It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Yep, it’s your turn to choose Broadway.com’s 2014 Star of the Year! We’ve expanded the list this year to a dirty dozen of talented powerhouses that can act and/or sing and/or dance and/or box and/or rock a blazer/gardenia/head full of glitter/tattoo/peasant skirt/pair of fishnets with style.
Cast your vote by 11:59 PM (EST) on December 21 and crown one of the following nominees with the coveted title of Broadway.com Star of the Year! Vote below!
BRADLEY COOPER
For skipping a post-Oscar nom diva act in favor of fulfilling his long-standing dream of playing the challenging role of John Merrick, the deformed yet charming Englishman, in The Elephant Man.
BRYAN CRANSTON
For winning just about everyone’s vote—and a Tony Award—for his portrayal of LBJ in All the Way, all while fielding endless questions about Breaking Bad and keeping his wicked sense of humor intact.
SUTTON FOSTER
For digging deep (and going makeup-free!) to play a scarred young woman in Violet, for which the Tony winner nabbed her sixth nom (and for getting married and landing a new TV show to boot!).
NEIL PATRICK HARRIS
For quickly losing his HIMYM persona to take Broadway by storm as the title East German transgender rock goddess in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and always having fun despite a very busy schedule.
JAMES MONROE IGLEHART
For reinventing the beloved Genie role on stage in the new Disney musical blockbuster Aladdin, and for being an all-around sweet vlogger/Tony winner/guy.
RAMIN KARIMLOO
For bringing home Les Miserables with his masterful performance as Jean Valjean all while keeping himself fit, keeping fans happy and keeping a musical instrument (and video camera) at the ready.
ANDY KARL
For bulking up and wowing crowds as the knockout headliner in Rocky, which earned him his first Tony nomination and a stamp of approval from Sly himself.
AUDRA MCDONALD
For earning her sixth Tony Award (!) for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Day, making everyone cry with her acceptance speech, killing it on Twitter and being game for almost anything.
IDINA MENZEL
For conquering the world with her mega-hit “Let It Go” from Frozen while playing dual roles in If/Then, putting out a holiday album, selling out Radio City, being everywhere at once and answering to a new name.
JESSIE MUELLER
For winning a Tony Award for her killer portrayal of Carole King, which won raves and enthusiastic support from King herself all while staying humble, funny and lovable.
KELLI O'HARA
For pouring her heart and soul into playing a lovestruck farmer’s wife in The Bridges of Madison County, showing off her pipes in Peter Pan Live!, earning her fifth Tony nom and lining up her next gig fast.
TONY YAZBECK
For being a helluva triple threat in On the Town, reminding us what a debonair leading man is like, getting married on his day off and filling out his sailor suit quite well.