What it takes to be a "star"

If there were any justice in this world, Audra McDonald would be a bonafide, tip-of-the-tongue, megastar. But while she is giving a truly mesmerizing performance in 110 in the Shade, we are bombarded in the media by the talent-less likes of Paris, Brittany, and Anna Nicole.

Not that she doesn't get recognition. Certainly four Tony's (and another nomination this year) are nothing to sneeze at. But when I mentioned her name to a friend, whose head is not particularly buried in the sand, it wasn't recognized.

And yet, this woman takes a fairly mediocre show and imbues it with a performance of operatic intensity. It helps that she is supported by the venerable John Cullum and a cast of accomplishment. But hers is a performance to be treasured.

We need more "real" stars, like this.