So sings the giddy Emcee in Cabaret. We all know what that song suggests. But there is another way we like to enjoy two ladies - when they are the leads in a big Broadway show! Here areFriday 5 of our favorites!
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Chicago (1975-76 & 1996-97*)Velma Kelly and Roxie HartIn 1975, Bob Fosse brought his musical vaudeville to Broadway with two legends in the starring roles -Gwen Verdon as Roxie andChita Riveraas Velma, and the rest is history. Well, that is until the show came back in the mid-90s with Ann Reinkingas Roxie andBebe Neuwirthas Velma. The two Merry murderesses have been hoofing it on the Great White Way ever since, and the show is now the 2nd longest running show in Broadway history! Nowadays and forever it would seem.
Death Becomes Her (2024-25*)Madeline Ashton and Helen SharpThe newest dynamic duo to hit the Rialto, Megan Hilty(as Madeline) and Jennifer Simard(as Helen) bring new meaning to "dueling divas." These two spar (literally and figuratively), and go head to head in vocal pyrotechnic sing-offs and pure comic genius. Together, they are a riot, on stage and off. And we are all the better for it.
Side Show (1997-98 & 2014-15)Violet and Daisy HiltonOne of my favorite shows of all time, this riveting near pop opera tale of real-life conjoined twins was a hard sell both times it has been on Broadway, but those luck enough to see it had to be as dazzled by the women in those roles as I was. The originals,Alice Ripley(as Violet) and Emily Skinner(as Daisy) made history when they were co-nominated for Best Actress in a Musical at the 1998 Tony Awards. BothErin Davie(as Violet) and Emily Padgett(as Daisy) also made their mark in the revised revival version of the show. In both cases, I couldn't imagine one without the other.
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The Rink (1983-84) Anna and AngelThough I never saw the show on Broadway, I adore the score, and really enjoyed a college production I saw of it. When it opened at the Martin Beck Theatre in early 1984, even the greatChita Rivera(as Anna) and legendary LizaMinnelli(as Angel) couldn't help the show overcome mostly negative reviews. That said, they sang the hell out of the emotional Kander and Ebb score, and Rivera won her first Tony Award for it. It's a show with great roles for two powerhouse women, and I'd love to see it with a revised book and maybe a female director some day.
Wicked (2003-04*)Glinda and ElphabaDefinitely the most successful musical of the 21st century, this show takes girl power to all new levels! Despite mixed reviews, audiences (myself included) have been flocking to the Gershwin Theatre for more than 2 decades now. From the original Glinda (Kristin Chenoweth) and Elphaba (Tony-winner Idina Menzel) and through dozens of subsequent pairings, we've thrilled to the magical relationship these two share. Some of Broadway's greatest new talent has taken on these giant roles, and I'm sure more superstars of tomorrow are on the way.
* - Show is currently running.