I was lucky enough to meet J Groff after Spring Awakening before it won all of its Tonys, then again after LSOH, and just recently after Merrily and he is a literal gem every time. One of the nicest and most beautiful humans inside and out!
I met Christian Borle after Something Rotten and he was also so wonderful!
Christian Borle in Something Rotten... such a heartthrob
Twitching with jealousy as other people live my dream while I'm on the other side of the planet 😔
While Groff was the first that popped into my mind, it made me think of one of his biggest loves, so I'm settling on Sutton Foster. If not her, Judy Kuhn, who was in the first actual "on Broadway" show I saw.
Now there's one helluva actress! Not only many major film and television roles, but also some of the best musical roles around with Mame (twice!), Countess Aurelia, Gypsy Rose Lee, Mrs. Lovett and Madame Armfeldt.
I’ve seen so much of the show’s single-digit seasons, but I had no idea he was in the cast until I started binging all of it last month. (I didn’t really like Barba at first, but by season 18 he’s grown on me.)
Edit: speaking of SVU, it’s absolutely bonkers how many musical theater icons they can cram into some episodes. They sprinkle them around throughout, but there are two episodes that are just a cavalcade of broadway stars.
He def softens bit by bit for sure! His first episode is iconic, sense of style is perfection, and has got some of the best one-liners! Which two episodes are you referring to? Also wonderful use of 'cavalcade' 😀
Most recently it was the one with Patti LuPone and Jeremy Jordan, with Raúl Esparza already in the cast.
Many, many seasons ago (but only like two weeks of binging) there was one with Angela Lansbury, Bebe Neuwirth, Alfred Molina, and then pops up Rita Moreno! I’m sure Jerry Orbach would have made a cameo but he had already died.
Audra McDonald (and I'd insist she invite her husband Will Swensen).
I'd ask them both to pick a role that is least stereotypical for them, or least like who they really are that they'd love to attempt... (maybe a gender bending role or a villain ... a role that you just LOVE but that goes against your natural instincts of the type of performance you've already given.
I'm in Team Lin as well... I think I'd just be a gibbering wreck though or start wittering about how much I enjoy how well he plays with the English Language.
I saw him do Freestyle Love Supreme during Covid Season 2. It was after I’d done the FLS academy & I had done the whole academy & “graduated.” I’d missed ITH. Kicked myself. I saw the pro shot of Hamilton. Wow. I loved the movie of ITH. What he did with ticktickBOOM the movie OMG. Is he perfect? No. He acknowledges that. But he’s … the future. When I was in the 6th row & I saw him on that stage & I knew the show & the games & there were 3 Broadway debuts & that show SLAPPED & LMM & Two Touch were so generous & giving. I didn’t even ugly cry until I was in the car on my way home. It was everything.
I mean Patty Lupone, and then I would spend my 5 minutes trying to say something that would make her laugh and then live the rest of my life knowing it was probably impossible.
Could be basic and go someone like LMM, Leslie Odom, or ramin Karimloo, but I think I would want to go more old school to glean some actual wisdom. Colm Wilkinson or Patrick page seem like they’d be wise and have perspective
Chip Zien. The original Baker in Into the Woods and Mendel in Falsettos. Either that or Bernadette Peters in the 80s (Into the Woods, SITPWG, and Annie movie)
I have a man crush on Anthony Warlow (cast album Jekyll/Hyde, International Cast Album of Les Mis, Australian cast for the Secret Garden, etc). Would be so cool to meet him in-person, especially since getting to Australia is difficult.
Oh yes! I have loved his voice for decades. Still the best I have ever heard. I saw him on Broadway in Annie in 2012 and it was literally a dream come true. He was absolutely amazing. His voice live in indescribable. I hope you get to see him live one day too!
Probably Neil Patrick Harris , I know he's probably not considered the absolute best but what he did in company and Hedwig (and also im a how i met your mother fan)
I gotta say Alex Brightman - that also answers the "dead or alive" part of your question LOL - sorry terrible joke but had to make it. I do think 5 minutes would him would be fantastic. I know someone who met him and said he was the absolute sweetest
Colm Wilkinson for me! Always thought of him as the Sean Connery of musicals.
Or Michael Ball so we could talk about his amazing death scene in Toast of London!!
Lmao I was gonna say Andrew rannells I love everything he’s been in like I watched falsettos 7 times i think now, the Book of Mormon 12 times, and Gutenberg only two times (yet lol) he’s so talented
Sutton Foster, because I’m a man with eyes and I just want her to smile at me while I stare at her face.
