Character lists
The most famous musical theatre characters
Musical theatre has produced characters who outgrow their shows: the green witch Elphaba, the masked Phantom, the rapping founding father Alexander Hamilton. This is our ranking of 100 of the best-known roles in musical theatre, drawn from the characters in our guides, so you can compare eras and start a listening list.
We ranked by reach: signature songs, landmark performances, film versions and pop culture. The list spans 1927's Show Boat to recent hits, with no more than four characters from any one show, so the mix covers Golden Age classics, megamusicals, Disney adaptations and modern hits.
100 characters on this list.
- 1. ElphabaWicked (2003) · LeadThe green-skinned witch at the heart of Wicked (2003), created by Idina Menzel. Her showstopper "Defying Gravity" ends Act One and has become a…
- 2. Alexander HamiltonHamilton (2015) · LeadThe title role of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton (2015), created by Miranda himself. Songs like "My Shot" and "Hurricane" made the founding father a…
- 3. The PhantomThe Phantom of the Opera (1988) · LeadThe masked genius of The Phantom of the Opera, created by Michael Crawford in London (1986) and on Broadway (1988).
- 4. Jean ValjeanLes Misérables (1987) · LeadThe convict turned good man in Les Miserables, created by Colm Wilkinson in London in 1985 and on Broadway in 1987.
- 5. SimbaThe Lion King (1997) · LeadThe lion cub who must become king in The Lion King, which opened on Broadway in 1997. The stage show opens with "Circle of Life" and adult Simba…
- 6. GlindaWicked (2003) · LeadThe bubbly good witch of Wicked, created by Kristin Chenoweth in 2003. Her comic number "Popular" is a staple of auditions and school shows.
- 7. Christine DaaéThe Phantom of the Opera (1988) · LeadThe young soprano pulled between the Phantom and Raoul, created by Sarah Brightman in London and on Broadway.
- 8. Sweeney ToddSweeney Todd (1979) · LeadThe vengeful barber of Fleet Street in Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd (1979), created on Broadway by Len Cariou.
- 9. TevyeFiddler on the Roof (1964) · LeadThe dairyman and father of five daughters in Fiddler on the Roof (1964), created by Zero Mostel. He sings "Tradition" and "If I Were a Rich Man".
- 10. Eliza DoolittleMy Fair Lady (1956) · LeadThe Cockney flower seller transformed by phonetics in My Fair Lady (1956), created by Julie Andrews.
- 11. Dolly LeviHello, Dolly! (1964) · LeadThe matchmaker of Hello, Dolly! (1964), created by Carol Channing. The title song became a hit for Louis Armstrong…
- 12. Maria RainerThe Sound of Music (1959) · LeadThe postulant turned governess in The Sound of Music (1959), created by Mary Martin. "My Favorite Things" and "Do-Re-Mi" are family favorites…
- 13. AnnieAnnie (1977) · LeadThe red-haired orphan of Annie (1977), created on Broadway by Andrea McArdle. "Tomorrow" is one of the most widely known show songs…
- 14. The EmceeCabaret (1966) · SupportingThe sinister host of the Kit Kat Klub in Cabaret, created by Joel Grey in 1966. Grey won a Tony and an Oscar for the role…
- 15. Roxie HartChicago (1975) · LeadThe chorus girl who murders her lover and chases fame in Chicago, created by Gwen Verdon in 1975.
- 16. Velma KellyChicago (1975) · LeadThe vaudeville killer of Chicago, created by Chita Rivera in 1975. She opens the show with "All That Jazz", one of Broadway's best-known songs.
- 17. FantineLes Misérables (1987) · SupportingThe doomed factory worker of Les Miserables. She sings "I Dreamed a Dream", a song that reached a huge audience beyond the theatre after Susan…
- 18. Danny ZukoGrease (1972) · LeadThe leather-jacketed leader of the Burger Palace Boys (the T-Birds on film) in Grease, created on Broadway by Barry Bostwick in 1972.
- 19. Sandy DumbrowskiGrease (1972) · LeadThe sweet new girl who gets a makeover in Grease, created on Broadway by Carole Demas in 1972. Olivia Newton-John played her in the hit 1978 film.
