...it would be Anika Noni Rose. I know, of course, she tread the boards in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and A Raisin in the Sun, but Carmen Jones was a bold, all-caps REMINDER of her giant musical talent. Caroline or Change opened and closed almost 15 years ago. It's time for her to come back!!!
(The single most enjoyable extra on the Dreamgirls DVD is getting to see her sing Ain't No Party in her audition.)