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The curtain's up, the spotlight's on โ but did these stars truly deserve their standing ovation? Join us as we count down our picks for the best and worst celebrity stunt castings to ever grace the Broadway stage! From show-stopping triumphs to cringe-worthy curtain calls, we're ranking the celebrity casting choices that had audiences either cheering or heading for the exits!
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00:00I'd never believe it if my friends would see me now.
00:05Welcome to Ms. Mojo.
00:07And today, we're counting down our picks for the best, worst, and most surprising star castings to tread the boards.
00:14If you got some sugar for me, sugar daddy, bring me home.
00:19Number 15. Worked.
00:22Kiki Palmer as Cinderella.
00:24Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.
00:26Kiki Palmer made Broadway history in 2014 as the first black actress to play Cinderella in Rogers and Hammerstein's classic
00:33musical On Stage.
00:34In my own little corner, in my own little chair, I can be whatever I want to be.
00:45This was a huge deal, and fans and critics alike praised the show for finally bringing some much-needed representation
00:51to the stage.
00:52She brought a bright, infectious charm, powerhouse vocals, and a stage presence that made the role feel brand new.
00:59You say goodbye the way you fly, but on your lips you keep a kiss, all your life you'll dream
01:08of this.
01:09Palmer didn't just step into Cinderella's shoes.
01:11She made them her own, winning over audiences with her warmth and talent.
01:15More than just a technical triumph, her performance inspired a new generation of theater-goers and proved that even the
01:22most traditional fairy tales can and should evolve.
01:26I wanted to ring out the bells and fling out my arms and to sing out the news.
01:34Number 15. Killed the Show.
01:37Peyton List as Heather Chandler.
01:39Heathers.
01:39Best known for her Disney Channel and TV gigs, List took on the role of Heather Chandler in Heather's The
01:45Musical in 2026.
01:47With a cult following already in place, expectations were sky-high.
01:51Her casting definitely got people talking, but the end result left a lot of fans feeling underwhelmed.
02:08While her vocals were pleasant enough, they just didn't have the bite or power needed to pull off Heather's big
02:14show-stopping numbers,
02:15and she lacked the qualities that made Heather so vary.
02:18Sure, her name brought some buzz, but plenty of theater fans left the show muttering a disappointed corn nuts.
02:24In fairness, fans are noting improvement as her run progresses.
02:28I just felt like performing live every night.
02:32Like, there's nothing that pushes you further out of your comfort zone and forces you to be present more than
02:37that.
02:38Number 14. Worked.
02:40Billy Joe Armstrong as St. Jimmy.
02:42American Idiot.
02:43When Green Day frontman Billy Joe Armstrong took on St. Jimmy in his own musical, American Idiot,
02:49it was an inspired move that electrified Broadway.
02:52I never thought I'd end up.
02:54You know, doing Broadway.
02:57Who better to embody the rebellious, anarchic spirit of the show than the very artist who penned its iconic songs
03:03and lived its punk rock ethos?
03:05Armstrong brought an authentic, raw, and almost dangerous intensity to the character,
03:10offering a deeply personal and utterly credible performance.
03:13By the time I suggested to him that my secret dream was that someday he would play St. Jimmy,
03:22he couldn't... I saw a little light behind his eyes, a flicker of excitement.
03:27His presence on stage not only drew massive crowds and sold-out houses,
03:32but also infused the production with unparalleled realness, passion, and star power.
03:37It perfectly blurred the lines between performer, creator, and character,
03:41making for an unforgettable theatrical experience.
03:46Number 14. Killed the show.
03:49Melanie Griffith as Roxy Hart.
03:51Chicago.
03:52Melanie Griffith's 2003 run as Roxy Hart was a fascinating contradiction.
03:57The name on everybody's lips is gonna be Roxy.
04:03She sold-out houses and charmed plenty of critics with her vulnerable acting,
04:07but the vocal purists were not having it.
04:10Jumping into the demanding world of musical theater was a huge challenge,
04:13and for anyone expecting a classic Broadway belter,
04:16her thin, breathy vocals just didn't fill the room.
04:19And who, in case she doesn't hang,
04:23can say she started with a bang?
04:29Roxy Hart.