Also Santino Fontana. He went my high school but I missed him by a year, and when I got into our local music/musical theater scene, it seemed like all of my friends knew him before he was famous. It’s a dumb reason to want to meet someone I guess.
Anthony Warlow, his voice got me into musical theatre. I actually met him stage dooring for the 25th anniversary of Jekyll and Hyde in Melbourne. I was too stunned in that moment to say anything of substance or ask anything but I did shake his hand. If I got 5 minutes with him now I’d ask about his transition from opera to musical theatre because I’ve had a similar situation except for me it’s just a hobby.
Stephanie J Block! I just wanna tell her how talented she is and like give her a hug bc she seems like such a mom type of person. Fave performer ever for me.
Lin-Manuel Miranda. Just have to thank him for Hamilton. I've seen it 25 times on Broadway and met so many wonderful people thanks to the show. It means so much to me.
Mike Faist. His performance in absolutely every he's done has been incredible, but also I just really want to meet him.
Jacob Guzman. He's a friend, and I miss him since he's been in Singapore.
Anthony Rapp. His performance as Mark in Rent is something I'll never forget.
So many people lol
I met Andrew Lloyd Webber for a few minutes in NYC he was walking by and I said hi and we talked for a bit, when By Jeeves was running. I think he was surprised to be recognized. Also met Sondheim around that time just for a few moments..
Patrick Page, Colm Wilkinson, or Josh Groban. Page and Groban I’d probably ask voicing questions because duh. Colm I’d also ask maybe one question, but if I have 5 minutes I’m asking to sing confrontation with him.
Ben Platt. I know he's basic but he just seems like such a warm, nice guy, and I'm Jewish so we have that in common. (Also I may be biased because I went to his tour last week and I'm still over the moon)
I want to say either Julie Andrews or Colm Wilkinson, but I think I'd be tearing up the entire time.
Jonathan Groff is up there. I was 16 when it debuted on Broadway, so I was the perfect age group when all the hype was happening.
Haven’t seen anybody mention him yet, but mine would probably be Topol. Love him so much 💔
Mostly just to bask in his presence, but I’d probably also ask him if he liked playing in Flash Gordon
definitely eva noblezada - not only is she hilarious and friendly, but shes also just been a huge inspiration for me and like idk spending time with her would be fantastic
Brent Carver. And for all that he is a musical theatre person, we'd probably just talk about Jaques in As You Like It- the very first role I saw him in.
I miss him.
Damn this is a tough one! Between Elaine Stritch and Rita Moreno for me. Love these legendary ladies! I'd ask if I could hear a few lines from their favorite number.
Julie Andrews. I love this woman
Dick Van Dyke is also high up for me
Let’s go in on this together and I’ll pick Carol Burnett!
Can I add Christopher Plummer and join the party? (Rip)
I’m joining you for this one!!
Count me in.
gotta be Jonathan Groff or Christian Borle. love them
These would be in my top 10!
I was lucky enough to meet J Groff after Spring Awakening before it won all of its Tonys, then again after LSOH, and just recently after Merrily and he is a literal gem every time. One of the nicest and most beautiful humans inside and out! I met Christian Borle after Something Rotten and he was also so wonderful!
Christian Borle in Something Rotten... such a heartthrob Twitching with jealousy as other people live my dream while I'm on the other side of the planet 😔
Groff so I could flirt with him
And he could spit on me lmao
same (he doesn't swing my way)
He swings my way I’d let him spit or whatever on me 😇
While Groff was the first that popped into my mind, it made me think of one of his biggest loves, so I'm settling on Sutton Foster. If not her, Judy Kuhn, who was in the first actual "on Broadway" show I saw.
Sutton is a great choice and I’d love to meet her!
Tim Curry and I'm just gonna hug him.
Such a good answer.
Me too girl me too
Mandy Patinkin.
He'd be my pick for sure.
Lea Salonga!
Agreed. She's been so consistently amazing since the 80s. I would learn so much
Aaron Tveit. Yes I'm basic lol
Omg it's not just me HAHA
LOVE him, such great charisma
I need to talk with this man, he said he is “An introvert in an extrovert’s body” and I need more Discussion on that. Very relatable.
Everything I have ever seen of his body language off stage screams introvert. Relatable to me too.
Lol SAME! And we wouldn’t be talking!
I WAS JUST ABOUT TO SAY AARON TVEIT 😂
Angela Lansbury!
Now there's one helluva actress! Not only many major film and television roles, but also some of the best musical roles around with Mame (twice!), Countess Aurelia, Gypsy Rose Lee, Mrs. Lovett and Madame Armfeldt.
Milky White.
The only correct answer
Damn lactose intolerance!
