5 MORE Broadway Stunt Castings That Worked & 5 That Almost Killed the Show
#5: Worked: Joe Locke
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
You probably know this actor as Charlie Spring in “Heartstopper” or Billy Maximoff/ William Kaplan in “Agatha All Along.” In 2024, he showed off another side of his talent as Tobias Ragg in “Sweeney Todd.” Critics loved how easily he captured Tobias’s youthful innocence, but even more than that, they were blown away by his voice. He made Sondheim’s music sound effortless like he’d been on stage forever instead of making his Broadway debut. Those who know Locke wouldn’t have been as surprised since he grew up performing in amateur productions. Now he’s eyeing up shows like “The Last Five Years” and “Falsettos,” and believe us, if that happens, we’ll be first in line for tickets!
#5: Killed The Show: Mel B
“RENT”
Producers clearly hoped she’d bring some extra spice to Mimi Marquez when she joined the cast of “RENT” in 2004. Unfortunately the internet has next to nothing to show for her time in the show. But honestly, her performance fell flat. Her voice just wasn’t strong enough for the role, and it felt like she was so focused on getting everything right that she couldn’t relax into her performance—which doesn’t really work when you’re playing a free spirit. Some even noted that her consistent vocal cracks were hard to ignore, proving once again that pop and theater are two completely different ballgames. It didn’t stop her from playing Roxie Hart on Broadway in 2016 to 17, but let’s just say it didn’t exactly change how theater fans felt about her.
#4: Worked: Ariana Madix
“Chicago”
When it was announced that the “Vanderpump Rules” star would be stepping into Roxie Hart’s heels, it certainly raised a few eyebrows. “Chicago” does love to stunt cast, after all. However, this time, the verdict was in: Madix slayed! (Excuse the pun). Fresh off “Dancing with the Stars,” we knew she could move, but turns out she can sing and act too! Critics especially praised her comedic timing and how fully she threw herself into the role. Audiences showed up in droves—so much so that the show broke its record for highest-grossing non-holiday performance week. “I just really enjoy being on stage,” Madix said. And trust us, it shows. No wonder her run got extended!
#4: Killed the Show: Colleen Ballinger
“Waitress”
Colleen Ballinger built a massive following as her YouTube character Miranda Sings, with (as of writing) over 10 million subscribers. So it’s no shock that producers saw those dollar signs light up. She was cast as Dawn in “Waitress,” but what audiences got felt more like Miranda as Dawn—which, if you know the character, isn’t exactly a compliment. For some, that was just fine, but for those unfamiliar with her YouTube persona, the casting was a head-scratcher. “Waitress” is another of those shows that’s no stranger to stunt casting to keep ticket sales up, but this was one of those times it just didn’t work. At least it was a short run.
#3: Worked: Lea Michele
“Funny Girl”
It almost felt like Lea Michele had spent her “Glee” years manifesting this role. The road wasn’t exactly smooth, but in 2022, she finally got her shot to prove she was “The greatest star,” and boy, did she deliver. The reviews were glowing. Whether it was years of studying Fanny Brice or just sheer determination, Michele tapped into the spark that makes the character so iconic. We already knew she could sing, dance, and act, and she was no stranger to doing just that for eight shows a week. However, critics also praised the depth she brought, really digging into Fanny’s emotions. And, of course, her “Don’t Rain on My Parade” brought the house down.
#3: Killed The Show: Nick Jonas
“Les Misérables”
Nick Jonas is best known as one-third of the Jonas Brothers, but did you know he started out on Broadway? He returned to the stage as Marius in the 25th-anniversary cast of “Les Misérables, “but honestly, he wasn’t quite the right fit for the role. While he’s definitely talented, his pop background didn’t mesh with the role’s vocal demands. The character requires an operatic voice with a lot of emotional depth, and Jonas’s pop style just didn’t deliver that. Plus, Marius is full of passion and vulnerability, and Jonas didn’t quite capture that, either. Audiences were “Still Hurting” when he was cast as Jamie in the 2025 revival of “The Last Five Years.”
#2: Worked: Jordin Sparks
“In the Heights”
In 2010, this “American Idol” winner made her Broadway debut as Nina in “In the Heights.” She joined Corbin Bleu, who more than had his “head in the game” as Usnavi. Apparently, Jordin had always wanted to perform on Broadway, and when the chance came up sooner than she thought, she worked her socks off to keep up with her more seasoned castmates—and it paid off! Nina’s songs share her battles with identity and belonging, and Sparks’s amazing, soulful voice really was a perfect fit. Her performance felt so real and relatable, helping Nina’s story resonate with the audience. Jordin also joined the “Waitress” cast in 2019 as Jenna, with a run that was as sweet as pie.
#2: Killed The Show: Rosie O'Donnell
“Fiddler on the Roof”
O'Donnell and “Fiddler on the Roof” were about as mismatched as the suitors Yente lines up for Anatevka's young singles. This wasn't O'Donnell's first Broadway role, having previously played Rizzo in “Grease” and the Cat in the Hat in “Seussical.” While some praised her for capturing the essence of a mother and wife in difficult times, others felt her performance lacked emotional depth, making it hard to connect with Golde. She leaned too heavily into her comedic background, which sometimes worked but blocked the way to the character's deeper layers. Plus, her singing wasn't anything to write home about. Had she asked the audience, “Do you love me?” the answer might have been a resounding “No!”
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Worked: Keke Palmer, “Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella”
She Became the First Black Actress in the Role & Gave a Crowning Performance
Worked: Charli D'Amelio, “&Juliet”
Proof That When You Play Your Talent to Their Greatest Strengths, Even an Ensemble Role Can Make Them a Star
Worked: Raven-Symoné, “Sister Act”
Did You Ever Doubt She Wouldn’t Be “Fabulous Baby?”
Worked: Darren Criss, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
The Critics Loved Everything from His Vocal Prowess to His Deep Connection with This Complex Character
Worked: Christina Applegate, “Sweet Charity”
She Was Nominated for the Best Actress in a Musical Tony After Playing the Title Role
#1: Worked: Jinkx Monsoon
“Chicago”
Jinkx Monsoon’s casting as Mama Morton in “Chicago” was a dream come true for fans and a full-circle moment for Jinkx herself, who credits the 2002 movie adaptation as her career inspiration. And she absolutely owned the stage. From her commanding presence to delivering every line with that trademark wit, Jinkx brought so much confidence to Mama Morton’s character. Her comedic timing was, of course, perfect, perfecting the balance between tough-as-nails and surprisingly vulnerable. And her voice is just perfect, too. She gives Mama’s songs all the sass and power they demand. It’s no wonder ticket sales soared, with people willing to stand just to see her. When you’re good to Mama, Mama’s good for business!
#1: Killed The Show: Boy George
“Moulin Rouge!”
JoJo was a Sparkling Diamond as Satine. Sadly Boy George as Harold Zidler was not so “Spectacular Spectacular.” Fans noted that his performance lacked the energy and charisma Zidler needed to command the stage. His delivery felt subdued, missing the over-the-top charm that makes the character magnetic. Many also found his vocal chops underwhelming and lackluster. At times, it felt more like Boy George playing himself rather than Zidler. Given his past legal troubles, some people weren’t thrilled about his casting at all. Other actors have brought this wild, chaotic energy to the role, but Boy George’s take felt too low-key. This part needs a true ringleader, and he just didn’t bring enough to the party.
What celebs have you watched in a show, and how did they fare? Let us know in the comments