04:30Apparently, her energy just wasn't big enough for the stage, either.
04:34And rumor has it that this meant the ensemble had to shrink, too,
04:37so that she wouldn't get overshadowed.
04:40Perhaps Melanie was the name on everybody's lips that season,
04:43but not necessarily for the right reasons.
04:45See her name get silky low.
04:51Roxy, Roxy Hart.
04:53Number 13. Worked.
04:55Brandi as Roxy Hart.
04:57Chicago.
04:57Grammy award-winning superstar Brandi Norwood took on the role of Roxy Hart in Chicago in 2015,
05:03and her performance was a delightful surprise for many.
05:07I'm gonna be singing.
05:08Roxy.
05:09Yeah.
05:10Who says that murder's not an art?
05:16While Chicago has notoriously relied on a revolving door of celebrity stunt castings to keep its long run afloat,
05:22with names like Whitney Levitt recently joining the cast,
05:25Brandi's turn was a genuine success that stood out.
05:28Her soulful voice and confident stage presence brought fresh life to the role.
05:32You can like the life you're living.
05:37You can live the life you'll like.
05:42You can even marry Harry.
05:47But mess around with Ike.
05:51Critics praised her vocals and noted that she handled the choreography with impressive ease.
05:56She proved she could hold her own on Broadway, delivering a captivating debut that demonstrated her versatility beyond the recording
06:03studio.
06:03But oh, it's heaven nowadays.
06:12Number 13. Killed the Show.
06:14Cody Simpson as Dimitri.
06:16Anastasia.
06:17Singer and actor Cody Simpson took on the role of Dimitri in Broadway's Anastasia in 2018.
06:23And while the casting created buzz, the results were mixed.
06:27Dancing bears, painted wings, things I almost remember.
06:39He brought charm and a loyal fan base.
06:41But Broadway demands can be very different from pop concerts.
06:45Critics frequently mentioned a lack of vocal strength and stage experience compared to seasoned performers.
06:50The most challenging part was putting it all together and making it, um, giving it your own spin.
06:56You know what I mean?
06:57Because they're like, okay, you gotta say this, you gotta stand there for that, and sing this and dance that,
07:02and then now make it your own.
07:04Dimitri requires a commanding presence and a voice that can carry a sweeping romantic score.
07:09For many reviewers, Simpson's portrayal didn't fully meet those expectations.
07:14Though he approached the role earnestly, the performance highlighted the clear difference between touring as a pop star and sustaining
07:20the intensity of live theater night after night.
07:23It's a challenging schedule.
07:24You know, you're doing eight shows a week.
07:26Sometimes you have two shows.
07:27A day later today, I have two shows.
07:29But I don't think it's hard if you enjoy it.
07:33Number 12. Worked.
07:35Adam Lambert as the MC.
07:37Cabaret.
07:37When Lambert stepped into the MC role, expectations were high.
07:42Known for his powerful voice and theatrical flair, he seemed like a natural choice.
07:47Welcome.
07:48Bienvenue.
07:50Welcome.
07:51And indeed, he was born for this role.
07:54Lambert delivered exactly what fans hoped for, bringing bold vocals and a magnetic stage presence to the Kit Kat Club.
08:01His rock star energy blended well with the show's decadent, unsettling atmosphere,
08:05and he was fully committed to sharing its message.
08:08Right now in particular, it's eerie to be up there and to be talking about things that are happening again
08:13in our country.
08:15Critics praised his control, charisma, and ability to handle such an iconic role.
08:20Rather than feeling like a novelty, his casting felt inspired.
08:23Orville Peck also turned out to be a surprisingly great MC.
08:27But Lambert's performance really stole the spotlight.
08:31Warning's fair.
08:35I don't care.
08:41Number 12. Killed the Show.
08:43Rosie O'Donnell as Rizzo.
08:44Grease.
08:45O'Donnell brought plenty of star power to Rizzo in the 1994 Broadway revival of Grease, but the results were a
08:52mixed bag.
08:52I went to see it in the RKO Movie Theater in Comac with Phil Taramo on a date, and Grease
08:58was the word then, and continues to be.
08:59Her TV fame definitely sold tickets, but critics couldn't help noticing that Rosie's big personality often overshadowed Rizzo's more vulnerable
09:08side.