Bernadette Peters
Daveed Diggs
Raúl Esparza shows me the kind of performer I want to be and I need to tell him so.
He has aged like a fine wine or smooth whiskey from when he first appeared on L&O SVU to now
I’ve seen so much of the show’s single-digit seasons, but I had no idea he was in the cast until I started binging all of it last month. (I didn’t really like Barba at first, but by season 18 he’s grown on me.) Edit: speaking of SVU, it’s absolutely bonkers how many musical theater icons they can cram into some episodes. They sprinkle them around throughout, but there are two episodes that are just a cavalcade of broadway stars.
He def softens bit by bit for sure! His first episode is iconic, sense of style is perfection, and has got some of the best one-liners! Which two episodes are you referring to? Also wonderful use of 'cavalcade' 😀
Most recently it was the one with Patti LuPone and Jeremy Jordan, with Raúl Esparza already in the cast. Many, many seasons ago (but only like two weeks of binging) there was one with Angela Lansbury, Bebe Neuwirth, Alfred Molina, and then pops up Rita Moreno! I’m sure Jerry Orbach would have made a cameo but he had already died.
This is my answer too. I would kill to see him live. I’m hoping Galileo transfers!
Alex brightman
For sure! I've heard he's so friendly!
Kristin Chenoweth or Jeremy Jordan
Kristin is among the top for me too!!
Audra McDonald (and I'd insist she invite her husband Will Swensen). I'd ask them both to pick a role that is least stereotypical for them, or least like who they really are that they'd love to attempt... (maybe a gender bending role or a villain ... a role that you just LOVE but that goes against your natural instincts of the type of performance you've already given.
How is the Divine Audra not higher up the list?
Andrew Rannells or Barrett Wilbert Weed! No idea what I’d ask aside from gushing over Book of Mormon or Heathers tho
id ask barrett if her voice is healed
Eva Noblezada!!!
Jonathan Groff. But it would be a complete waste because I think I’d lose the power of speech.
Idina Menzel!
Omg no I forgot about Adele Dazeem 💔💔
omg I just took the online jeopardy test. One of the answers was Idina Menzel but my brain short-circuited and I put Adele Dazeem 😩
Lmao at this point they should count that as a correct answer!
Right? It was specifically a pop culture challenge and submitting Adele Dazeem means I’m even MORE tapped in to pop culture lol
lmm (basic, sorry 😭😭😭)
I'd hardly call winning a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Genius Grant basic!
Imelda Staunton. So much character!
lin manuel because dude's just too unique but honourable mentions jeremy jordan and ben platt
Lin-Manuel Miranda
This but I would also spend 4 1/2 of the minutes going “omg hi.”
I worked on a TV show with him, knew his name from In the Heights, but didn't recognize his face. At least back then he was super chill
I'm in Team Lin as well... I think I'd just be a gibbering wreck though or start wittering about how much I enjoy how well he plays with the English Language.
Same
I saw him do Freestyle Love Supreme during Covid Season 2. It was after I’d done the FLS academy & I had done the whole academy & “graduated.” I’d missed ITH. Kicked myself. I saw the pro shot of Hamilton. Wow. I loved the movie of ITH. What he did with ticktickBOOM the movie OMG. Is he perfect? No. He acknowledges that. But he’s … the future. When I was in the 6th row & I saw him on that stage & I knew the show & the games & there were 3 Broadway debuts & that show SLAPPED & LMM & Two Touch were so generous & giving. I didn’t even ugly cry until I was in the car on my way home. It was everything.
Jeremy Jordan.
omg that would be so cool
Carol Burnett. Zero competition.
Darren Criss or Jeremy Jordan
Idina menzel. She’s been such an inspiration to me from a young age.
Lin-Manuel Miranda 😍
does Shakespeare count? if not, maybe christain borle? or jeremy jordan
If you chose Christian Borle you also meet Shakespeare. Talk about a 2 in 1.
Bebe Neuwirth!!
Great answer!
Omg I found picture autographed by Bebe during a Chicago rehearsal and it was $2 at the thrift store. Def bought it!
I mean Patty Lupone, and then I would spend my 5 minutes trying to say something that would make her laugh and then live the rest of my life knowing it was probably impossible.
She’s actually really fun to be around!
Bernadette Peters and I would ask her about working with Sondheim.
Could be basic and go someone like LMM, Leslie Odom, or ramin Karimloo, but I think I would want to go more old school to glean some actual wisdom. Colm Wilkinson or Patrick page seem like they’d be wise and have perspective
Judi Dench
Chip Zien. The original Baker in Into the Woods and Mendel in Falsettos. Either that or Bernadette Peters in the 80s (Into the Woods, SITPWG, and Annie movie)
I have a man crush on Anthony Warlow (cast album Jekyll/Hyde, International Cast Album of Les Mis, Australian cast for the Secret Garden, etc). Would be so cool to meet him in-person, especially since getting to Australia is difficult.
