If you have seen any Broadway news, you have likely heard that many of the Glee cast have recently starred in New York theater productions, both on and off Broadway. Several alumni have returned (and debuted) onstage. Here are all of their recent and current shows they are starring in.
Jonathan Groff in Just in Time
Jonathan Groff, best known to Glee fans as Jesse St. James, returned to the New York stage this past year, starring in Just in Time as singer Bobby Darrin. Groff is known for his expressive performances and the emotional depth he brings to his characters onstage, and this performance was no exception. Several times throughout this performance, Groff breaks the fourth wall to interact with the audience, and his charisma and dance skills bring the show to life. He starred in this performance for just under a year and took his final bow on March 29th.
Darren Criss in Maybe happy Ending
Darren Criss has been busy onstage portraying the role of Oliver in Maybe Happy Ending. This character differs from his Glee Character, Blaine Anderson, because he is a helperbot navigating the world in a futuristic setting. Oliver is quiet and reserved, whereas Blaine is bold and socially aware. Criss brings a gentle, delicate side to the character, making his performance feel more human, which helped him earn the Tony Award for it. He is in the show until May 17th.
Lea Michele in Chess
Lea Michele, otherwise known as Rachel Berry to Glee audiences, returned to the Imperial Theatre to star in Chess as Florence Vassy. This character works well to showcase her vocal range and control, with her commanding attention from the moment she steps onstage. Florence Vassy is a complex and emotional character, a second chess player in a chess tournament during the Cold War. She struggles with her identity as a Hungarian refugee, while being torn between political loyalties and romantic relationships. Her performance not only adds depth to the character but also shows her growth as an actress, highlighting her technical strength. She stars in Chess until June 21st.
Kevin McHale in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Kevin McHale, known to Glee fans as Artie Abrams, brings comedic charm to the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. McHale steps into another school environment, this time as William Barfée. His character brings an eccentric personality and competitiveness to the show, allowing him to lean into comedic timing and endearing qualities. His ability to be more physically expressive in this show gives him more opportunities to connect with the audience.
Matthew Morrison in Just in Time
Matthew Morrison returned to the Circle in the Square Theatre to portray Bobby Darin after Jonathan Groff left. He is known for his portrayal of Will Schuester in Glee and leans into his dancing and charm in that role. Like Groff, Morrison also brings a new side of Bobby Darin to light, with a more nuanced feel and more calm than Groff’s portrayal. This marks a long-awaited return to the stage for Morrison, as his last Broadway appearance was in 2016 as J.M. Barrie in Finding Neverland. He starred in Just In Time for two weeks only, from April 1st to April 19th.
Heather Morris in 11 to Midnight
Heather Morris brings herself to the stage, starring in Cost n’ Mayor’s dance show 11 to Midnight as herself, marking her Off-Broadway debut. She brings the dance skills that landed her in Glee as Brittany S. Pierce. This dance-focused show follows a group of seven friends as they reflect on their past year in the hour before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. She is in the show until May 11th.
All of these performances highlight how the Glee cast continues to evolve beyond their characters at McKinley High. Their power in dance numbers and vocal performances brings something unique to the stage, which is what made them memorable in the first place.