Word of Mouth Wrap-Up! Our Real-People Critics Pick the Season's Best

Broadway.com’s Word of Mouth panel has seen it all—literally. Be it dramas or comedies, musicals or plays, Hollywood stars or Broadway divas, our real-life reviewers have seen everything the Great White Way has to offer during the 2009-2010 season. Now with awards season in full swing, we’ve asked them to weigh in on the best of the year. Their answers might surprise you. Scroll through for Broadway.com’s Word of Mouth Panel Picks of the Year.


Ellen’s Pick: La Cage aux Folles
“A tremendous show—one I am recommending to everyone. Funny, poignant, relevant to today’s issues and a whole lot of fun. Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge are convincing and entertaining with surprisingly good chemistry, and Les Cagelles are a thrill to watch. Life is just a little bit sunnier with a drag queen (or six) around!”


Joe’s Pick: Million Dollar Quartet
“My favorite show of the season. I saw the show with my father, and for the first time in a thousand conversations with him over the years I really understood what makes that genre of music so special. The cast does an incredible job of recapturing the feel of what it must have been like to attend those rock 'n' roll extravaganzas back in day.”


Matt’s Pick: A Behanding in Spokane
“I was super excited to see Christopher Walken in person, and he didn't disappoint. The show was original, edgy and totally wrong, which made it hilarious. Broken glass, gasoline, chopped off hands and awesome acting... What could be better in a stage show? I've been doing Christopher Walken impressions even since the curtain dropped. Pure, ridiculous, dark fun.”


Kathleen’s Pick: Memphis
“Memphis is the show that truly moved me this season—I’ve seen it three times. Chad Kimball and Montego Glover have terrific chemistry and synergy as Huey and Felicia and are the core of a tremendously talented ensemble. Memphis is a love story, a 1950s rock 'n' roll musical and a glimpse of a pivotal time in American racial and music history. Heartbreaking and joyous, it is my must-see pick.”


Sam’s Pick: La Cage aux Folles
“It was a gorgeous production with a talented and stunning cast, and it put an exciting new spin on an already great show. Jerry Herman's score is very touching and the cast really brought it to life. The ensemble "women," Les Cagelles, were definitely the highlight of the show, and, of course, Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge are a perfect match.”


Angie’s Pick: The Royal Family
“A play that portrayed the insanity, tragedy, love, and above all, the closeness of one extraordinary family. The strong script was coupled with a stellar cast. Jan Maxwell gave an amazing performance as a leading lady who was able to complement everyone in the cast as well as display her superb acting skills. The ensemble was hysterical but believable. The production captivated you every second, and you left the theater feeling a connection to each member of the royal family.”

Maggie’s Pick: Memphis
Memphis is a wonderful gift of electrifying music coupled with a solid book, excellent performances and gifted singers and dancers. The opening number is galvanizing—and that’s only the beginning. I have recommended the show to family, friends and complete strangers. After they see it, they respond—without exception—with the same gratified 'Thank-you-for-telling-us-about-Memphis' comment coupled with a huge grin. I’ve seen some good things this year, but Memphis is my clear favorite!”

Phil’s Pick: The Addams Family
 “I enjoy any type of show, but I really prefer those that send me home smiling or humming the music. The Addams Family did both. I took my granddaughter—usually with grandchildren there’s very little agreement when it comes to musical tastes. This time, however, we both laughed and enjoyed the singing and play in general. When she told the family what a great time she had with Poppa at the wonderful play we saw, it bought a smile and to my face and pleasure to my heart.”

Randi’s Pick: After Miss Julie
"Why? Two words: STEAM HEAT. It's the rare play that gets your heartrate up. The script is sheer poetry and the acting exquisite. The original Strindberg play (salacious in its time) updated to the fashionable '40s changes enough of the script to make the lesson in playwriting and history compelling for theatergoers interested in drama."

Deanna’s Pick: Next Fall
“I would have to say that Next Fall was my favorite show. I felt that all around this play had it all. Great acting, an amazing story, and it took me on an emotional journey. I hope it is nominated for a Tony Award!”

Phyllis’s Pick: Fences
“A rare opportunity to see a grown-up story performed by a celebrity cast that can actually handle two full acts of powerful emotional dialogue. This was no ‘90 minutes with no intermission because the celebrity there to sell tickets is a stage virgin’ show. It was a once in lifetime opportunity I will never forget.”

Tom’s Pick: Time Stands Still
“Not only was it a really smart play, but also it was beautifully acted all around. The play focused on the complicated emotions of complex characters, and I thought it was pitch-perfect, across the board. Laura Linney and Brian d'Arcy James are two of the finest actors around, if you ask me. Alicia Silverstone took a character that could have easily been shrill or cloying and turned in a nuanced performance that really gave the character dimension. Of everything I saw this year, Time Stands Still stands out.”