Top Five Performances by an Actor in a Musical that are not to be Missed!

Be sure to catch these actors' performances before they depart!

1. Christy Altomare as Anya in the musical "Anastasia"

“She's so optimistic and so tough. She wasn't tough in a mean way; she was tough in a secure way.” - Christy Altomare on playing Anya from her interview with Stage Door Dish.

Seeing Christy Altomare playing this iconic character who is a role model to girls everywhere is a delight. From the moment the curtain rises to curtain call, you can see the passion within her every move as the character. Her belt simply soars and this is truly not a leading actress performance to miss. She has wonderful chemistry with her co-stars, Derek Klena as Dmitry and John Bolton as Vlad. The three make a wonderful onstage trio that bring smiles to everyone in the audience.

Her end of act one solo, Journey to the Past, is easily considered one of the best performances in the show. Many movie fans are already familiar with the iconic tune from the 1997 film, and you will not be disappointed by Altomare's rendition of the sweeping song.

It's worth mentioning that the costumes her character wears throughout the show are so aesthetically stunning to see!

Meeting Altomare at the stagedoor was also an absolute delight. She is one of the kindest actors I have had the honor of meeting.

To conclude, going on a 'journey to the past' with Christy Altomare's Anya is truly an adventure worth taking.

2. Hailey Kilgore as Ti Moune in the musical revival "Once on this Island"

"So I listened to the music and I went, 'Oh, my god, I am this girl. I am Ti Moune.'" - Hailey Kilgore in her interview with Interview Magazine.

Hailey Kilgore is the true break out star of the season. At just eighteen years old, she has been nominated for the Tony of Best Leading Actress in a Musical, nominated for the Drama League Award of Distinguished Performance, and many more for her performance in the hit Tony winning revival Once on this Island!

Kilgore's voice fills the theater with such a strong energy, it is enough to give you chills. Her solo near the beginning the show called "Waiting for Life" showcases her voice phenomenally. Not only can she sing, but her dancing is exceptional and upbeat as well and to me was a highlight of the show.

The emotional journey of young love you take with Kilgore's Ti Moune can bring you to tears. Seeing the rise and fall of the young peasant girl is truly something memorable.

3. Ethan Slater as SpongeBob in the musical "SpongeBob Squarepants"

"I would say that SpongeBob at his core is this optimistic, loving, best friend. Getting to play him everyday has sort of rubbed off on me and improved my life." - Ethan Slater on playing SpongeBob in his interview with Newsweek.

Tony nominated Ethan Slater has been one of my favorite actors to see onstage this season. Not only does he keep the high energy optimism the whole show, but he also can be seen doing splits, backbends, and even singing while hanging UPSIDEDOWN!

This actor is truly putting his all into the show every day he performs. His performance will truly even inspire you to be more optimistic and positive like SpongeBob.

It's awkward at all seeing this talented actor portray a cartoon sponge onstage in human form. His physicality and voice completely transforms him into the yellow sponge himself.

4. Gavin Lee as Squidward Q. Tentacles in "SpongeBob Squareants"

"'We don't just want a carbon copy of that 2-D character that millions of people around the world already love.' We're trying to make something different." - Tina Landau, Director of "SpongeBob Squarepants" on Squidward from Gavin Lee's interview with Backstage.

Playing this iconic squid isn't easy, especially for Lee who plays the role wearing two prosthetic legs!

Going off of what Landau said, Lee truly does bring more dimension to this well known squid. They took a beloved character and gave it more, and Gavin Lee was a perfect fit to this role. One of my favorite moments in the show would have to be Lee's showstopper number in act two where the audience finally gets to see Squidward's truly happy moments.

Not only does he have the voice and the physicality, he also has an extraordinary crowd pleaser tap number in act two, where he dances with four legs!

With a constant frown on his face, Lee is truly something special in this role and his performance is not to be missed out on.

5. Katrina Lenk as Dina in the musical "The Band's Visit"

"'Having music definitely saved my sanity when things weren't going the way I was hoping they would go in my career.'" - Katrina Lenk from her interview with Backstage

Katrina Lenk, Tony winner of Best Leading Actress in a Musical, has truly a captivating performance in Broadway's "The Band's Visit". A notable moment of hers in the musical is during the gorgeously orchestrated song, "Omar Sharif" (this number was also performed at this year's Tony Awards with Lenk and Tony Shalhoub. The song showcases Lenk's character Dina as she recalls and gets lost in a memory of the last time in her life she found pure hope. This song is a very specific moment in the show that gives Lenk a star quality.

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Don't miss all these actors in their memorable performances that will leave you lost in thought!