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10 Current Broadway Replacement Stars You Have to Go Back and See

Last updated December 15th, 2016 by Josh Ferri
10 Current Broadway Replacement Stars You Have to Go Back a…
It's that time again. Time to shine a much-deserved spotlight on 10 Broadway replacement stars who are just knocking it out of the park—presented alphabetically.

Mark Ballas as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys


Let’s hope the Dancing with the Stars Emmy nominee returns to Broadway again, because his Jersey Boys debut is lit. He has all the charisma you need to go from small town singer to a world famous pop star who could make a decades long deal on a handshake.

Lilli Cooper as Susan in Tick, Tick…BOOM!


Ok, this is off-Broadway but just watch the video above. I’ve been listening to “Come to Your Senses” for 15 years and never heard the lyrics or emotion so clearly. Cooper’s star quality is positively undeniable.

Killian Donnelly as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots

Kinky Boots- Broadway- Killian Donnelly- Discount
Photo by Jo Allan PR

See the Broadway debut of West End star Killian Donnelly. His voice is so killer, and he brings some legit homegrown charm to the factory floors of Price and Sons. Brace yourself because his “Soul of a Man” is a total, 100p showstopper.

Jenn Gambatese as Rosalie in School of Rock

Jenn Gambatese- School of Rock
Photo by Matthew Murphy

Gambatese slays the MF house down with her “Where Did the Rock Go”. I wish I had a recording of it because it’s truly something else. You really can’t help but root for and adore her misunderstood Principal Mullins.

Josh Grisetti as Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten!

Josh Grisetti- Nigel Bottom- Something Rotten- Broadway
Photo by Joan Marcus

Grisetti is the definition of adorkable as the gifted young playwright in Something Rotten! He nails every punch line, every tick and twitch, and his voice soars on the songs.

Jennie Harney as Nettie in The Color Purple

Cynthia Erivo- Jennie Harney- The Color Purple- Nettie- Broadway
Photo by Matthew Murphy

Harney brings such warmth and joy to the role of Nettie. Her Nettie is smart; she’s pure of heart; and when she sings with Cynthia Erivo, it’s like a glimpse of heaven. By the end, I was believer.

Judy Kuhn as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof

Judy Kuhn- Golde- Fiddler on the Roof- Broadway
Photo by Joan Marcus

You must go back to see what Judy Kuhn brings to Fiddler. That iconic voice on “Sabbath Prayer” and “Sunrise, Sunset” slayed me. Her and Danny Burstein are incredible together. Their “The Dream” and “Do You Love Me” were particularly incredible because she showed the vulnerable side of a woman whose life has forced her to be hard. Clearly, I was so taken with her performance.

Rory O’Malley as King George in Hamilton

Hamilton- Rory O'Malley
Photo by Joan Marcus

This Book of Mormon alum makes the most of the featured role in NYC’s biggest hit. Rory has you waving that praise hand as you try to catch your breath from laughing so hard at his delivery and the faces he’s making. Long may he reign.

Mamie Parris as Grizabella in Cats


I’m beginning to sound like a broken record here but Mamie Parris in Cats is EVERYTHING. Beyond her absolutely stunning “Memory”, I loved the way she moved and the reactions she gave while she was in the background. She’s created such a full, dynamic Grizabella.

Sheryl Lee Ralph as Madame Morrible in Wicked

Sheryl Lee Ralph- Wicked- Review
Photo by Joan Marcus

Never has Madame Morrible been more glamorous or more memorable than in the hands of this Tony-nominated Dreamgirl. Seeing her is an event. Also, her Broadway.com video blog behind the scenes at Wicked is mandatory supplemental material.

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