Friday 5: 5 Favorite Joshua Henry Performances

Favorite Joshua Henry Performances

From the very first time I saw Joshua Henry on the St. James Theatre stage, I knew he had "it." That intangible-but-you-know-it-when-you-see-it thing that so many strive for but never quite get.My eye was drawn to him, and I've been a huge fan ever since.

American Idiot (Favorite Son - 2010)

Yes, my first time seeing Henry involved seeing him in his skivvies. Intriguing for about 5 seconds, when I found myself watching every movie he made, none of which had to do with his state of dress. Charisma, charm and that effortless star power. Green Day's "Favorite Son" became an instant favorite of mine.

Carousel (Billy Bigelow - 2018)

This was my first brush with Carousel as a whole show. I had, of course, seen and heard bits from the film and the more popular tunes from the score. While others were lamenting script changes, song removals and perceived casting issues, I was swept away and overwhelmed by this masterpiece. And I was thoroughly mesmerized by the powerfully complex portrayal of the conflicted Billy Bigelow of Mr. Henry. Amazing, breathtaking and completely satisfying. Brilliant.

Ragtime (Coalhouse Walker, Jr. - 2025)

I've made no secret of the fact that I was not a huge fan of the original production outside of its cast recording. This new revival was an altogether different story, and a much improved version. Henry has taken full advantage of the more character-focused, less spectacular version by making a grounded, fierce and brutally honest, human performance as Coalhouse Walker, Jr.. As an equally fervent fan of the role's originator, my liking of Henry's performance wasn't a given. Rather, it was fully earned. I don't think he's ever been better... which is no small feat considering the next role on this list.

The Scottsboro Boys (Haywood Patterson - 2010)

Until Ragtime came along, I'd have said that this brave performance was his best ever. Now I'd say it is a close tie. Raw, passionate and utterly heartbreaking, Henry's star turn in this short-lived classic is one I hold as a most cherished privilege to have witnessed. I maintain that this Kander and Ebb musical is nothing less than a masterpiece, and is to date still the greatest new musical of the 21st century, That he was a part of it is icing on the cake, I suppose. But that in no way over states his profound impact on the piece. People often say a performance is breathtaking - this one surely took mine away.

Violet (Flick - 2014)

What I loved about Joshua's performance here was how beautifully he played with his two co-stars. It was never about elevating himself, but rather working in what seemed to be in effortless tandem with them. Again this was no small feat considering how utterly smitten I was with Sutton Foster's performance (her best to date, by far). I loved the show, the actors and him. And what a delicious treat that his co-star here, Colin Donnell, is now his Ragtime co-star!

Friday 5: 5 Favorite One Act Musical Flops

5 Favorite One Act Musical Flops

5. Glory Days (2008 - 1 performance) Yes, I actually saw this show - prior to Broadway - and I really enjoyed it. The performances were solid, including that of Andrew C. Call, who I have enjoyed in several shows before and since Glory Days. Maybe it's a guy thing, but an impromptu high school reunion of old buddies hit me in all my feels.

4. 13 (2008 - 105 performances) Several of these youngsters have gone on to big things, so that alone makes having seen this one a thrill. Graham Phillips has grown up on several TV shows I've enjoyed, and has certainly come into his own on stage recently, including a current run in Little Shop of Horrors with 13 cast mate Elizabeth Gillies. Al Calderon  is currently on Days of Our Lives, Eamon Foley is making his mark as a director and choreographer, and Allie Trimm has a sustained Broadway career, including stints as Glinda in Wicked. But who knew I'd be maybe 20 feet from someone who is now one of the most famous people in the world, Ariana Grande? Oh, and the show was charming.

3. Swept Away (2024 - 48 performances) Dark and stormy, literally and figuratively, this show is one I'm so glad I got to see. It's a shame that the current Broadway economic climate allows so little wiggle room for gaining an audience. Still, it was an emotional and mental exercise definitely worth my time. Plus, a chance to see John Gallagher, Jr. and Stark Sands at the peak of their abilities was one not to be missed. 

2. The Story of My Life (2009 - 5 performances) I've often written about my love for this little, charming and devastating two-hander. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, and it remains one of my most cherished theater memories. "The Butterfly" is one of the best songs in all of the 21st century. It was so good, they made a book out of it!

1. The Scottsboro Boys (2010 - 49 performances) I could make a strong argument that this show (like so many of the Kander and Ebb oeuvre) was way ahead of its time, and history will show this to be one of the - if not the - greatest musicals of the first quarter of the century. Headed by Colman Domingo, John Cullum and Joshua Henry, the cast was flawless. The material was uncomfortable, but the show was energized and entertaining. In that way, it reminded me of Cabaret, Chicago and The Visit (another ahead of its time shows).

I am so grateful that I had the chance to see each of these. Each one expanded my view of what musicals could be. And I don't think it's the last we've seen of any of them, either. 

Friday 5: 5 Favorite Designs by Beowulf Boritt

5 Favorite Designs by Beowulf Boritt

Six-time Tony nominee and two-time winner, Beowulf Boritt burst on to the Broadway scene in 2005 with his scenic design for The 25th Annual Putnam County County Spelling Bee. Since then, he's designed 32 more productions, including Left On Tenth and Our Town this season. His work is never boring, and when you see his name in the Playbill, you know you are going to see some fascinating scenery. Here's our Friday 5 favorites:

Be More Chill

While we had some qualms with the show itself, the set was pretty cool. It felt like we were inside a computer chip...err...The Squip.

Chaplin

I loved the show, even though the critics didn't, and part of that was the dreamy aesthetic that played out in a black and white/sepia tone movie style. It was a sight to behold!

Come From Away

The homey Canadian solitude of Gander was presented on an expansive blue plank set, punctuated by trees whose roots extended into the auditorium. It was simple, but powerful - sometimes a clear September sky, sometimes a pub or Tim Horton's, and sometimes all at once. Magnificent and humble all at once, just like the subject of the show.

Rock of Ages

For my money, the set was the best thing about the show. As it stretched out into the house, you instantly felt like you were in the seedy 80s nostalgia of the Sunset Strip. The composite effect added to the overall rock and roll vibe.

The Scottsboro Boys

Still at the top of my list of the great musicals of the 21st century, this show's design might be a surprise to make this Friday 5. It was, after all very bare bones and representational. But that was the real genius of it. A plank and a chair could be a courtroom as easily as it could be a train car. Your imagination filled in the gaps, making you fully engage with the events as they played out. Brilliant.

To Kill a Mockingbird's Kyle Scatliffe: Mr. Broadway January 2020

Mr. Broadway January 2020

To Kill a Mockingbird's

Kyle Scatliffe

Broadway's newest Tom Robinson (Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird) is the first Mr. Broadway of 2020! Congratulations and Happy New Year, Kyle Scatliffe!

Headshots/Candids

     

Just the Facts

Birth Date: July 18

Birthplace: Washington, D.C.

Education: Westwood Regional High School, American Musical and Dramatic Academy

Theater Credits: Broadway: To Kill a Mockingbird (Tom Robinson), Hamilton (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson), The Color Purple (Harpo), Les Miserables (Enjolras); Off-Broadway: Big River (Jim); West End: The Scottsboro Boys (Haywood Patterson - Olivier Award nomination); National Tour: Hamilton (Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson)

West End

Off- Broadway

Broadway

     

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