The Reigning Kings Of Broadway And The West End: Who Is The Best Leading Actor In A Musical Right Now?

The world of musical theatre is constantly evolving, but the question of who holds the title of "Best Leading Actor in a Musical" is a debate that captivates audiences, critics, and industry insiders alike. As of late 2025, the most definitive answer comes not from a single performance, but from a trio of recent, critically-acclaimed triumphs that span both Broadway and London’s West End, crowning new kings of the stage. This article dives deep into the performances that clinched the most prestigious awards, exploring the unique talents and roles that have defined the absolute best leading men in the current theatrical landscape.

To identify the best, we must look to the major awards—the Tony Awards (Broadway) and the Olivier Awards (West End)—which serve as the ultimate barometer of excellence. The performances honored in the 2024 and 2025 seasons showcase a remarkable range of talent, from beloved screen stars making a triumphant return to the stage, to West End veterans delivering career-defining, electrifying performances.

The Current Champions: A Trio of Unforgettable Performances

The title of "best" is subjective, but the major theatrical awards provide a clear, objective measure of excellence. The 2025 Tony Award, 2024 Tony Award, and 2024 Olivier Award winners represent the pinnacle of male performance in a musical, each delivering a role that demanded extraordinary vocal control, emotional depth, and stage presence. These performances are the gold standard for any aspiring Broadway or West End star, setting a new bar for the craft of the leading man.

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1. Darren Criss: The 2025 Tony Award Winner for *Maybe Happy Ending*

Biography and Profile:

• Full Name: Darren Everett Criss
• Born: February 5, 1987 (San Francisco, California)
• Key Roles (Screen): Blaine Anderson in *Glee*, Andrew Cunanan in *The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story* (Emmy Winner)
• Key Roles (Stage): Harry Potter in *A Very Potter Musical*, Hedwig in *Hedwig and the Angry Inch*, J. Pierrepont Finch in *How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying*
• Award-Winning Performance: Oliver in *Maybe Happy Ending*
• Significance: First Tony Award for a performance he originated on Broadway.

Darren Criss’s victory at the 2025 Tony Awards for his performance as Oliver in the new musical *Maybe Happy Ending* solidified his status as a true theatrical powerhouse. The role, a nuanced and emotionally challenging portrayal of an obsolete helper robot, allowed Criss to showcase a unique blend of technical precision and heartfelt vulnerability.

Critics widely praised Criss’s ability to embody the precise, almost mechanical mannerisms of a robot while simultaneously conveying a deep, yearning humanity. His performance was noted for its "nuanced delicacy and lightness of touch," which helped ground the show’s futuristic premise in genuine emotion. This role was a significant milestone for Criss, marking his first Tony Award and his first opportunity to originate a leading role on the Broadway stage, cementing his legacy beyond his celebrated television career.

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2. Jonathan Groff: The 2024 Tony Award Winner for *Merrily We Roll Along*

Biography and Profile:

• Full Name: Jonathan Drew Groff
• Born: March 26, 1985 (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
• Key Roles (Screen): King George III in *Hamilton* (Original Broadway Cast), Melchior Gabor in *Spring Awakening* (Tony Nominee), Holden Ford in *Mindhunter*
• Key Roles (Stage): Franklin Shepard in *Merrily We Roll Along*, Kristoff in *Frozen* (Voice Actor)
• Award-Winning Performance: Franklin Shepard in *Merrily We Roll Along*
• Significance: Tony Award for a career-defining performance in a Stephen Sondheim masterpiece revival.

The 2024 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical went to Jonathan Groff for his masterful portrayal of Franklin Shepard in the critically acclaimed revival of Stephen Sondheim’s *Merrily We Roll Along*. Groff’s performance was hailed as the emotional anchor of the production, which tells the story of an artist's life in reverse.

Playing the composer-turned-Hollywood-producer Franklin Shepard, Groff had to navigate a complex emotional arc, starting as a cynical, successful man and ending as a hopeful, idealistic young artist. His ability to convey this reverse aging and emotional devolution with authenticity was a major reason for the show's overwhelming success and critical praise. The revival, which also starred Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez, was described as a "critically acclaimed production" that captured the hearts of a new generation of theatre-goers, largely due to the compelling performances of its lead trio.