09:09Instead of fully disappearing into Rizzo, reviewers suggested that audiences were seeing Rosie first.
09:15The vocal demands of songs like There Are Worse Things I Could Do were also frequently mentioned as a challenge.
09:20I could hurt someone like me.
09:25And I would restore jealousy.
09:29Though she brought confidence and personality to the stage, many felt the portrayal lean too heavily on her public image,
09:35rather than fully capturing the spirit of the musical.
09:39Grease bad and you're headed for the garbage pie.
09:41Number 11.
09:43Worked.
09:43Nicole Scherzinger as Norma Desmond.
09:46Sunset Boulevard.
09:47Scherzinger's portrayal of Norma Desmond earned widespread acclaim and major buzz.
09:52The Pussycat Dolls frontwoman fully committed to the faded silent film star, delivering impressive vocals and dramatic intensity.
09:59I would say Norma's back at least.
10:06She was widely praised for her ability to handle Andrew Lloyd Webber's demanding score, highlighting both her power and control.
10:14Beyond the singing, her stage presence and emotional depth were next level.
10:18She brought vulnerability and fierce determination to Norma, giving the role a fresh perspective while honoring its legacy.
10:25So much we fly, we all know I can do it.
10:34Her portrayal was so critically acclaimed that it led to strong calls for a Broadway transfer, showcasing a true star's
10:40undeniable command of the stage.
10:42Talk about being ready for your close-up.
10:44We taught the world new ways to dream.
11:03Number 11.
11:05Killed the Show.
11:06Billy Porter as the MC.
11:07Cabaret.
11:08It's wild to think that Billy Porter could ever be miscast, but here we are.
11:13What MC are we going to get to match you?
11:15And she was like, um, my friend Billy Porter?
11:20And they were like,
11:24Would he do it?
11:25I'm like, um, yeah, I'm just sitting at home during a strike.
11:28Yeah, I need a gig.
11:30Critics called him out for leaning too hard into his signature fabulousness and not enough into the MC's darker side.
11:36Instead of giving us a chilling symbol of society's decay, Porter went full showboat with modern slang, out-of-place
11:43ad-libs, and gospel riffs that clashed with the show's style.
11:47He became so enamored with the London public transport system as to put two anachronistic references into Cabaret, but that
11:54was a thing.
11:55I can only assume that he's not doing those particular jokes on Broadway because everyone would be very confused.
11:59All of this to say, the MC's ad-lib, and this is not something that Billy Porter has gone into
12:03the show and forced upon everyone.
12:06For some, it felt more like a Billy Porter live than Cabaret's MC.
12:10Some offstage comments didn't do him any favors either.
12:13By playing the MC as a sympathetic victim instead of a sly, complicit ghoul, Porter lost the role's essential bite,
12:19and purists were not happy.
12:22I don't care!
12:30Number 10.
12:31Worked.
12:32Joe Locke as Tobias.
12:34Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street.
12:36You probably know this actor as Charlie Spring in Heartstopper or Billy Maximoff slash William Kaplan in Agatha all along.
12:43In 2024, he showed off another side of his talent as Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd.
12:49I don't need to.
12:50I won't ever hide a thing from you.
12:54Critics loved how easily he captured Tobias' youthful innocence, but even more than that, they were blown away by his
13:01voice.
13:01He made Sondheim's music sound effortless, like he'd been on stage forever instead of making his Broadway debut.
13:07For once in time.
13:10So that's a really hard phrase to navigate, even for musical theatre trained actors, and Joe does such an amazing
13:18job of navigating that line, which is very difficult.
13:21Those who know Locke wouldn't have been as surprised since he grew up performing in amateur productions.
13:26Now he's eyeing up shows like The Last Five Years and Falsettos.
13:30And believe us, if that happens, we'll be the first in line for tickets.
13:33Nothing can hurt, all my life runs.
13:43Number 10.
13:44Killed the show.
13:45Mel B as Mimi Marquez.
13:47Rent.
13:48Producers clearly hoped she'd bring some extra spice to Mimi Marquez when she joined the cast of Rent in 2004.
13:54Unfortunately, the internet has next to nothing to show for her time in the show.
