Ten Greatest Male Solos
The art of the female solo is simple. 11:00. A bare stage. A soul bared. For the guys, it seems more difficult – for whatever reason. Maybe we don’t associate the medium with the guys, but there’s no denying that the composers this decade gave the men some thrilling solo turns that deserve praise. So here’s eight.
“Why” - tick tick boom
Jonathan Larsen left before his time, and he left two shows for us to enjoy. Rent’s been hyped, overhyped, underthought, praised, adored, adulated and hated – is there really anything left to say about it? On the other hand, tick tick…. boom remains a curious piece. A portrait of a man questioning the choices he’s made, it’s undeniably autobiographical and beautifully personal. And in “Why” Larsen gives us an ode to theatre as moving as anything in the cherished forerunner.
“The Schmuel Song” - The Last 5 Years
Jason Robert Brown fascinates me, there’s no denying it. The little turns of phrase, the curious structure, the playful sensibility, the serious undertows. But despite the early success, he hasn’t really followed through on his promise (along with the other three named composers, to take the musicals in fascinating new directions for us). This decade has remained largely barren, but there was an early isolated moment of brilliance with this song cycle. Butz (who appears later on this list again) nails this great story-song. A gem
“Stranger in this World” - Taboo
Yeah, it’s a pop song, but don’t underrate the beauty of a great song, no matter what the guise. Sung by the talented Euan Morton, it’s just a dazzler.
“Great Big Stuff” and “Love Sneaks In”- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Norbert Leo Butz showboated his way to a Tony and Lithgow reminded us that even lesser voices can deliver an emotional tune with David Yazbek’s second Broadway hit. (Butz tackling the comic centerpiece of “Great Big Stuff.” Okay, it’s not strictly speaking a solo.)
“Inutil” - In the Heights
This is just another one of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s stunners. A beautiful character turn for a minor role, nailed.
“I’m Alive” - Next to Normal
Okay, even though this show is a sensational showcase for any lead actress worth their salt, it’s absolutely littered with fantastic solos for the guys. Rich with character, brimming with musicality – the composers understand the power of rock and do such a thrilling job incorporating it (theatre-fied, of course) to the stage. So many great choices here: “I’ve Been,” “Aftershocks.” But it’s this thrillingly lively cry from Aaron Tveit that takes the cake.
“Run Away With Me” - The Unauthorized Biography of Samantha Brown
Nope, this hasn’t gone beyond workshop, but tell me that this isn’t gorgeous?