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9 Big Name Actors You Can See on Broadway Right Now!

Written by Rachel Rosenfield. Published: August 06 2023
(Merrily We Roll Along Broadway/YouTube)

 

Due to the current WGA Strike and AAG-AFTRA Strike, films and television series have paused production. That means that the actors are unable to make new content for the screen. However, that does not mean they have to stop acting altogether. There are still other avenues. These strikes have no effect on theater. Therefore, there are plenty of big names that can be seen in Broadway plays and musicals. During these times, it is important to support the actors. Not to mention, it is fun to see A-Listers act live, up-close, and in person. Here are 9 big names you can catch on the stage right now!

 

1. Josh Groban in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre)

A little over 15 years ago, Josh Groban became one of the biggest names in adult contemporary music. With multi-platinum albums and multiple Grammy nominations, he has become a truly established singer. He is now combining his singing talents with his acting talents. Groban is starring as the titular role in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. While this is not his first time acting, this legendary and powerful role that Groban is portraying. Anyone doing this role has to be gifted, and Groban has proven with his success that he is up for the challenge.

 

 

 

 

2. Eric McCormack in The Cottage (Helen Hayes Theatre)

Eric McCormack made a name for himself on "Will & Grace", capturing people’s hearts as the humorous yet straight-laced (pun definitely not intended) Will Truman. He is now showing off his comedy skills on Broadway in a new play, The Cottage. This murderous play takes place in 1923 and centers around a woman who wants to reveal her affair to her affair partner’s wife. The Cottage is a unique new comedy that puts McCormack back into the audience's minds as a one-of-a-kind actor.

 

 

 

 

3. Sean Hayes in Good Night, Oscar (Belasco Theatre)

Speaking of "Will & Grace", another star from that series is also having a turn on Broadway. Sean Hayes, who played Jack on the hit sitcom, is having a successful run in the play Good Night, Oscar where he plays real-life musician Oscar Levant, specifically taking place on a memorable night when he was on "The Tonight Show with Jack Paar". Hayes won a Tony Award for Best Actor for this performance, as this is an emotional role. While Hayes got his name playing a goofy sitcom character, this role demonstrates his true dramatic talents. Hurry before it closes August 27!

 

 

 

 

4. Lea Michele in Funny Girl (August Wilson Theatre)

Every theater kid remembers the success that was "Glee" in the early-2010s. The show’s leading actress Lea Michele made a name for herself with this show -- a name that no one is forgetting any time soon. A plot in "Glee" involved Michele’s character Rachel Berry starring in her dream musical, Funny Girl. Now, life is imitating art, as Michele is currently starring in that very same show on Broadway. She has gotten rave reviews for her performance as the funny and talented Fanny Brice, from her acting talents to her powerful voice. This is a musical for any "Glee" fan, or just anyone who appreciates a good live performance. Catch her soon before her final performance on September 3!

 

 

 

 

5. Daniel Radcliffe in Merrily We Roll Along (Hudson Theatre)

Daniel Radcliffe became a star overnight when he starred in the popular Harry Potter film franchise. Since that franchise has ended, he has steadily been acting in many well-liked films and plays. He will soon be taking his talents back to the stage in the upcoming revival of Merrily We Roll Along. The play centers around a group of playwrights/composers whose careers evolve over decades. The twist is that the musical takes place in reverse order. Radcliffe is a big talent that many people do not realize can also sing well, and this musical will surely remind them. Opens September 19!

 

 

 

6. Jonathan Groff in Merrily We Roll Along (Hudson Theatre)

Turns out Merrily We Roll Along is a two-for-one deal! Appearing alongside Daniel Radcliffe will be Jonathan Groff, who has achieved fame in many places, from his recurring role in "Glee" and his role as Kristoff in the movie Frozen to starring in the Netflix thriller series "Mindhunter" and the most recent Matrix movie. He has already had a lot of success in musicals, and this role will bring him back to the Great White Way. Between him and Radcliffe, this musical has a lot of big names and big talents.

 

 

 

 

7. Andrew Rannells in Gutenberg! The Musical (James Earl Jones Theatre)

From The Book of Mormon on Broadway to "Girls" on HBO, Andrew Rannells has displayed his acting and versatility on both stage and screen. He has fans in the theater world, the television world, and beyond. He will soon be making his big return to Broadway in Gutenberg! The Musical, comedy about two playwrights who are writing a musical about Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. Naturally, this gets a little chaotic. Rannells has the comedy chops necessary for this musical that all audiences will adore. Opens September 15!

 

 

 

 

8. Josh Gad in Gutenberg! The Musical (James Earl Jones Theatre)

Gutenberg! The Musical has two big stars on its marquee, as Josh Gad will be reuniting with his former The Book of Mormon co-star Andrew Rannells in this show. Along with The Book of Mormon, you know Josh Gad as Olaf in the movie Frozen and LeFou in the live-action Beauty and the Beast. He has also starred in many comedies like The Angry Birds Movie and Pixels. This turn in Gutenberg! The Musical is his big return to Broadway since The Book of Mormon, and the return to pairing his comedic stylings with Rannells. Combining these two talented people is a guaranteed recipe for laughter and success.

 

 

9. Danny Devito in I Need That (American Airlines Theatre)

With his long-running role on "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia", his previous role in "Taxi", and his appearances in movies like Matilda and Twins, most people know Danny DeVito from somewhere. Now, fans will get the chance to see this actor in person. He will soon be starring in the new play I Need That, which centers around a man who lives alone with his many things, but when he faces an eviction notice, he has to think about which of his things are actually necessary. DeVito will be starring in this play with his daughter, Lucy DeVito -- a family affair that should surely be a masterclass in acting. Opens October 13!

 

 

 
 

Tickets for these shows can be purchased on TodayTix, Broadway Direct, and wherever Broadway tickets are sold!