Lindsay Mendez, one of the most talented artists to emerge in the New York theatre in the past decade, is currently delighting audiences as Carrie Pipperidge in the acclaimed revival of Carousel at the Imperial Theatre, where she brings down the house nightly with a humorous and touching version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Mr. Snow.” The singing actor, who made her Broadway debut in the Kathleen Marshall-directed revival of Grease, has gone on to impress audiences both on Broadway (Significant Other, Wicked, Everyday Rapture, Godspell) and off (a Drama Desk-nominated performance in the Benj Pasek and Justin Paul musical Dogfight).
We recently asked the actor to pen a list of her favorite theatregoing experiences.
Bernadette Peters in Annie Get Your Gun
Bernadette has always been a favorite of mine…but getting to see her masterful comedy and heart in this production just stunned me.
Jessie Mueller in Waitress
I’m so grateful I get the honor of working with this lady eight times a week and playing her best friend. I thought her work in Waitress was subtle, heartbreaking, and heart bursting. Not to mention that vocal tone! I’d hear her sing the phone book!
The entire cast of The Humans
This play shook me to the core, and each actor was just unbelievably brilliant and deep. I truly felt they all worked together to make this show lift off…owed in large part to the incredible Joe Mantello, who guided them.
Victoria Clark in The Light in the Piazza
I fell head over heels for Vicki in this gorgeous production. What sophisticated, beautiful work…and a voice for the ages. I was so thrilled that she won the Tony for this part…so deserving.
Alex Brightman in School of Rock
For me, this man delivered an unbelievable evening. I could not even wrap my head around how he was doing that show eight times a week. It was so energetic, so fun, so full. It made me want to jump out of my seat and scream. And I did!
Sierra Boggess in The Little Mermaid
Sierra and I had a long history together and were roommates on our last dollar in NYC before both of us got our breaks in the biz. This performance from her was her Broadway debut…and it was glorious. She just lit up the stage with her huge heart and brought such a light to Ariel. I was so proud.
The cast of Deaf West’s Big River
I still get chills thinking about this production and the cast. I had never seen anything like this onstage, and I just couldn’t believe how moved I was by the incredible actors and the way the story was laid out. Oh God, I am crying thinking about it again…
Rebecca Naomi Jones in American Idiot
This woman really transported me. Rebecca is so unique and special, and she moved me and shook me to my core in this production.
Mario Cantone in Assassins
Mario is such a genius actor and gift to the stage. Seeing him play Samuel Byck was a match made in heaven onstage.
Nick Kroll and John Mulaney in Oh, Hello on Broadway
These gentlemen blew me away and made me pee my pants. I could not have loved it more. The genius and detail of their performances was just mind-blowing.