13:59You haven't been on the Broadway stage in, what, about 10 years or so?
14:02Yeah, like 10, 11 years.
14:04Okay.
14:05But honestly, her performance fell flat.
14:08Her voice just wasn't strong enough for the role, and it felt like she was so focused on getting everything
14:13right that she couldn't relax into her performance.
14:16Which doesn't really work when you're playing a free spirit.
14:18Did you always think that you would come back to Broadway after doing Rent all those years ago?
14:22I never thought 12 years later I would be back on Broadway.
14:27Absolutely not.
14:27But you know what?
14:28This opportunity happened, and I was like, you know what?
14:32I want to do Broadway again.
14:34Some even noted that her consistent vocal cracks were hard to ignore, proving once again that pop and theater are
14:40two completely different ballgames.
14:42It didn't stop her from playing Roxy Hart on Broadway in 2016-17, but let's just say it didn't exactly
14:48change how theater fans felt about her.
14:50This show's been running for over 20 years, and it still has the house full.
14:54So hopefully I'm going to do it justice.
14:57Number 9.
14:58Worked.
14:59Wayne Brady as Aaron Burr.
15:00Hamilton.
15:01If you're familiar with Brady's work on Whose Line Is It Anyway?
15:05You'll know he can sing, he can act, and he's quick on his feet in every sense.
15:21Indeed, Hamilton wasn't even his first foray into theater.
15:25Lucky folks may have caught him in shows like Chicago, Rent, Kinky Boots, and more.
15:30If you hit the dust, let me raise you up.
15:33When you follow first, let me raise you up.
15:37As Brady put it, he's a, quote, well-qualified choice who happens to be known.
15:42Critics and audiences alike clearly agreed, lauding the actor for his interpretation of the show's antagonist.
15:49Many enjoyed how he played the role differently from his predecessors in the way he delved into the character's psyche.
15:55Overall, we're glad the casting directors put Brady in the room where it happens.
15:59I want to be in the room where it happens, room where it happens.
16:02I.
16:02Number 9.
16:04Killed the Show.
16:05Mandy Patinkin as Pierre.
16:06Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812.
16:10Okay, so this one is a bit different from the others on our list because it isn't directly Patinkin who
16:15caused the show to close early.
16:16I have not been in anything like this.
16:19I have not been in this yet.
16:21I will let you know.
16:22When Josh Groban left, Ocariete o Maldawan, known for Hamilton, took over as Pierre.
16:27But then, since the show was having trouble selling tickets, the producers decided to swap him out for Mandy Patinkin.
16:33Okay, so this is a big role and one that we've been told takes months to prepare for and you've
16:39had several weeks?
16:40I have only had two and a half weeks so far.
16:43I have about two more weeks and then wish me luck.
16:47People were not happy.
16:48Saying Onaudawan didn't get a fair chance before being replaced by a more famous white actor,
16:53Patinkin agreed with the criticism and backed out.
16:56Around the same time, Onaudawan also made his official exit.
17:00Dave Malloy eventually stepped in but couldn't stop this comet from losing its sparkle and fizzling out about a month
17:06later anyway.
17:15When it was announced that the Vanderpump Rules star would be stepping into Roxy Hart's heels,
17:20it certainly raised a few eyebrows.
17:23Chicago does love to stunt cast, after all.
17:25If I wasn't a reality TV star with a following, I don't think I would be considered for a lot
17:32of things.
17:32So, this is a proving ground and I'm here to prove myself.
17:36However, this time, the verdict was in.
17:39Maddox Slade, excuse the pun.
17:41Fresh off Dancing with the Stars, we knew she could move.
17:44But turns out she can sing and act, too.
17:48Everywhere life, everywhere joy, everywhere, nowadays.
17:57Critics especially praised her comedic timing and how fully she threw herself into the role.
18:02Audiences showed up in droves.
18:04So much so that the show broke its record for highest-grossing non-holiday performance week.
18:09Quote,
18:09I just really enjoy being on stage, Maddox said.
18:12And trust us, it shows.
18:14No wonder her run got extended.
18:16I hope to be able to perform on other stages as well, one day.
18:21Or just keep doing this one.
18:22I mean, this one's really great.
