Broadway 3-peats: Bonnie Milligan

In hockey, three goals in a single game is called a "hat-trick," and three strikes in a row is called a "turkey." When a team wins a championship three times in a row, they call it a "three-peat."

While it might be feasible to call a Broadway performer with three great performances a "hat-trick" - particularly a dancer, I suppose, it is only a negative to call anything Broadway related a "turkey." And so, I've settled on calling a run of three terrific performances a "3-peat." 

First up: Tony Award-winner Bonnie Milligan.

Broadway 3-peats:

Bonnie Milligan

Role #1: Pamela in Head Over Heels (2018)

As an unconventional princess in an unconventional jukebox musical, Bonnie bowled me over with her belty "Beautiful," bringing body positivity into the Broadway conversation, and a great new talent into the spotlight. I've been a smitten fan ever since. Of her Broadway debut, I wrote, "That newbie is the positively smashing Bonnie Milligan, who is everything you've read and heard about, and so much more. She's one of those people who you just know was born to be on stage. She is charming, alarming and an absolute joy to watch. Whether she's singing an ode to her own beauty or throwing an epic temper tantrum, she is a marvel of what comes off as spontaneity, and her line delivery is impeccable. The gal is going places and I can't wait to see more." Even then I knew she was something special.

She was honored with a 2019 Theatre World Award for her performance.

Role #2: Aunt Debra in Kimberly Akimbo (2022)

As the felonious Aunt Debra, Milligan had us howling as she taught the fine art of mail fraud to a group of teens. And, of course, she once again stopped the show with her signature belt and fiery delivery in the number, "Better." The first time we saw the show, I wrote, "Kimberly's family is a hot mess, almost making her debilitating and tragic sickness the least of her worries. Hilariously and pitifully white-trash, each are perfectly cast... Bonnie Milligan, the larger than life aunt, and so bad the family moves around just to get away from her. They are all by turns bat-shit crazy, morally appalling, and complex in ways that are surprisingly heartwarming. Each has stand out moments, with Ms. Milligan blowing the roof off the theater with what has become the riotous breakout song from the show, "Better."

Ms. Milligan won the 2023 Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical Tony Award.

Role #3: Alice Beane in Titanic (2024)

In a small role in the epic musical, Bonnie once again captivated the enthralled audiences at Encores! presentation of the rarely performed show. In a fun twist, she played 2nd Class passenger (and rabid social climber) Alice Beane, the role her Kimberly Akimbo co-star, Victoria Clark, originated on Broadway! In my review, I said, "Soon to be Broadway royalty Drew Gehling and Bonnie Milligan as Edgar and Alice Beane, 2nd class, offer up many of the show's comic moments as she attempts to social climb, while he, completely smitten, tries to keep her in her place. Their separation in the final moments is a heartbreaking thing."

Three roles, three powerful performances. Critical acclaim and awards! And she's only getting started!

Let us know of another "3-peat" Broadway performer you'd like to see us honor.