Broadway.com Editors Choose Top Shows, Performances of 2006

After a year packed with terrific productions and performances, it wasn't easy to narrow a list of favorites down to five in each category. But that's exactly what the editorial staff of Broadway.com did after a spirited ! discussion of every show that opened on Broadway in 2006.

Our top five shows of the year include revivals of a classic play and musical, two bracing comedies with very different sensibilities and an exciting new musical with a pop-rock score:

1. Awake and Sing!
2. The History Boys
3. A Chorus Line
4. Spring Awakening
5. The Lieutenant of Inishmore

Our top five performances of the year define the best in stage acting, with charismatic theater stars delivering some of the most memorable work of their careers:

1. Christine Ebersole in Grey Gardens
2. Richard Griffiths in The History Boys
3. Bill Nighy in The Vertical Hour
4. Cynthia Nixon in Rabbit Hole
5. Justin Bond in Kiki & Herb: Alive on Broadway

In addition, the editorial team named the April 10th anniversary performance of Rent as the Event of the Year.

To read our analysis of the honored shows and performances, click on to our special Broadway wrap-up. Broadway.com's juicy year-end section also includes round-ups of the best in movies, TV, music and tabloid talk, hosted by the cast of Rent. Enjoy!