- 20. BelleBeauty and the Beast (1994) · LeadThe book-loving heroine of Beauty and the Beast, created on Broadway by Susan Egan in 1994.
- 21. The BeastBeauty and the Beast (1994) · LeadThe cursed prince of Beauty and the Beast, created on Broadway by Terrence Mann in 1994. The stage show gave him the solo "If I Can't Love Her" at…
- 22. Mary PoppinsMary Poppins (2006) · LeadThe magical nanny of Mary Poppins. Julie Andrews won an Oscar for the 1964 film, and the 2006 stage show brought songs like…
- 23. ScarThe Lion King (1997) · SupportingThe scheming uncle of The Lion King, whose song "Be Prepared" is a villain showpiece. John Vickery created Scar on Broadway in 1997…
- 24. MufasaThe Lion King (1997) · SupportingThe wise lion king of The Lion King, voiced by James Earl Jones in the 1994 and 2019 films. Samuel E.
- 25. Aaron BurrHamilton (2015) · LeadThe narrator and rival of Hamilton, created by Leslie Odom Jr., who won a Tony for it. He sings "Wait for It" and "The Room Where It Happens".
- 26. Eliza HamiltonHamilton (2015) · LeadAlexander's wife in Hamilton, created by Phillipa Soo. Her songs "That Would Be Enough" and "Burn" drive the emotional core of the show.
- 27. King George IIIHamilton (2015) · SupportingThe sulking British monarch of Hamilton, played on Broadway by Jonathan Groff, who took over from Brian d'Arcy James Off-Broadway.
- 28. Evan HansenDear Evan Hansen (2016) · LeadThe anxious teenager at the center of Dear Evan Hansen (2016), created by Ben Platt, who won a Tony.
- 29. Mama RoseGypsy (1959) · LeadThe ultimate stage mother of Gypsy (1959), created by Ethel Merman. "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and the climactic "Rose's Turn" make it a dream…
- 30. Fanny BriceFunny Girl (1964) · LeadThe Ziegfeld Follies star of Funny Girl (1964), created by Barbra Streisand. "People" and "Don't Rain on My Parade" made the role a defining showcase.
- 31. Harold HillThe Music Man (1957) · LeadThe con man who sells band instruments to a small Iowa town in The Music Man (1957), created by Robert Preston, who also starred in the 1962 film.
- 32. Curly McLainOklahoma! (1943) · LeadThe cowboy hero of Oklahoma! (1943), created by Alfred Drake. He opens the show with "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'"…
- 33. Nellie ForbushSouth Pacific (1949) · LeadThe cheerful Navy nurse of South Pacific (1949), created by Mary Martin. She sings "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair" and "A Wonderful Guy".
- 34. Don QuixoteMan of La Mancha (1965) · LeadThe dreamer of Man of La Mancha (1965), created by Richard Kiley, who won a Tony. "The Impossible Dream" became one of the most widely recorded show…
- 35. Eva PerónEvita (1979) · LeadThe political wife at the center of Evita, created by Elaine Paige in London and Patti LuPone on Broadway.
- 36. GrizabellaCats (1982) · LeadThe faded glamour cat of Cats, whose song "Memory" became a pop standard. Elaine Paige created her in London in 1981…
- 37. Norma DesmondSunset Boulevard (1994) · LeadThe faded silent film star of Sunset Boulevard. Glenn Close won a Tony for the 1994 Broadway production, and "With One Look" and "As If We Never Said…
- 38. Sally BowlesCabaret (1966) · LeadThe English nightclub singer of Cabaret, created on Broadway by Jill Haworth in 1966. Liza Minnelli won an Oscar for the 1972 film…
- 39. Mimi MárquezRent (1996) · LeadThe dancer and neighbor who falls for Roger in Rent (1996), created by Daphne Rubin-Vega. She sings "Out Tonight" and "Without You".
- 40. Angel Dumott SchunardRent (1996) · SupportingThe drummer and drag performer of Rent (1996), created by Wilson Jermaine Heredia, who won a Tony.
- 41. Mark CohenRent (1996) · LeadThe filmmaker narrator of Rent (1996), created by Anthony Rapp. Rent won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and Mark's story frames the whole show.
