2015 TOP 10 (+2) THEATER

Notwithstanding the proliferation of tourist aimed feel-good shows filling many Broadway theaters, it was still a very good year for quality shows on Broadway.  2/3 of the shows on the list played on Broadway, although many of the shows started in smaller off-Broadway or non-West End venues, attesting to the strength of off-Broadway and smaller theaters outside NY.  This year's list is also notable for having a nice mix of musicals (7) and plays (7), both new works (8) and revivals (4).

1. HAMILTON [Public/ Broadway]

2. A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE [Broadway]

3. JOHN [Signature Theatre]

4. FUN HOME [Broadway]

5. THE COLOR PURPLE [Broadway]

6. GIRLFRIEND [CTG/ Kirk Douglas]

7. SPRING AWAKENING [Deaf West Theater/ Broadway]

8. KING CHARLES III [Broadway]

9. SKYLIGHT [Broadway]

10. (ties) CONSTELLATIONS [Broadway]; HUMANS [Roundabout/Pels]; MYSTERIES OF LOVE & SEX [LCT/Newman]

Honorable Mentions: GHOSTS [BAM], COME FROM AWAY [La Jolla Playhouse], GUARDS AT THE TAJ [Atlantic Theatre]; HAND TO GOD [Broadway]  

Best Performance of the Year: Cynthia Erivo as Celie in THE COLOR PURPLE
There was an abundance of many outstanding performances this year with notable and memorable work by Mark Strong (A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE), Leslie Odom Jr. & Renee Goldsberry (HAMILTON), Georgia Engel (JOHN), Carrie Mulligan (SKYLIGHT), and Jake Gyllenhaal & Ruth Wilson (CONSTELLATIONS).  But one performance soared above all others and possessed my heart and soul every moment she was on stage- Cynthia Erivo who gave one of the finest musical theater performances I have witnessed as Celie in THE COLOR PURPLE.  She completely inhabits her characterr and sings like a soulful angel.  She's simply magnificent.