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3. Tom Francis: The 2024 Olivier Award Winner for *Sunset Boulevard*

Biography and Profile:

• Full Name: Tom Francis
• Born: (Information not readily available in search snippets, but recognized as a rising West End star)
• Key Roles (Stage): Joe Gillis in *Sunset Boulevard*, Fiyero in *Wicked* (West End)
• Award-Winning Performance: Joe Gillis in *Sunset Boulevard*
• Significance: Olivier Award for a breakout performance in a highly anticipated, radical revival.

Across the Atlantic, the 2024 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical was awarded to Tom Francis for his compelling performance as Joe Gillis in the radical revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s *Sunset Boulevard*. Francis starred opposite Nicole Scherzinger, who also won Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Norma Desmond.

Francis’s portrayal of the struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, who becomes entangled in Norma Desmond's world, was a standout of the production. His performance was noted for bringing a fresh, contemporary edge to the classic role, particularly in the production's celebrated, cinematic staging. The Daily Beast highlighted how Francis's performance, particularly in "THAT Epic Scene," had the power to bring Broadway to a standstill, demonstrating his exceptional stage command and vocal ability. His victory underscores the critical importance of British theatre's contribution to defining the "best" in musical theatre, often setting the stage for future Broadway success.

The Essential Qualities of a Leading Man in Musical Theatre

What makes an actor truly the "best leading actor in a musical"? It is a combination of technical mastery and intangible stage charisma. The recent winners demonstrate that a leading man must possess a unique blend of skills to captivate a modern audience. This blend creates topical authority and sets these actors apart from the rest of the ensemble.

• Vocal Power and Range: While technical perfection is key, the best actors use their voice to convey character and emotion. Jonathan Groff’s complex vocal journey in *Merrily We Roll Along* and Tom Francis’s commanding baritone in *Sunset Boulevard* showcase this essential requirement.
• Emotional Depth and Vulnerability: The ability to connect with the audience on a human level is crucial. Darren Criss’s portrayal of a robot's longing for human connection in *Maybe Happy Ending* is a perfect example of using vulnerability to create a powerful performance.
• Stage Presence and Charisma: A leading actor must command the stage. This is the quality that makes an audience hang on every word and movement. The ability to carry a show, whether through dramatic intensity or comedic timing, is non-negotiable for a top-tier performer.
• Acting Chops (Beyond Singing): Modern musical theatre demands acting on par with the best dramatic performances. The best leading men are actors who sing, not singers who act. This is evident in the nuanced character work done by all recent award winners.

The Next Generation of Leading Men and Emerging Entities

While Criss, Groff, and Francis currently hold the most recent major titles, the theatre world is always looking ahead. The nominees and emerging stars of the current season are the next entities to watch, and their performances are generating significant buzz and are often cited in discussions of the "best" in the industry.

Notable Contenders and Emerging Talent:

• Andrew Durand (*Dead Outlaw*): A 2025 Tony nominee whose performance in the Off-Broadway transfer garnered significant critical acclaim, demonstrating the power of a breakout role in a smaller, grittier production.
• Brian d'Arcy James (*Days of Wine and Roses*): A seasoned veteran and 2024 Tony nominee whose work in a more traditional, dramatic musical showcased a different kind of leading man—one focused on raw, emotional storytelling and powerful vocal delivery.
• Charlie Stemp (*Crazy for You*): A 2024 Olivier nominee known for his exceptional tap dancing and classic song-and-dance man charisma, proving that traditional skills still hold a vital place in the discussion of the best.
• Eddie Redmayne (*Cabaret*): A 2024 Tony nominee whose avant-garde, unsettling portrayal of The Emcee in the revival of *Cabaret* offered a masterclass in theatrical transformation and stage intensity.

These actors, along with other key entities like James Monroe Iglehart and Brody Grant, represent the dynamic range of talent currently defining the musical landscape. The discussion of the "best leading actor in a musical" is not static; it is a moving target defined by the latest season's triumphs, the power of a breakout role, and the enduring impact of a truly unforgettable stage performance.