They're Here to Stay! BWW Picks 2015's Most Fascinating People in Theatre

By: Dec. 30, 2015
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Just before New Year's is often a time of reflection, and BroadwayWorld is taking a moment to look back on the brightest lights in theatre this season.

From a history-making creative team to jaw-dropping newby performers and an undeniable cult figure, we think 2015 has seen the rise of some of the top talents in the performing arts world.

Below, we've highlighted our 10 most fascinating people in theatre this year. Don't forget to tell us your top picks, or who you think we left out, in the comments below!

Lisa Kron & Jeanine Tesori
It's been a great year for women in theatre, and 2016 is only looking better! FUN HOME composer-lyricist team Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron made history as the first female writing duo to win the Tony Award for Best Original Score of a Musical. Kron also took home the Tony for Best Book of a Musical.

Alex Sharp
Going straight from Juilliard to Broadway is no mean feat. Just after graduation in May, Alex Sharp made his debut on the Great White Way as 'Christopher' in THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. Not only that, but he also went on to win the 2015 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for his portrayal.

Corey Cott
Corey Cott has grown leaps and bounds since he took over the role of 'Jack Kelly' in Broadway's NEWSIES last year. The actor did double duty onstage in 2015, starring in GIGI opposite Vanessa Hudgens and appearing in Paper Mill's World Premiere run of THE BANDSTAND. He'll travel with the latter to Broadway next season.

The Estefans
Legendary, Grammy-winning music power couple Gloria and Emilio Estefan saw their lives recreated onstage in Broadway's ON YOUR FEET! this year and were honored with the 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House in November. Talk about a reason or two to get up and conga on New Year's Eve!

Sierra Boggess
Sierra Boggess started off the year strong in Broadway's IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU and is ending it on an electric note with Andrew Lloyd Webber's SCHOOL OF ROCK adaptation. We can't wait to see her in THE SECRET GARDEN concert this February!

Alex Brightman
Alex Brightman had big, hilarious shoes to fill when he took over the role originated by Jack Black on the big screen in SCHOOL OF ROCK -- and he more than delivered. Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical adaptation is breaking records at the Winter Garden, prepping for its big West End debut and getting ready to head out on tour. We have to think its success has something to do with the show's charismatic leading man.

Kelli O'Hara
Kelli O'Hara finally put the coveted Tony medallion on her shelf after her star turn in THE KING AND I this year. After five previous Tony nominations for 'BRIDGES', 'NICE WORK', SOUTH PACIFIC, THE PAJAMA GAME and THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, no one deserved it more. Plus, she received an honorary doctorate from her alma mater OCU and could soon be starring in MY FAIR LADY in Australia, Europe, and possibly on Broadway!

Michael Arden
From starring as 'Quasimodo' in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME to making his Broadway directorial debut with Deaf West Theatre's groundbreaking revival of SPRING AWAKENING, Michael Arden has had a banner year. We expect great and boundary-pushing things in 2016 -- no pressure!

Shanice Williams
Talk about a dream! 18-year-old Shanice Williams went straight from high school to Oz this year after being cast as 'Dorothy' in NBC's live production of THE WIZ. Picked out of hundreds of hopeful actresses across the U.S., Williams' star power caused her to shine out from the crowd during the open casting call and throughout the broadcast. We have no doubt we'll be seeing Shanice onstage again soon!

Lin-Manuel Miranda
And last but certainly not least, musical theatre's hottest (literally!) actor-composer-lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda blew everyone out of the water with the success of his hit new musical HAMILTON. With crazy ticket sales, one million Tweets in 2015, being named Billboard's No. 2 album of the year, and prepping for a national tour, HAMILTON is an all-out phenomenon. Plus, Miranda composed the music for the cantina scene in STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. History definitely has its eyes on Lin.


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