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Robin Williams – “Live on Broadway” (2002)
Robin Williams was a force of nature on stage, and his stand-up special “Live on Broadway” remains one of the greatest solo performances ever. His rapid-fire comedy, incredible impressions, and ability to switch between humor and deep insight made him one of the most beloved comedians in history. Williams’ energy was relentless, and his performance was a masterclass in improvisation and observational comedy. He tackled politics, everyday life, and human absurdities with unmatched brilliance. Watching him perform felt like being inside the mind of a genius—his thoughts moving at lightning speed, yet always engaging and hilarious. His ability to make audiences laugh while also making them think set him apart from other comedians.
Whoopi Goldberg – “Whoopi Goldberg: Direct from Broadway” (1985)
Whoopi Goldberg’s Broadway solo show was a groundbreaking moment in theater. She created and performed a series of characters, each with unique voices and perspectives, showcasing her incredible range as an actress. From a young girl with disabilities to a Valley girl obsessed with her looks, Whoopi’s transformations were seamless and deeply moving. Her ability to mix humor with serious social commentary made the show revolutionary, addressing race, gender, and identity with raw honesty. It was a performance that proved she was more than just a comedian—she was a storyteller with a deep understanding of human nature. Goldberg’s work on stage left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.
John Leguizamo – “Freak” (1998)
John Leguizamo’s “Freak” was an autobiographical tour de force that combined humor, drama, and raw emotion. Directed by Spike Lee, the show chronicled Leguizamo’s life growing up in Queens, New York, touching on his experiences with family, culture, and identity. His ability to switch between different characters—including his abusive father and wise-cracking friends—made the performance deeply engaging. Leguizamo’s energy, physicality, and storytelling prowess made “Freak” one of the most celebrated solo performances of all time. Through his performance, Leguizamo brought audiences into his world, making them feel every emotion along with him.
Anna Deavere Smith – “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992” (1994)
Anna Deavere Smith is a master of documentary theater, and “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992” is a shining example of her talent. The show was based on interviews she conducted after the Los Angeles riots, following the Rodney King verdict. Smith transformed into dozens of real-life people, from politicians to everyday citizens, bringing their words and emotions to life. Without changing costumes or using props, she embodied each person through voice and movement, making the audience feel like they were hearing directly from those who had lived through the chaos. It was an extraordinary achievement in solo performance and an essential piece of theater. Her work highlighted the power of theater as a form of social commentary.
Lily Tomlin – “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe” (1985)
Lily Tomlin’s legendary one-woman show, written by Jane Wagner, was a mesmerizing blend of comedy, satire, and social commentary. She played multiple characters, including a bag lady who served as the narrator, guiding the audience through a journey of human connection and absurdity. Tomlin’s ability to bring humor to deep philosophical questions about life, feminism, and society made the show unforgettable. The performance showcased her incredible range and solidified her place as one of the greatest comedic performers of all time. Her ability to connect with audiences on both an intellectual and emotional level was truly remarkable.
Spalding Gray – “Swimming to Cambodia” (1985)
Spalding Gray was a master of monologue, and “Swimming to Cambodia” is his most famous work. The show was based on his experience filming “The Killing Fields” in Thailand and evolved into a deeply personal and often humorous exploration of war, politics, and self-discovery. Gray’s minimalist approach—sitting at a desk with just a microphone—proved that a brilliant storyteller doesn’t need elaborate sets or costumes. His ability to weave personal anecdotes with historical events made the show both enlightening and deeply moving. Gray’s unique style and perspective left a lasting impression on audiences and influenced many solo performers who followed.
Eric Bogosian – “Drinking in America” (1986)
Eric Bogosian’s “Drinking in America” was a raw and electrifying solo performance that explored the darker sides of American life. He portrayed a series of intense and often troubled characters, from drug addicts to businessmen, exposing the struggles, hypocrisies, and absurdities of modern society. His rapid shifts between roles and his ability to create fully realized characters with just his voice and body made this show a standout in one-man theater. Bogosian’s work challenged audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge – “Fleabag” (2013)
Before “Fleabag” became a hit TV series, Phoebe Waller-Bridge performed it as a one-woman show. The original stage version was raw, hilarious, and heartbreakingly personal, with Waller-Bridge delivering a deeply honest portrayal of a flawed yet relatable woman navigating life, relationships, and grief. Her sharp wit and ability to break the fourth wall made the audience feel like they were part of her inner world. Waller-Bridge’s performance was both entertaining and thought-provoking, capturing the complexities of modern life with humor and grace.
Hal Holbrook – “Mark Twain Tonight!” (1959–2017)
Hal Holbrook’s portrayal of Mark Twain was a legendary theatrical achievement. He performed “Mark Twain Tonight!” for over 50 years, embodying the wit and wisdom of the iconic American author. Holbrook’s commitment to the role, his ability to improvise, and his deep understanding of Twain’s humor and social commentary made the show a timeless classic. His performance brought Twain’s words to life in a way that resonated with audiences of all ages, ensuring that Twain’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Mike Birbiglia – “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend” (2011)
Mike Birbiglia’s storytelling ability shines in “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend,” a deeply personal and comedic exploration of love, relationships, and self-doubt. Unlike traditional stand-up, Birbiglia’s performances feel like intimate conversations, filled with warmth, humor, and genuine emotion. His ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling makes him one of the most unique performers in solo theater. Birbiglia’s work resonated with audiences who saw themselves in his stories, creating a powerful connection between performer and audience.
Christopher Plummer – “A Word or Two” (2012)
In “A Word or Two,” the legendary actor Christopher Plummer took audiences on a journey through his love of literature. The show was a deeply personal reflection on the books and poems that shaped his life and career. His commanding presence and rich storytelling made it a memorable and moving theatrical experience. Plummer’s performance highlighted the power of literature to shape our lives and inspire us, leaving audiences with a renewed appreciation for the written word.
Eddie Izzard – “Dress to Kill” (1998)
Eddie Izzard’s “Dress to Kill” is one of the most beloved solo comedy performances of all time. His mix of surreal humor, historical observations, and sharp wit made the show a masterpiece. Izzard’s ability to weave complex ideas into hilarious, free-flowing monologues made him one of the most unique comedians in history. His performance challenged audiences to think while they laughed, creating a truly memorable experience that left a lasting impact on the world of comedy.
Bo Burnham – “Inside” (2021)
Bo Burnham’s “Inside” was a groundbreaking solo performance filmed during the COVID-19 lockdown. Combining music, comedy, and deep introspection, it captured the struggles of isolation, technology, and mental health. The show was unlike anything before it, pushing the boundaries of what a one-man performance could be. Burnham’s work resonated with audiences around the world who were experiencing similar challenges, creating a shared sense of understanding and connection.
Patrick Stewart – “A Christmas Carol” (1988)
Patrick Stewart’s one-man performance of “A Christmas Carol” was a theatrical masterpiece. Without elaborate sets or costumes, he played every character in Dickens’ classic tale, bringing them to life with his powerful voice and presence. His ability to shift between roles so seamlessly made it one of the greatest solo performances ever. Stewart’s work demonstrated the power of storytelling to transport audiences to another world, capturing the magic of the holiday season in a way that resonated with audiences of all ages.
Christian Wiedeck, all the way from Germany, loves music festivals, especially in the USA. His articles bring the excitement of these events to readers worldwide.
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