This week we spotlight the choices of two-time Tony nominee Christopher Fitzgerald, who is currently co-starring opposite Jim Parsons in An Act of God at Studio 54. The singing actor told Playbill.com, "One of the great gifts of being a part of this community has been the deep and profound friendships I have made and the ability to experience those friends at the pinnacle of their work. There is this amazing personal and professional symbiosis that happens the longer you are here. Not only do you get to watch these people who you love do work that inspires and moves you, you get to watch them transform audiences of thousands and the community at large.
"Most of these folks I have been friends with since I arrived in New York in the mid 90's. This is a partial list and in no particular order."
Brooks Ashmanskas in Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me
A fiercely funny and original performance. Dangerous, in the most satisfying way. One of my best fiends and I'm one of many who feel that way.
Transformed a lovely song into a transcendent moment in time. I remember looking at my wife during the number, both of us with tears streaming down our faces. A fellow Mainer and no one I'd rather get lunch with.
Kevin Chamberlin in Dirty Blonde
Kevin's earnestness and humanity were so raw in this play. My favorite of many marvelous performances of his. Written by another dear friend Claudia Shear.
Lee's spirit and funny bones were so perfect in this show. Hysterical. Friends since our days at Williamstown.
Kristine Nielsen and David Hyde Pierce in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
The chemistry that they had on stage together was sublime. Funny, touching, ridiculous, and real. Both had moments in this play that I will never forget. The fact that it was directed by one of my best friends, Nicholas Martin, made the evening divine.
Paxton Whitehead in Absurd Person Singular
One of my all-time favorite actors/people. The physical business of him running from a barking dog and simply hopping onto a table is etched into the funny area of my brain forever.
Paul Castree in Saturday Night Fever
One of my wife's best friends when I met her and now one of mine. His wholehearted clarity stopped the show for me. Also his dancing! Amazing.
Nathan Lane in Waiting for Godot
One of my comic heroes. The physicality, the sincerity, the timing. I loved this production and I was so moved by Nathan's coarse performance.
I had a permanent grin every second Deb was on stage. Just a glorious, bawdy and brave performance. Just Deb.
Jessica Stone in The Odd Couple
This was directed by our mutual pal Joe Mantello. Jess gave such a skilled, smart and sexy performance. An amazing combination of knife edge timing and soulful humanity. Does it count if we are married with kids?
