#the hamilton programme is signed by so much of the original west end cast it’s my prized possession

[succulentsofa]

went through my collection of musical theatre stuff i’ve been hoarding since 2016 and 😭😭

[emeraldskulblaka]

Top five underrated musical theatre actors/actresses? (In case you'd like to share I'm not sure??)

It's so great you're asking this now!! Perfect time.

What I'd like to say in advance - this is just based on what I see on my dash/when I search for people in the tags here on Tumblr. I have no idea about their recognition in the acting business.

In no particular order...

1. Laura Michelle Kelly. Surprise surprise. I feel like everyone has heard of her, but never paid much attention to her since she hasn't been in popular shows like Wicked, Phantom, Hamilton, Heathers, etc.

Her big successes were in the West End a while back - her Olivier Award win in 2005, ... although she has originated a few roles, she's mostly known for Mary Poppins, somehow, and that she played Sylvia opposite Jeremy Jordan as J.M. Barrie. I can only hope more people will discover her now because of Christian Borle and Me and My Girl.

Not only is she an extraordinarily talented singer and actress, she's also a ray of sunshine and a real cutie pie who cares a lot for everyone and everything.

I know I post a lot about her haha, that's why I kept this relatively short

2. Scarlett Strallen. It was International Dance Day two days ago, so I decided to watch a few A Chorus Line clips, and remembered Scarlett had played Cassie in the London revival. The obsession started anew. I originally discovered her when I found an audio of her in Candide with Fra Fee at the Menier Chocolate Factory 2013. And rediscovered her when my Michael Ball obsession started, because of an audio of them singing All I Ask Of You. And now - I don't know where to actually start. There's no way one person can be THAT talented. She can do it all. Mary Poppins? Cunegonde? Cassie? Sibella? Clara? Yes.

While I'm not the biggest soprano fan (at least, in the classical sense, i. e. Cosette's voice. There are exceptions, and it doesn't affect my view of the characters at all, but I don't really enjoy it that much any more), Scarlett has that gorgeous darker soprano voice - you really need to listen to her sing.

Plus, she's a real-life angel. Look at her.

Anyway, she's on Broadway RIGHT NOW, in Travesties!

Her two sisters, Summer and Zizi, are also fantastic. You might know Summer as Meg in the OLC of Love Never Dies and Zizi is currently starring in Strictly Ballroom in London.

3. Sifiso Mazibuko. He's an understudy in the West End production of Hamilton and played Burr when I saw the show. I (and especially @priority-palaven, since she only knew the OBCR and Leslie is... just Leslie who has that lush smooth voice) had pretty high expectations, and they were met as closely as somehow possible. What a guy. Plus, he came out at stagedoor and signed my programme yay!!! I'm sure he has a great career ahead of him and I'll make sure to share more of him!

4. Michael Ball. He's that musical theatre veteran you can find at every Phantom and Les Mis anniversary, on several cast recordings, and on tour with Alfie Boe. But tumblr doesn't talk much about him. There are a handful of blogs that love him, but otherwise - nothing. He's known for ALW musicals, and I'm aware it's cool to openly hate ALW and his shows. But look at the guy himself. Two-time Olivier Award winner, Olivier Awards host, went from Marius and Raoul to Edna and Sweeney. Has the time of his life every time he's on stage, and shows it. Has a puppy face. And the sweetest smile. He's a star, and hearing him sing Love Changes Everything has changed my life.

5. Drew Sarich. He's been - everywhere. Lestat? Tanz der Vampire? Sister Act? Les Misérables? Love Never Dies? Hair? Rocky? He can do anything. Maybe it's because I found a post with a lot of video gifts with him a while ago, but I've grown really found of him. My favourite Graf von Krolock, even though I've seen Kirill Zolygin live... I don't have that much to say about him though😅

Performers who have gotten really popular recently and therefore didn't make the list: Eva Noblezada, Rachelle Ann Go, Shoba Narayan, Lexi Lawson, Jordan Donica

Thank you for the ask! Ask away any time :)