Two-Time Tony Winner Andrea Martin Shares Her Theatregoing Experiences | Playbill

Favorite Things Two-Time Tony Winner Andrea Martin Shares Her Theatregoing Experiences Playbill.com's feature series Their Favorite Things asks members of the theatre community to share the Broadway performances that most affected them as part of the audience.

This week we spotlight the choices of two-time Tony winner Andrea Martin, who recently released a memoir entitled "Andrea Martin’s Lady Parts." The acclaimed singing actress told Playbill.com that her "Their Favorite Things" list is written "with the caveat that these are 10 of my favorite performances. Not my 10 most favorite performances. I've been going to Broadway plays and musicals since the late 60's, as my collection of over 400 Playbills will attest. This list is just the tip of the iceberg."
Andrea Martin

Geoffrey Rush in Exit the King

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Geoffrey Rush in Exit the King Joan Marcus

I got to observe and interact with him, up close and personal. His ability to go between deep pathos and physical comedy was staggering.

Nathan Lane in The Nance

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Nathan Lane in The Nance Joan Marcus

He broke my heart and took my breath away.

Jennifer Holliday in Dreamgirls

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Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Loretta Devine in Dreamgirls Martha Swope

The only time I have ever stood up after a performance in the middle of a show. Enough said.

Betty Buckley in Cats

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Betty Buckley in Cats Martha Swope

When I think of her singing "Memory," I still get chills. Riveting.

Brent Carver in Kiss of the Spider Woman

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Brent Carver, Chita Rivera and Anthony Crivello in Kiss Of The Spiderwoman Martha Swope

His torment and anguish in the role was palpable.

Elaine Stritch in A Delicate Balance

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Elaine Stritch and George Gizzard in A Delicate Balance

The raw, nasty, complicated and cunning interpretation of Claire was funny and terrifying.

Kristine Nielsen in Masha, Vanya, Sonia and Spike

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Kristine Nielsen and David Hype Pierce in Masha, Vanya, Sonia and Spike T. Charles Erickson

The phone call was a master class in acting. If it were on film, she would have won an Oscar.

Elizabeth Franz in Death Of A Salesman

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Brian Dennehy, Ted Koch and Elizabeth Franz in Death Of A Salesman Eric Y. Exit

I can still remember her saying, referring to Willy, "He's a human being and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid." She said it with such quiet dignity. I cry just thinking of it.

Christine Ebersole in Grey Gardens

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Christine Ebersole in Grey Gardens Joan Marcus

She embodied the role with such depth that she transported the audience to another place and time.

Every cast member in Awake And Sing, directed by Bart Sher.

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Mark Ruffalo in Awake And Sing Paul Kolnik

Stunning ensemble acting. I saw it three times. I was mesmerized by the world they created on stage. Stellar.

But wait...what about…

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Zoe Caldwell

Zoe Caldwell in Master Class, Savion Glover in Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk, Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis in Porgy and Bess.....oh dear. The list is endless.  I wish I had not agreed to do this column.

 
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