrespectful' member of the audience (can't remember if they were on the 'phone or taking pics/ recording) when she was in Gypsy a couple of years back.

When I think 'Diva', I mean someone who is top class at what they do. They've got the finesse and professionalism to stay at the top of their game for a long time. I don't necessarily mean some of the arrogant behaviour that seems to go with the territory for some and you're right, it is unacceptable. Without an appreciative audience, they wouldn't be in the position that they're in.

I like Patti and did appreciate personal the letter she sent me (I never expected a reply) but it doesn't make it okay for anyone to be rude and arrogant if it's not called for.

I have a friend who was a friend of Tracie Bennett's before she became well known (early Corrie days). She still keeps in touch and my friend says she's a lovely person. Works too hard and lives off her nerves, but down-to-earth, warm and funny. Has not lost touch with her roots and the people she knew before she did so well.

[gilesb]

Originally Posted by dorydaryl

Good point. If they're good and know they're good, it's not any excuse to be nasty. I remember there being a big thing about her stopping the show and sounding off at what she saw to be a 'disrespectful' member of the audience (can't remember if they were on the 'phone or taking pics/ recording) when she was in Gypsy a couple of years back.

When I think 'Diva', I mean someone who is top class at what they do. They've got the finesse and professionalism to stay at the top of their game for a long time. I don't necessarily mean some of the arrogant behaviour that seems to go with the territory for some and you're right, it is unacceptable. Without an appreciative audience, they wouldn't be in the position that they're in.

I like Patti and did appreciate personal the letter she sent me (I never expected a reply) but it doesn't make it okay for anyone to be rude and arrogant if it's not called for.

I have a friend who was a friend of Tracie Bennett's before she became well known (early Corrie days). She still keeps in touch and my friend says she's a lovely person. Works too hard and lives off her nerves, but down-to-earth, warm and funny. Has not lost touch with her roots and the people she knew before she did so well.

This is Pattie stopping the show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WruzPfJ9Rys

TBF I think it is justified and is not divaish... she gets a massive round of applause.

[chitarivera]

Divas? Meaning Diva-ish bad behaviour or meaning star?
If it's star, then my namesake - Chita Rivera.

What a fabulous talent! Breathtaking dancing skill!
Sadly her visits to the UK are few, but I think she's amazing.
I wish she would write her autobiography.

[comedy89]

Angela Lansbury looks great, here a picture of her from 3 days ago. Mary Tyler Moore does not look half as good and there is a decade between them in age.

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/dai...-Barks#slide=1

[dorydaryl]

Originally Posted by chitarivera

Divas? Meaning Diva-ish bad behaviour or meaning star?
If it's star, then my namesake - Chita Rivera.

What a fabulous talent! Breathtaking dancing skill!
Sadly her visits to the UK are few, but I think she's amazing.
I wish she would write her autobiography.

Goodness, how could I forget Chita!
Also like some of the other people who've interpreted Bob Fosse's style such as Gwen Verdon (RIP), Ann Reinking (amazing!) and Bebe Neuwirth. I know the first two were deeply involved with him and they were so good. Love Chicago and anything with those kinds of jazz hands (!)

[dorydaryl]

Originally Posted by gilesb

This is Pattie stopping the show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WruzPfJ9Rys

TBF I think it is justified and is not divaish... she gets a massive round of applause.

Pulls no punches there and I can understand her being pi$$ed off in that situation.

[JamieHT]

I guess the stories I've heard about Patti might just be creative differences rather than her being a nasty person but I've also heard things about her in Les Mis in the UK which did not paint her in the best light. Was nice of her to reply to you though.

I don't know how I feel about her stopping the show. I agree with her reasons but I'm not sure the way she went about it was the best way, but then she might regret it herself and we never know what we might do in the spur of the moment.

[dorydaryl]

Oooh (puts gossipy head back on) what have you heard, Jamie?

[tally]

Originally Posted by dorydaryl

Oooh (puts gossipy head back on) what have you heard, Jamie?

Watch this excerpt from the documentary of Phantom on You Tube. It's called Behind The Mask about 4 minutes in and Michael Crawford's total dedication/controlling nature comes across. There have been numerous stories of his "difficultness". He used to summon the offending cast members to give them a dressing down which didn't make for harmony.
I dont think he was well liked, unlike Michael Ball- one of my favourite performers, seen him in loads of productions.