- 42. UsnaviIn the Heights (2008) · LeadThe bodega owner who narrates In the Heights (2008), created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The show won the Tony for Best Musical and opens with the…
- 43. Elder PriceThe Book of Mormon (2011) · LeadThe golden-boy missionary of The Book of Mormon (2011), created by Andrew Rannells. His songs include "Hello!" and "I Believe".
- 44. Elder CunninghamThe Book of Mormon (2011) · LeadThe awkward, imaginative missionary of The Book of Mormon (2011), created by Josh Gad. He sings "Man Up" and is the show's biggest comic engine.
- 45. JesusJesus Christ Superstar (1971) · LeadThe title role of Jesus Christ Superstar, which opened on Broadway in 1971 with Jeff Fenholt. "Gethsemane" is the role's famously demanding showpiece.
- 46. Judas IscariotJesus Christ Superstar (1971) · LeadThe conflicted disciple who drives Jesus Christ Superstar, created on Broadway by Ben Vereen in 1971. The title song "Superstar" is his number.
- 47. FaginOliver! (1963) · LeadThe ringleader of the pickpocket gang in Oliver! Ron Moody created the role in London in 1960 and in the 1968 film.
- 48. NancyOliver! (1963) · LeadThe loyal, tragic heart of Oliver!, created by Georgia Brown in London in 1960 and on Broadway in 1963.
- 49. Matilda WormwoodMatilda (2013) · LeadThe brilliant girl with a telekinetic gift in Matilda the Musical, from Roald Dahl's novel.
- 50. Miss TrunchbullMatilda (2013) · LeadThe tyrannical headmistress of Matilda the Musical, created by Bertie Carvel, who won an Olivier Award.
- 51. Dorothy GaleThe Wizard of Oz (1987) · LeadThe Kansas farm girl of The Wizard of Oz, made famous by Judy Garland in the 1939 film. The 1987 RSC stage version, with Imelda Staunton as Dorothy…
- 52. Wicked Witch of the WestThe Wizard of Oz (1987) · SupportingThe green villain of The Wizard of Oz, made famous by Margaret Hamilton in the 1939 film. In the 1987 RSC stage version…
- 53. ShrekShrek (2008) · LeadThe grumpy ogre of Shrek The Musical (2008), created on Broadway by Brian d'Arcy James. The show adapts the DreamWorks film and features the song…
- 54. Princess FionaShrek (2008) · LeadThe princess with a secret in Shrek The Musical (2008), created on Broadway by Sutton Foster. She sings "I Think I Got You Beat" with Shrek.
- 55. Lord FarquaadShrek (2008) · SupportingThe tiny tyrant of Shrek The Musical (2008), created on Broadway by Christopher Sieber. Actors perform him on their knees with prosthetic legs…
- 56. Peter PanPeter Pan (1954) · LeadThe boy who never grows up, played by Mary Martin in the 1954 Broadway musical that was later broadcast live on television.
- 57. Captain HookPeter Pan (1954) · LeadPeter Pan's pirate enemy. Cyril Ritchard created him in the 1954 Broadway musical, doubling as Mr.
- 58. KimMiss Saigon (1991) · LeadThe young Vietnamese bar girl at the center of Miss Saigon. Lea Salonga won Olivier and Tony Awards for the role…
- 59. The EngineerMiss Saigon (1991) · LeadThe scheming bar owner of Miss Saigon, created by Jonathan Pryce, who won the Olivier in London and the Tony on Broadway.
- 60. SatineMoulin Rouge! (2019) · LeadThe star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub in Moulin Rouge! The Musical (2019). Karen Olivo created her on Broadway and earned a Tony nomination…
- 61. JennaWaitress (2016) · LeadThe pie-baking waitress of Waitress (2016), created on Broadway by Jessie Mueller. Sara Bareilles wrote the score, including "She Used to Be Mine".
- 62. ElsaFrozen (2018) · LeadThe snow queen of Frozen, whose "Let It Go" became a worldwide hit from the 2013 film, where Idina Menzel voiced her.