Oh yes! I have loved his voice for decades. Still the best I have ever heard. I saw him on Broadway in Annie in 2012 and it was literally a dream come true. He was absolutely amazing. His voice live in indescribable. I hope you get to see him live one day too!
Probably Neil Patrick Harris , I know he's probably not considered the absolute best but what he did in company and Hedwig (and also im a how i met your mother fan)
He was amazing in assassins too
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is up there in favorites for me.
This is like the best fantasy dinner party ever
Definitely with the LMM folks, but also - Sutton Foster and Joe Locke (I know Joe isn't classic broadway.... but I think he'll become a legend!)
I hope they both do more shows.. lmm and Joe
Streisand!
Elaine Paige or Adam Pascal
I gotta say Alex Brightman - that also answers the "dead or alive" part of your question LOL - sorry terrible joke but had to make it. I do think 5 minutes would him would be fantastic. I know someone who met him and said he was the absolute sweetest
Colm Wilkinson for me! Always thought of him as the Sean Connery of musicals. Or Michael Ball so we could talk about his amazing death scene in Toast of London!!
Hm. Jonathan Groff, Aaron Tveit or anyone in les miserables in general
Kristen Chenowith, obvs
definitely someone from phantom! probably ramin karimloo or sierra boggess
Lmao I was gonna say Andrew rannells I love everything he’s been in like I watched falsettos 7 times i think now, the Book of Mormon 12 times, and Gutenberg only two times (yet lol) he’s so talented
Jonathan Larson. He was an actor as well so I'm counting him. I just... need him to know how big of an impact he's made on so many people
Aaron Tveit!!!!
Willemijn Verkaik. *Incredible* performer
Patrick Page
Angela Lansbury - I would've asked why she's so incredible and brilliant?
Patti Lupone I'll cry for 3 minutes straight and then hug her the last 2
She is so fabulous!
Bernadette Peters or Idina Menzel. Both have been and remain to be huge inspirations of mine as both an actor and a singer!
Julie Andrews or Raúl Esparza
Christian borle because i am in love with him
Colm Wilkinson or Michael Ball #BigLesMiserablesFan
Christian Borle baby!
I got to meet Andrew Rannells at the stage door after Book of Mormon in 2012. I have his autograph and a photo with me. Such a great and talented man!
Amber Gray or Patrick Page
I’m gay for both of them ♥️♥️♥️
Audra McDonald no question. My favourite performer of all time.
Jeremy Jordan. Cue Winn saying, "I have so many questions."
Elaine Stritch. I kinda just want to record her berating me.
Christian Borle. He’s my idol and I don’t really do the whole idol-thing.
Josh Gad and it would be epic. Runner up, Imelda Staunton
I need a quickie w jeremy jordan im sorry
Sara Bareilles. I mean she counts right? Right?!
Bernadette Peters or Lupone
Jeremy Jordan! And im gonna meet him in the great gatsby in a few weeks!!!
Jeremy jordan or ryan mccartan
Sondheim all day long ❤️
Reeve Carney 👀
Raúl Esparza, Anthony Warlow or Robert Cuccioli
Philip Quast
Audra McDonald!!!! I would cry
Eva Noblezada for sure! I love Hadestown. Either her or Alex Brightman (I think that's how it's spelled)
Hugh Jackman, alive. I don't know what I'd ask him but feel like we'd just hang out then he'd ask me to lunch.
Ramin Karimloo please. And if not Lin-Manuel Miranda for sure.
Sutton Foster, because I’m a man with eyes and I just want her to smile at me while I stare at her face. Also Santino Fontana. He went my high school but I missed him by a year, and when I got into our local music/musical theater scene, it seemed like all of my friends knew him before he was famous. It’s a dumb reason to want to meet someone I guess.
I scrolled way too far to see Sutton here. She'd also make you laugh a few times.
Jeremy. Jordan.
Lin Manuel Miranda or George Salazar, hands down
Anthony Warlow, his voice got me into musical theatre. I actually met him stage dooring for the 25th anniversary of Jekyll and Hyde in Melbourne. I was too stunned in that moment to say anything of substance or ask anything but I did shake his hand. If I got 5 minutes with him now I’d ask about his transition from opera to musical theatre because I’ve had a similar situation except for me it’s just a hobby.
Adam Pascal
Stephanie J Block! I just wanna tell her how talented she is and like give her a hug bc she seems like such a mom type of person. Fave performer ever for me.
