The Legacy of Iconic Roles and Their Impact on Broadway Awards
When Danny Burstein stepped into the role of Herbie in the Broadway revival of Gypsy, he was acutely aware of the rich history and legendary performances that preceded him. The character of Herbie, the empathetic talent manager who falls for Mama Rose, has long been a cornerstone of musical theatre, with each actor who takes on the part leaving a distinct mark.
A Tradition of Reverence and Personal Interpretation
Burstein, now 60, has a storied history with Gypsy. In 1993, he appeared alongside Jack Klugman in Three Men on a Horse, connecting him to the lineage of actors who have portrayed Herbie. Over the years, he has worked with performers like Jonathan Hadary, John Dossett, and Boyd Gaines-each of whom brought their own nuance to the role in recent Broadway revivals. Notably, all four actors received Tony nominations for their performances, setting a high bar for Burstein’s own portrayal. Rather than feeling daunted, he embraced their influence, integrating their insights into his process.
“I’ve worked with these incredible actors,” Burstein explains. “I respect their work immensely, and I carry their performances with me into rehearsals. Ultimately, I aim to make the role my own while honoring the legacy.”
Recognition and the Power of the Role
Recently, Burstein’s dedication was rewarded with a Tony Award nomination for featured actor in a musical. This recognition follows in the footsteps of legendary actresses like Audra McDonald, who received a lead actress nod for her commanding portrayal of Mama Rose-joining a prestigious list that includes Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, Bernadette Peters, and Patti LuPone. (Lansbury, Daly, and LuPone have all won Tonys for the role.) Similarly, Joy Woods’s nomination for her portrayal of Louise, the aspiring burlesque star, continues a tradition of Gypsy performances earning multiple nominations across different productions.
The Role of Classic Characters in Award Nominations
As the awards season approaches, the nominations of actors like Bob Odenkirk in Glengarry Glen Ross and Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis in Sunset Boulevard highlight a recurring theme: certain characters seem to attract award recognition repeatedly. This phenomenon raises a perennial question in the industry-do voters prioritize the depth of the role or the actor’s execution?
“Honestly, I believe most of the credit goes to the creative team and the production,” says Francis, who credits the Sunset Boulevard team and crew for his nomination. “I see myself as a vessel for the character, and I try to bring something fresh to the role each time.”
The Challenge of Reinventing Classic Roles
Landing a coveted role in a well-known production can often serve as a shortcut to award nominations. However, it also entails the challenge of honoring the great performances that came before while injecting new life into the character. Just as Olympic gymnasts perform complex routines with their own artistic flair, actors excel by interpreting iconic roles in innovative ways.
Broadway’s Favorite Roles and Their Award History
Certain characters have become perennial favorites for Tony nominations. For instance, the revival of Cabaret last year earned nominations in all four musical acting categories-an achievement that has occurred only twice before in Broadway history. Similarly, actors like Arthur Hill, Bill Irwin, and Tracy Letts have all won Tonys for their portrayals of George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. The roles of Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd have also proven to be reliable award magnets.
Cross-Media Recognition of Iconic Characters
This pattern extends beyond the stage. Characters like Anita from West Side Story and Vito Corleone from The Godfather have earned Oscars for multiple actors, illustrating how certain roles resonate across different performers and eras. In television, the portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in The Crown by Claire Foy and Olivia Colman has garnered Emmy awards, while Helen Mirren’s Oscar-winning performance as Elizabeth exemplifies the enduring appeal of regal roles.
The Complexity of Award-Winning Performances
Despite the allure of these iconic roles, not every performance receives recognition. For example, in the recent revival of Glengarry Glen Ross, Kieran Culkin’s portrayal of Richard Roma was overlooked, despite the role’s history of award-winning performances. Actor Bob Odenkirk reflects on this, noting that he and his castmates are all striving to bring fresh energy to their characters, often inspired by legendary predecessors but seeking their own unique interpretation.
“I wanted to approach the role differently from Jack Lemmon’s film portrayal,” Odenkirk shares. “My goal was to find a version that felt authentic and new, even if it meant diverging from the classic performance.”
Personal Approaches to Character Portrayal
Burstein and director George C. Wolfe aimed to portray Herbie as more assertive and resilient than previous versions, emphasizing a dynamic relationship with Mama Rose. Yet, Burstein also incorporates homage, reading lines with a tone reminiscent of Jack Klugman, emphasizing honesty and emotional truth over mere imitation.
Similarly, Francis’s fresh perspective on Sunset Boulevard was shaped by his lack of familiarity with previous adaptations, allowing him to develop a character that felt genuine and original. His approach underscores a broader truth: award-winning performances often stem from an actor’s ability to balance respect for tradition with personal innovation.
The Value of Recognition
Ultimately, whether a performance is driven by the character’s legacy or the actor’s unique interpretation, a Tony nomination remains a significant acknowledgment of artistic achievement. As Burstein succinctly puts it, “Getting nominated for a Tony is always a wonderful validation. There’s no downside to recognition in this industry.”
In the end, the enduring appeal of these roles lies in their capacity to inspire actors to explore new depths, challenge conventions, and bring fresh perspectives to timeless stories-ensuring that the legacy of these characters continues to evolve with each new generation of performers.