18:24Number 8.
18:24Killed the Show.
18:25Colleen Ballinger as Dawn, Waitress.
18:28Colleen Ballinger built a massive following on her YouTube character Miranda Sings,
18:33with, as of writing, over 10 million subscribers.
18:36So it's no shock that producers saw those dollar signs light up.
18:39Name up in lights, come take a bite, we know you've probably seen us online.
18:44Now come watch us shine the glasses and...
18:46Aprons are on as Ogie and Dawn.
18:48She was cast as Dawn in Waitress, but what audiences got felt more like Miranda as Dawn.
18:53Which, if you know the character, isn't exactly a compliment.
18:56For some, that was just fine.
18:58But for those unfamiliar with her YouTube persona, the casting was a head-scratcher.
19:03Waitress is another of those shows that's no stranger to stunt casting to keep ticket sales up.
19:07But this was one of those times it just didn't work.
19:09At least it was a short run.
19:11Strong and stable
19:16I love you like a table
19:21Number 7.
19:23Worked
19:23Emma Stone as Sally Bowles
19:25Cabaret
19:26Before she waltzed through the stars in La La Land,
19:29Stone was saying willkommen to audiences in the 2014 Cabaret revival.
19:43Taking over from Michelle Williams for a short stint, she left a lasting impression.
19:49Folks couldn't get enough of her portrayal, praising her for nailing the character by bringing an impressive depth to the
19:55role.
19:55While you don't rack up all those acting awards for nothing, Stone admitted it was one of her toughest gigs
20:01yet,
20:01saying she's not sure she could do it again.
20:03You talk about Cabaret, it just sounds like a litany of disasters.
20:07That's what it feels like to do Cabaret.
20:09Nevertheless, her portrayal left many believing that maybe this time, the casting directors had hit the jackpot.
20:16And one night during Maybe This Time, which is like a big number for Sally Bowles and Cabaret,
20:20I was singing and I got really kind of overwhelmed and I blinked.
20:26Number 7.
20:27Killed the Show
20:28Ricky Martin as Che
20:29Evita
20:30Maybe he bangs in his music career, but Ricky Martin's time as Che in Evita left many exasperatedly proclaiming,
20:38Oh, what a circus.
20:39Oh, what an exit, that's how to go, when the ringing your curtain down.
20:47Despite having the pipes and the moves, some felt like his performance lacked depth and emotion,
20:52and didn't quite capture the complexities and subtleties needed for the role.
21:03In Martin's defense, he practically had shoes the size of Buenos Aires to fill, and his performance wasn't universally panned
21:10by any means.
21:10Do these people have ambitions, views, opinions?
21:14They will soon.
21:15But sadly, he didn't quite bring the house down as expected.
21:19Many felt the casting choice was a bit off-key, probably agreeing that whoever picked Martin for the role was
21:25Livin' La Vida Loca.
21:26Number 6.
21:27Worked.
21:28Lea Michele as Fanny Bryce.
21:30Funny girl.
21:31It almost felt like Lea Michele had spent her glee years manifesting this role.
21:35I've got no axe to grind.
21:39Hey, what are you, blind?
21:42In all other worlds so far, I'm the greatest star.
21:47The road wasn't exactly smooth, but in 2022, she finally got her shot to prove she was the greatest star.
21:53And boy, did she deliver.
21:55The reviews were glowing.
21:57Whether it was years of studying Fanny Bryce or just sheer determination,
22:01Michelle tapped into the spark that makes the character so iconic.
22:04No more hunger and thirst, but thirst, be a person who needs people.
22:15We already knew she could sing, dance, and act.
22:18And she was no stranger to doing just that for 8 shows a week.
22:22However, critics also praised the depth she brought, really digging into Fanny's emotions.
22:28And of course, her Don't Rain on My Parade brought the house down.
22:31Hey, Mr. Unseen, here I am.
22:48Nick Jonas is best known as one-third of the Jonas Brothers, but did you know he started on Broadway?
22:53When I was a kid, I did Broadway shows as a kid.
22:56One of the shows I did was Beauty and the Beast.
22:57Yes, that is a 9-year-old me as Chip the Teacup and Dean the Beast.