Ruthie Henshall is another. I first saw her as a lowly member of the girls' group in the original production of Miss Saigon, but by the time she became a star she had developed a very diva ( and not in a good way) attitude. Elaine Page is no angel either. I think when you reach a certain level it's difficult not to let your ego take over.

Judy Dench is a complete sweetheart, although I certainly dont classify her as a musical theatre performer. But she's appeared in quite a few over the decades,

[dorydaryl]

Originally Posted by tally

Watch this excerpt from the documentary of Phantom on You Tube. It's called Behind The Mask about 4 minutes in and Michael Crawford's total dedication/controlling nature comes across. There have been numerous stories of his "difficultness". He used to summon the offending cast members to give them a dressing down which didn't make for harmony.
I dont think he was well liked, unlike Michael Ball- one of my favourite performers, seen him in loads of productions.

Ruthie Henshall is another. I first saw her as a lowly member of the girls' group in the original production of Miss Saigon, but by the time she became a star she had developed a very diva ( and not in a good way) attitude. Elaine Page is no angel either. I think when you reach a certain level it's difficult not to let your ego take over.

Judy Dench is a complete sweetheart, although I certainly dont classify her as a musical theatre performer. But she's appeared in quite a few over the decades,

Mmm, thanks for that, tally.
Yep, Michael Crawford is a brilliant performer but his 'difficult-ness' is legendary. I would hope that's only in a professional sense. He said that he 'burned' out physically and mentally a few years ago, didn't he (?), and it took him a long time to recover. The price of perfectionism seems to be high!
Funnily enough, I couldn't bring myself to put either Ruthie Henshall and Elaine Paige into my diva (in a 'nice' way) list.
Maybe it's just a personal preference thing but, for some reason, they both tend to grate on me a bit and I can't warm to either of them. Am not keen on EP's singing voice, either.

[NeverSoShy]

Sutton Foster has to be regarded as a diva in this sense; two Tony's and a total of five nominations over nine years- pretty impressive! An absolutely amazing performer and a real triple threat! Though from what I've heard/seen she is definitely not a diva in the demanding, badly behaved star sense of the word.

Kerry Ellis is often described as the first lady of the West End, though she hasn't actually been in a musical for a couple of years now. She's certainly one of the more high profile musical theatre actresses of her generation.

I think in 5-10 years we'll be able to talk about Sierra Boggess in this sense, though she's not really 'made it' to this extent just yet.

[*Topaz*]

Originally Posted by dorydaryl

Am not keen on EP's singing voice, either.

Her laugh is a even worse - it's a hideous sound I used to sometimes catch her Radio 2 show and get an earful of it

[Nyota]

Sutton Foster and Kerry Ellis are amazing. Although I was VERY suspicious when Kerry went on The Voice and the judges didn't know who she was AND failed her...the whole thing reeked of a total set up. Still, I was lucky enough to see Kerry twice in Les Mis and she is my absolute favourite Fantine. Her theatre acting is so powerful.

I thought Jodie Prenger would be a big star after Oliver but she seems to have disappeared. What's going on there? Connie Fisher also hasn't done anything of note since The Sound of Music.

[lolly-licker]

Originally Posted by Nyota

Sutton Foster and Kerry Ellis are amazing. Although I was VERY suspicious when Kerry went on The Voice and the judges didn't know who she was AND failed her...the whole thing reeked of a total set up. Still, I was lucky enough to see Kerry twice in Les Mis and she is my absolute favourite Fantine. Her theatre acting is so powerful.

I thought Jodie Prenger would be a big star after Oliver but she seems to have disappeared. What's going on there? Connie Fisher also hasn't done anything of note since The Sound of Music.

Kerry Ellis - on the voice I didn't think she was great to be honest- I've heard her on youtube doing Musical stuff and she's brilliant. I don't understand why she'd risk it all to fail on the voice!

Connie Fisher- I suppose being in Casualty a couple of times doesn't count?

[dee123]

The Kristin Chenoweth v.s Idina Menzel feud is epic.