- 63. AnnaFrozen (2018) · LeadElsa's optimistic younger sister in Frozen, created on Broadway in 2018 by Patti Murin. Kristen Bell voiced her in the 2013 film…
- 64. Regina GeorgeMean Girls (2018) · LeadThe queen bee of Mean Girls, created on Broadway in 2018 by Taylor Louderman. Her Act Two number is "World Burn"…
- 65. Cady HeronMean Girls (2018) · LeadThe homeschooled newcomer of Mean Girls, created on Broadway in 2018 by Erika Henningsen. Tina Fey wrote the book from her own 2004 film…
- 66. AnyaAnastasia (2017) · LeadThe amnesiac heroine of Anastasia, created on Broadway in 2017 by Christy Altomare. She sings "Journey to the Past"…
- 67. Carole KingBeautiful: The Carole King Musical (2014) · LeadThe singer-songwriter of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (2014). Jessie Mueller won a Tony Award for playing her…
- 68. Frankie ValliJersey Boys (2005) · LeadThe falsetto lead of the Four Seasons in Jersey Boys (2005). John Lloyd Young won a Tony for the role, singing "Sherry" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off…
- 69. Reno SweeneyAnything Goes (1934) · LeadThe nightclub singer of Anything Goes (1934), created by Ethel Merman. Reno leads "I Get a Kick Out of You" and the title number.
- 70. Billy BigelowCarousel (1945) · LeadThe carnival barker of Carousel (1945), created by John Raitt. His long "Soliloquy" is among the most celebrated songs in Rodgers and Hammerstein's…
- 71. Desiree ArmfeldtA Little Night Music (1973) · LeadThe actress at the center of A Little Night Music (1973), created by Glynis Johns. Stephen Sondheim wrote "Send in the Clowns" for her voice.
- 72. ArielThe Little Mermaid (2008) · LeadThe mermaid who longs for the human world in The Little Mermaid, created on Broadway in 2008 by Sierra Boggess. She sings "Part of Your World".
- 73. UrsulaThe Little Mermaid (2008) · LeadThe sea witch of The Little Mermaid, created on Broadway in 2008 by Sherie Rene Scott. Her villain number is "Poor Unfortunate Souls".
- 74. GenieAladdin (2014) · SupportingThe wish-granting showman of Aladdin (2014). James Monroe Iglehart won a Tony for the role, leading the big number "Friend Like Me".
- 75. AladdinAladdin (2014) · LeadThe street thief of Aladdin, created on Broadway in 2014 by Adam Jacobs. The stage show adapts Disney's 1992 film and features "A Whole New World".
- 76. JafarAladdin (2014) · SupportingThe sorcerer villain of Aladdin. Jonathan Freeman, who voiced Jafar in the 1992 film, also played the role in the 2014 Broadway production.
- 77. Mrs. LovettSweeney Todd (1979) · LeadThe pie-maker partner of Sweeney Todd, created on Broadway by Angela Lansbury in 1979. She sings "The Worst Pies in London" and "A Little Priest".
- 78. The WitchInto the Woods (1987) · SupportingThe vengeful, complicated sorceress of Into the Woods (1987), created by Bernadette Peters.
- 79. Sky MastersonGuys and Dolls (1950) · LeadThe high-rolling gambler of Guys and Dolls (1950), created by Robert Alda. He sings "Luck Be a Lady", a standard of the American songbook.
- 80. Miss AdelaideGuys and Dolls (1950) · SupportingThe long-engaged nightclub performer of Guys and Dolls (1950), created by Vivian Blaine. Her comic "Adelaide's Lament" is a staple of musical comedy.
- 81. TonyWest Side Story (1957) · LeadThe idealistic young lover of West Side Story (1957), created by Larry Kert. His songs include "Something's Coming", "Maria", and the duet "Tonight".
- 82. AnitaWest Side Story (1957) · SupportingBernardo's fiery girlfriend in West Side Story, created by Chita Rivera in 1957. She leads "America", and both Rita Moreno (1961) and Ariana DeBose…
- 83. Elle WoodsLegally Blonde (2007) · LeadThe pink-clad law student of Legally Blonde: The Musical (2007), created by Laura Bell Bundy.
- 84. Donna SheridanMamma Mia! (2001) · LeadThe single mother and innkeeper of Mamma Mia!, created on Broadway by Louise Pitre in 2001.