23:00He returned to the stage as Marius in the 25th anniversary cast of Le Misรฉrable.
23:04But honestly, he wasn't quite the right fit for the role.
23:07A heart full of love, a heart full of song, I'm doing everything all wrong.
23:19While he's definitely talented, his pop background didn't mesh with the role's vocal demands.
23:25The character requires an operatic voice with a lot of emotional depth,
23:29and Jonas' pop style just didn't deliver that.
23:31Oh, my friends, my friends, don't ask me
23:39What your sacrifice was for
23:43Plus, Marius is full of passion and vulnerability,
23:46and Jonas didn't quite capture that either.
23:49Audiences were unsure if they were still hurting when he was cast as Jamie
23:52in the 2025 revival of The Last Five Years.
23:56But I could never rescue you, no.
24:01No matter how I tried
24:11Ever wondered how to succeed on Broadway without really trying?
24:15Oh, aren't you proud to be
24:17In that fraternity
24:19The basic fatherhood of men
24:29Well, how about by enlisting the services of a charming and charismatic actor like Daniel Radcliffe,
24:34who can effortlessly cast a spell over audiences and ticket sales.
24:38That's what this Broadway production did in 2011, and it was perfect timing, too.
24:43The last Harry Potter movie would be released later that year,
24:46and fans who weren't ready to say goodbye could see The Chosen One live on Broadway.
24:51Of course, this was also great for the production, as it brought in a new crowd who may have previously
24:56been unfamiliar with the show.
25:04Despite mixed to positive reviews, Radcliffe's dedication and passion won hearts, proving he could work his magic on stage and
25:12win over new fans.
25:13But it's one of the lovely things about my job is that, you know, at this point, certainly in my
25:16career, there's a huge amount of young people that are being introduced to the music of Frank Lesser that may
25:20not have been otherwise.
25:22Number 5. Killed the Show
25:24Fran Drescher is talented, hilarious, and possesses a voice that could fill even the grandest theater.
25:34Let him laugh!
25:37But have you ever wondered why Mr. Sheffield never cast her in one of his musicals?
25:41Can you imagine anything more ridiculous than me doing Shakespeare?
25:45Well, yes. People paying to see it.
25:48Critics weren't exactly enamored with her as Cinderella's evil stepmother, picking apart her over-the-top acting choices that they
25:55deemed to border on needless exaggeration.
25:58However, it seems some audiences still relished seeing the screen star's comedic flair up close.
26:03Cinderella. Oh, it is a most amusing name. The girl sits by the centers of the fire, and her name
26:12is Ella, so I called her Cinderella.
26:19Ticket sales did rise just a smidge during her run, but even so, not everyone was sold. Many believe that,
26:26at most, Fran's performance was just fine. That's one for you 90s kids.
26:31She's perfect. This play will die faster than she does.
26:35Number 4. Worked. Jordan Sparks as Nina Rosario, In the Heights.
26:40In 2010, this American Idol winner made her Broadway debut as Nina in In the Heights.
26:45I'm home. I'm home.
26:51In the Heights, on Broadway.
26:53She joined Corbin Bleu, who more than had his head in the game, as Usnavi.
26:57Apparently, Sparks had always wanted to perform on Broadway, and when the chance came up sooner than she thought, she
27:03worked her socks off to keep up with her more seasoned castmates.
27:06And it paid off.
27:07I feel like all my life I've tried to find the answers.
27:11Working harder, learning Spanish, learning all I can.
27:16Nina's songs share her battles with identity and belonging, and Sparks' amazing, soulful voice really was a perfect fit.
27:23Her performance felt so real and relatable, helping Nina's story resonate with the audience.
27:37Sparks also joined the Waitress cast in 2019 as Jenna, with a run that was as sweet as pie.
27:43To bring back the fire and rise, that's been gone, but it used to be mine.
28:01Number 4. Killed the Show.
28:03Rosie O'Donnell as Golda.
28:05Fiddler on the Roof.
28:07O'Donnell and Fiddler on the Roof were about as mismatched as the suitors' Yenta lines up for Anatevka's Young Singles.
28:13Huddle! Oh, Huddle! Have I made a match for you?
28:16He's handsome. He's young.
28:18All right, he's 62.