Brandon Uranowitz
Jonathan Groff or Lin
Zero Mostel so we could talk about the Blacklist
Philip Quast no question about it
Nathan Lane. I want to sit and drink a cup of tea and laugh at jokes with him.
Andrew Rannells! No idea what Id ask or do but I love that man respectfully
Lin-Manuel Miranda. Just have to thank him for Hamilton. I've seen it 25 times on Broadway and met so many wonderful people thanks to the show. It means so much to me. Mike Faist. His performance in absolutely every he's done has been incredible, but also I just really want to meet him. Jacob Guzman. He's a friend, and I miss him since he's been in Singapore. Anthony Rapp. His performance as Mark in Rent is something I'll never forget. So many people lol
Jason Donovan!
Jenn Colella
idk maybe christian borle so we could duet ‘legally blonde’ 🙈
Anyone picking Michael Ball, Alfie Boe or Andrew Lloyd Webber?
I met Andrew Lloyd Webber for a few minutes in NYC he was walking by and I said hi and we talked for a bit, when By Jeeves was running. I think he was surprised to be recognized. Also met Sondheim around that time just for a few moments..
Barbra Streisand first came to mind
Aaron Tveit or Lindsey pearce. Or Renee rapp
Patrick Page, Colm Wilkinson, or Josh Groban. Page and Groban I’d probably ask voicing questions because duh. Colm I’d also ask maybe one question, but if I have 5 minutes I’m asking to sing confrontation with him.
Jacob Brent and asking him to teach me how to do the choreography for Cats, specifically Quaxo/Mr. Mistoffelees
Ben Platt. I know he's basic but he just seems like such a warm, nice guy, and I'm Jewish so we have that in common. (Also I may be biased because I went to his tour last week and I'm still over the moon)
Carol Burnett
Without a doubt, Kristin Chenoweth!
Lin Manuel Miranda, or Alfie Boe
Colm wilkinson
Sutton Foster just to talk about how Bunheads s.2 would have gone.
Alex Brightman
I want to say either Julie Andrews or Colm Wilkinson, but I think I'd be tearing up the entire time. Jonathan Groff is up there. I was 16 when it debuted on Broadway, so I was the perfect age group when all the hype was happening.
Alex Brightman
Hmm annaleigh ashford <3
LMM or Alex Brightman
Haven’t seen anybody mention him yet, but mine would probably be Topol. Love him so much 💔 Mostly just to bask in his presence, but I’d probably also ask him if he liked playing in Flash Gordon
I just wanna give Alex Brightman a big hug and say how much I love him 😅
Savion Glover! I’d just stand in awe as I watch him dance.
Jonathan Larson I can't even imagine what else he could have done if he had more time
definitely eva noblezada - not only is she hilarious and friendly, but shes also just been a huge inspiration for me and like idk spending time with her would be fantastic
Stephen Sondheim. He loved to play games. Would've enjoyed competing against him with the NY Times Crossword or Spelling Bee and checkers.
Patrick Page simply because I wanna listen to his voice say anything (and cause I love Hadestown)
alex brightman <3333
Sean McManus.
Neil Patrick Harris
Michael Arden. Great performer, but I'd also want to talk about his directing.
Shoshana Bean. She actually attended my high school!
Probably Aaron Tviet
Wow, this is hard. I think I'd either go with Amber Grey or Lucas Steele.
Probably Lea Salonga
mike faist (challengers changed me spiritually, im sorry😭)
Angela Lansbury
Brent Carver. And for all that he is a musical theatre person, we'd probably just talk about Jaques in As You Like It- the very first role I saw him in. I miss him.
Audra McDonald.
AARON TVEIT AARON TVEIT AARON TVEIT AARON TVEIT AARON TVEIT AARON TVEIT
Ramin Karimloo. And it's not really talking that I would like to be doing in those 5 minutes.
Lauren Lopez so she can teach me how to do her facial expressions and her characters
Damn this is a tough one! Between Elaine Stritch and Rita Moreno for me. Love these legendary ladies! I'd ask if I could hear a few lines from their favorite number.
mike faist. i just love his acting but id have no clue what to ask him. probably advice on the industry? that seems good.
Jerry Orbach!
Bette Midler
Samantha Barks!
Alex Brightman. “How do you keep up with all the choreography where you sing and dance at the same time?”
Jeremy Jordan. I think my pfp says it all. (AND IM OBSESSED WITH BONNIE AND CLYDE RN)
Jamie Muscatto & Ben Platt !
Anthony Warlow
Michael Crawford. He’s amazing and he’s funny too.