Stage to PageTheir Favorite Things: David Garrison Shares His Theatregoing ExperiencesChristopher Plummer, John Wood and Diana Rigg are among the singing actor’s favorites.
By
Andrew Gans
July 27, 2016
Stage and screen star David Garrison, whose Broadway credits include The Visit, That Championship Season, Wicked, Titanic and more, is currently portraying The Modern Major General in the Barrington Stage Company production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance, which continues through August 13 at the Massachusetts venue. Here, the singing actor recalls the theatrical performances that most affected him as part of the audience.
Original cast of Hello, Dolly!
Jay Garner and Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly!Joan Marcus
It was the first Broadway show I ever saw, and when the train came onstage during “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” that was it: I was hooked for life.
Original cast of Equus
Equus - 1976
Iconic show for a young actor just starting theatre school. I still have the poster.
Original cast of Follies
Alexis Smith, John McMartin, Dorothy Collins, and Gene Nelson in Follies.
Still, in my opinion, the most beautifully realized piece of musical theatre ever.
Original cast of Nicholas Nickleby
Michael Siberry and John Lynch in Nicholas NicklebyChris Davies
Theatrical magic. Didn't want it to end, even after eight-and-a-half hours. Having worked with Roger Rees many years later only adds to the thrill of seeing him as a young actor. What an extraordinary and beautiful man he was.
Patricia Routledge in the London production of Noises Off
Patricia Routledge in Keeping up Appearances
Technically not Broadway, but still hands down the funniest stage performance I've ever seen.
John Wood in Travesties
Travesties – 1976
The master of Tom Stoppard word play at the height of his form.
Diana Rigg in just about anything.
Tim Oliver Woodward and Diana Rigg in Medea
I've had a crush on her since she played Emma Peel on The Avengers.
Anthony Minghella's production of Madama Butterfly at the Met
Madama Butterfly
Again, not actually Broadway, but exquisite. And the ultimate solution to the problem of child actors.
The original company of Company
Larry Kert and company in Company.
A sea change.
Christopher Plummer in Cyrano
Christopher Plummer
Monica Simoes
I thought the musical was wonderful, but apparently not many others agreed with me. He won a Tony anyway. Saw the show three times. Get me drunk enough, and I'll sing the entire score for you from memory.
The Fred Ebb Award recognizes excellence in musical theatre songwriting, by a songwriter or songwriting team that has not yet achieved significant commercial success.