28:19But he's a nice man, a good catch, true?
28:22True.
28:23This wasn't O'Donnell's first Broadway role, having previously played Rizzo in Grease and the Cat in the Hat in Seussical.
28:30Did you ever imagine you seeing me on stage?
28:34Now I'm here.
28:35There's no telling what they've seen.
28:37While some praised her for capturing the essence of a mother and wife in difficult times,
28:41others felt her performance lacked emotional depth, making it hard to connect with Golda.
28:46She leaned too heavily into her comedic background, which sometimes worked but blocked the way to the character's deeper layers.
28:54Plus, her singing wasn't anything to write home about.
28:56Had she asked the audience,
28:58Do You Love Me?, the answer might have been a resounding no.
29:01After 25 years, why talk about love right now?
29:06No. 3. Worked
29:08Neil Patrick Harris as Hedvig
29:09Hedvig and the Angry Inch
29:11Many of us know NPH best from his child acting days as Doogie Howser,
29:15or as the suit-wearing, high-five-loving Barney from How I Met Your Mother.
29:20It's a truth you can't refuse
29:26Nothing suits me like a suit
29:28However, if you look at the actor's impressive stage credits, we'd say it's fair to call him a stage and
29:34screen star.
29:35Neil makes the show different every single night.
29:37It's a level of control as a performer that I've almost never seen anyone have.
29:43Force of nature.
29:44He's raised the bar completely.
29:45He especially excelled in the original Broadway production of Hedvig and the Angry Inch,
29:50earning a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.
29:52Like Wayne Brady, Harris has all the credentials to be a sure-fire hit, and proved it night after night.
29:59But I could swear by your expression that the pain down in your soul was the same
30:05As the one down in mine
30:07Oh, that's the pain
30:09His high profile was simply the cherry on top.
30:12This translated to box office profits, with ticket sales basically rising as high as Hedvig's heels.
30:18I lay out fine china on the linen and polish of the chrome
30:22If you got some sugar for me
30:24Sugar daddy, bring it home
30:27This casting choice proved that a massive online following and decent vocal skills don't necessarily guarantee success on stage.
30:40Many theater fans were skeptical when they heard the social media star would replace OG stage Aaron Samuels, Kyle Selig,
30:47during his time off.
30:48Unfortunately, their doubt was not misplaced.
30:51It's good, it's time to think, it's in short supply
30:55Okay, so a little pitchy, a little bit flat
30:59Dallas's inexperience and lack of theatrical background stuck out like a plastic not wearing pink on Wednesday, especially compared to
31:07his co-stars
31:07I was never really into like drama
31:10And like acting on like live on stage, let alone even singing, you know, like I'm just to be honest.
31:16I'm just like not a singer
31:18This was an issue both when it came to performing the musical numbers and convincingly delivering his dialogue
31:23I'm swearing up
31:27Oh man
31:30Oh, I'm sorry
31:31Let's just say it's a good thing it was only a limited four week run because sadly, fan reactions could
31:38have filled the burn book
31:39It went viral for the wrong reasons
31:41So the producers clearly, I think maybe got their money's worth in the end because it became such a meme
31:48Number 2
31:49Worked
31:50Jinx Monsoon as Mama Morton
31:52Chicago
31:53Jinx Monsoon's casting as Mama Morton in Chicago was a dream come true for fans and a full circle moment
31:59for Jinx herself
32:00Who credits the 2002 movie adaptation as her career inspiration
32:04The movie version of Chicago
32:06I saw this and I thought
32:08The female roles in this show are so perfect for what I know I can do
32:14But I'm perceived as male
32:17So how am I gonna get to the point where people are gonna start considering me for these roles?
