The Whole Cast – Angels in America (original Broadway production)
I had just moved to New York, and this was my first magical Broadway experience as an actual New Yorker. I saw both parts five times. I can literally replay every second of that show, every performance, in my mind. Right now. It's weird, I know.
Linda Emond – in ANYTHING!
But in particular in Homebody Kabul. (Another Tony Kushner play. He's terrifyingly brilliant.) I saw it in New York and again in LA. Basically solidifying for me the fact that Linda Emond + Tony Kushner = Perfection.
Because she made that character so human, so fierce, so funny (yes, I just said funny), so frightening, so heartbreaking, that my brain is still trying to process it years later.
Judi Dench – The Royal Family on the West End
Because – Dame. Judi. Dench.
Natasha Richardson – Anna Christie
I was still in college and I had a friend AUDIO RECORD this on CASSETTE TAPE! I listened to it over and over. She gave such a raw, honest performance that was haunting even just to hear. It makes me so sad to think of such an inspiring artist's life cut short.
Amy Morton – August: Osage County
It was one of those performances that makes you wish YOU had given it.
Janet McTeer – A Doll's House
Hers was such a completely unique take on this character, and the result was actually sort of shocking. I remember sitting in my seat after it was over kind of shell-shocked, just so blown away...
Christina Kirk – God's Ear
An unbelievable play by Jenny Schwartz, directed by Anne Kauffman at New Georges. So many amazing women involved in that perfect production. I don't know how Christina did what she did in this performance. She created that kind of magic on stage where you are just transported, and try as you may you can't dissect it. So, Christina Kirk – Actress/Magician.
Kristine Nielsen – It's a tie. In Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. And ALSO in Betty's Summer Vacation
Both Christopher Durang plays. Both so mind-blowing. Please don't make me choose.
John Cameron Mitchell – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Yes. I'm biased. But I got to see that performance up close and personal over 100 times. It's one of the best I've ever seen.
