With the world-renowned New York Theatre Festival season upon us, it is time to look back on the first half of the 2024 theatre season and delight in the exceeding talent it brought us. We focus today on the comedic geniuses whose airtight timing has us holding our ribs and crying with laughter.
In NYC, the rule is: there’s good, and there’s better. But who are the best? Who are those few whose talent crosses boundaries, who can touch our funny bones and pluck at our heart strings?
From all different corners of the city’s laugh factories, here are our favorite picks of the year.
1. Justin David Sullivan (he/she/they)
Justin David Sullivan (he/she/they) shines as May in the critically acclaimed Broadway hit musical “& Juliet.” A trans non-binary performer based in NYC, Sullivan infuses the character with both tenderness and strength, delivering unforgettable performances, including a poignant rendition of Britney Spears’ “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman.” Their portrayal not only celebrates queer narratives but also demands inclusivity in American theater. Sullivan’s debut has been met with rave reviews, marking them as an emerging force on Broadway and a beacon of diversity and representation in the performing arts.
2.Gal Yosepov
Gal Yosepov has been making waves on both Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway stages. He proved himself as a New York theatre staple with his on point portrayal of (the!) Albert Einstein in Picasso at the Lapin Agile this year. His success comes as no surprise, given his versatile resume from this year alone, with performances in hits such as: Merry Sketchmas, October 7- in Their Own Words, and Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow.
Yet the production that cemented his position as an established leading artist is “Twelve Angry Men”, where Gal proved himself to be a strong performer who can command the stage with grace. All of these performances exemplify to what he owes his commercial success: a combination of emotional depth with impeccable comedic timing.
3. Sean Hayes
Sean Patrick Hayes, an Emmy-winning actor and producer renowned for his portrayal of Jack McFarland on NBC’s “Will & Grace,” has solidified his status as a versatile talent in show business. With accolades including multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Primetime Emmy to his name, Hayes has recently left an indelible mark on Broadway. In 2023, he shined in the role of Oscar Levant in Doug Wright’s play “Good Night, Oscar,” capturing rave reviews and earning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. His deeply emotional and exhilarating performance has brought a fresh wind to the New York stage, reaffirming his multifaceted prowess in the entertainment industry.