32:22And she absolutely owned the stage
32:24From her commanding presence to delivering every line with that trademark wit
32:29Jinx brought so much confidence to Mama Morton's character
32:32Her comedic timing was of course perfect
32:34Perfecting the balance between tough as nails and surprisingly vulnerable
32:38One thing I know
32:41And I've always known
32:44I am my own best friend
32:49And her voice is just perfect too
32:52She gives Mama's songs all the sass and power they demand
32:55It's no wonder ticket sales soared
32:57With people willing to stand just to see her
33:00When you're good to Mama, Mama's good for business
33:03When you're good to Mama, Mama's good for you
33:17Number 2
33:19Killed the Show
33:20Boy George as Harold Ziedler
33:22Moulin Rouge
33:23Jojo was a sparkling diamond as Satine
33:26Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place
33:30Come walk me
33:33Come walk me
33:39Sadly, Boy George as Harold Ziedler was not so spectacular spectacular
33:43Fans noted that his performance lacked the energy and charisma Ziedler needed to command the stage
33:49His delivery felt subdued, missing the over the top charm that makes the character magnetic
33:54It's about observing and then trying to add who you think you are as that character into it
34:01Many also found his vocal chops underwhelming and lackluster
34:05At times it felt more like Boy George playing himself rather than Ziedler
34:09Given his past legal troubles, some people weren't thrilled about his casting at all
34:13Other actors have brought this wild, chaotic energy to the role
34:16And Boy George's take felt too low-key
34:19This part needs a true ringleader
34:30And he just didn't bring enough to the party
34:32Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions
34:37Worked, Charli D'Amelio, Ensemble, and Juliet
34:41Prove that when you play your talent to their greatest strengths
34:43Even an ensemble role can make them a star
34:57Worked, Raven Simone as Dolores Bancardier
35:00Sister Act
35:01Did you ever doubt she wouldn't be fabulous, baby?
35:04Ooh, passionate emotion
35:06Real emotion
35:08Watch it come first and groove
35:11Worked, Brendan Urie as Charlie Price
35:14Kinky Boots
35:15We're definitely saying yeah to this celeb casting
35:18The message is so clear
35:19It's so relatable
35:20When audiences leave Kinky Boots
35:22I hope they feel that passion that I felt
35:24It was like a fire inside of my chest
35:26Worked, Dylan Mulvaney as Anne Boleyn
35:29Fans are losing their heads over this casting
35:46Number 1
35:48Worked
35:48Reba McIntyre as Annie Oakley
35:50Annie get your gun
35:52Bernadette Peters may have kicked off this show's 1999 revival
35:56But it was Reba McIntyre who really stole the spotlight
35:59When she made her stage debut as Annie Oakley
36:08Fans fell in love with her powerhouse voice, captivating stage presence
36:13And her ability to bring the character to life with authenticity and charm
36:17And you can't shoot a male in the tail like a crow
36:28Oh, you can't
36:31She infused the role with natural warmth and humor
36:34Winning over audiences and earning glowing reviews
36:37Plus, her position as a country music star probably drew in both fans of the genre and theatre lovers
36:43If she ever decides to reprise the role, you better believe we'll be first in line for tickets
36:48Got no silver, got no gold
36:51What I've got can't be bought or sold
36:54I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night
36:58She's got the sun in the morning and the moon at night
37:01Number 1
37:03Killed the Show
37:04David Hasselhoff as Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde
37:07Jekyll and Hyde
37:09Stepping onto the Broadway stage for the first time can be nerve-wracking
37:12But taking on two different characters?
37:15That's a whole new level of challenging
37:17Suddenly, I'm controlled
37:19Something is taking hold
37:21Suddenly, agony
37:23Filling me
37:24Killing me
37:25Yet that's exactly what the Baywatch star did in his debut
37:29The Jekyll and Hyde musical was perhaps hoping to gain more widespread notice
37:33When it decided to pull out all the stops with a big-name stunt
37:36Yet the role of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde demands top-notch acting and vocal skills
37:42Making you wonder if they should have gone for someone with more theatre experience
37:46Please try to hear me
37:50I'll keep you near me
37:53Till night passes by
37:59We're not totally panning Hasselhoff's performance
38:02Confronting yourself takes a lot of skill
38:05You will never get away from me
38:09All that you are is a face in the mirror
38:12I close my eyes and you disappear
38:14Still, audiences saw right through the facade
38:16If anyone was hoping for a showstopper
38:19Well, this wasn't the moment
38:21Give me this moment
38:25This precious chance
38:27I'll gather up my past
38:31And make some sense at last
38:35Did a star casting surprise you in particular?
38:37Let us know in the comments
38:43You'll see you in the comments
38:45We're not a ะดัะผ olha
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