- 85. Tracy TurnbladHairspray (2002) · LeadThe plus-sized teen dancer of Hairspray (2002), created by Marissa Jaret Winokur, who won a Tony. The show opens with "Good Morning Baltimore".
- 86. AudreyLittle Shop of Horrors (2003) · LeadThe sweet, battered florist assistant of Little Shop of Horrors, created Off-Broadway by Ellen Greene in 1982. She sings "Somewhere That's Green".
- 87. Effie WhiteDreamgirls (1981) · LeadThe powerhouse singer of Dreamgirls (1981), created by Jennifer Holliday, who won a Tony. Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar for the 2006 film…
- 88. Leading PlayerPippin (1972) · LeadThe narrator who leads the troupe of Players in Pippin (1972), created by Ben Vereen, who won a Tony.
- 89. Max BialystockThe Producers (2001) · LeadThe washed-up producer of The Producers (2001), created by Nathan Lane. The show won 12 Tony Awards, a record at the time…
- 90. LolaKinky Boots (2013) · LeadThe drag performer who saves a shoe factory in Kinky Boots (2013). Billy Porter won a Tony for the role, singing Cyndi Lauper songs like "Land of…
- 91. DianaNext to Normal (2009) · LeadThe mother at the center of Next to Normal (2009), created by Alice Ripley, who won a Tony. The musical won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
- 92. Anna LeonowensThe King and I (1951) · LeadThe English teacher in The King and I (1951), created by Gertrude Lawrence. She sings "Getting to Know You" and "Hello, Young Lovers".
- 93. CelieThe Color Purple (2005) · LeadThe heroine of The Color Purple, from Alice Walker's novel. LaChanze won a Tony for the 2005 musical, and Cynthia Erivo won one for the 2015 revival.
- 94. JoeShow Boat (1927) · SupportingThe dockworker of Show Boat (1927) who sings "Ol' Man River". Jules Bledsoe created Joe on Broadway, and Paul Robeson…
- 95. Jack KellyNewsies (2012) · LeadThe newsboy strike leader of Newsies, created by Jeremy Jordan in the 2012 Broadway production, which earned him a Tony nomination.
- 96. Billy ElliotBilly Elliot (2008) · LeadThe miner's son who wants to dance ballet in Billy Elliot the Musical. On Broadway, David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish shared the role and…
- 97. RafikiThe Lion King (1997) · SupportingThe wise mandrill of The Lion King, made a woman for the stage by director Julie Taymor. Tsidii Le Loka created her on Broadway in 1997…
- 98. JavertLes Misérables (1987) · LeadThe relentless police inspector of Les Miserables, who sings "Stars". Terrence Mann created the role on Broadway in 1987…
- 99. ÉponineLes Misérables (1987) · SupportingThe street girl who loves Marius in Les Miserables. Frances Ruffelle created the role in London and on Broadway…
- 100. GastonBeauty and the Beast (1994) · SupportingThe vain hunter of Beauty and the Beast, created on Broadway by Burke Moses in 1994. His boastful number "Gaston" is one of Disney's best-loved…
The most famous musical theatre characters: common questions
Who is the most famous musical theatre character?
There is no official ranking, but Elphaba from Wicked tops our list. Her song "Defying Gravity" is known far beyond the theatre, and Wicked has been a Broadway fixture since 2003. On our list, Alexander Hamilton, the Phantom and Jean Valjean come next.
Who is the most famous female character in a musical?
Elphaba from Wicked is the top pick on our list. The next highest-ranked women in our ranking are Glinda in Wicked, Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! and Maria in The Sound of Music.
Who is the most famous villain in a musical?
It depends on how you count antiheroes. On our list, the Phantom and Sweeney Todd rank highest, and Scar from The Lion King is our top outright villain. Miss Trunchbull, the Wicked Witch of the West, Lord Farquaad, Captain Hook, Ursula, Jafar and Gaston also make our 100.
What musical has the most famous characters?
On our list, Les Miserables, Hamilton and The Lion King each place four characters, the most we allowed for any one show. Rent, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek The Musical and Aladdin place three each.