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Broadway has never been closed as long as it is now, at least not in recent memory. Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the famous New York City Theater District is shuttered until at least June, closing many shows early and filling a lot of the theater community with sadness. Safety is, of course, always the most important thing, but it’s understandable to feel a bit bummed. So if you want to bring Broadway to you, with the help of some of your favorite actors, here are seven live performances on YouTube to fill that void just a bit. 

Jessie Mueller of 'Waitress' performs onstage during the 70th Annual Tony Awards at The Beacon Theatre on June 12, 2016.
Jessie Mueller of ‘Waitress’ performs onstage during the 70th Annual Tony Awards at The Beacon Theatre on June 12, 2016 | Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions

1. ‘Les Misérables’ 85th Academy Awards rehearsal

Back in 2013, the star-studded cast of Les Misérables performed at the Oscars, which came out in 2012 and was nominated for eight awards, including Best Picture. Les Mis is known as one of the best, yet saddest musicals on Broadway, so it’s no wonder it was made into a successful movie. This video is from the rehearsal for their performance, both live, and includes Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried, Anne Hathaway, and more.

2. Sara Bareilles and Jessie Mueller perform at the Tonys

The Tony Awards is one of the best places to showcase the best musicals and plays on Broadway every year. Back in 2016, Sara Bareilles and Jessie Mueller teamed up to sing the powerful song “She Used To Be Mine” from the musical Waitress. Bareilles wrote the music and lyrics for the musical, which premiered on Broadway that year. Jessie Mueller was the original Jenna Hunterson, and both sang their versions of the song for the performance. Bareilles would go on to play the role of Jenna on Broadway and the West End, as well.

3. Melissa Benoist as Carole King in ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’

Supergirl herself, Melissa Benoist, joined the cast of Broadway’s Beautiful: The Carole King Musical in 2018 in the titular role. Jessie Mueller (mentioned above in Waitress) originated the role, but Benoist came on later for a summer between shooting seasons for the popular CW superhero series. The musical tells the story of Carole King and how she went from writing for girl groups in the ‘60s to one of the most well-known singer/songwriters to date.

4. Amber Riley singing “And I’m Telling You” live

Amber Riley, who made her mark on the world in Glee, went on to star as Effie White in Dreamgirls in its 2016-2017 West End production. She sang the iconic song “And I’m Telling You” on Glee and already proved she can belt like no other. This live performance at the Olivier Awards is still impressive and she won Best Actress in a Musical that year too. 

5. Jeremy Jordan sings “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” perfectly 

Jeremy Jordan is known for many things. From Newsies to The Last Five Years to Supergirl, Jordan can play the comedic relief as well as serious Broadway belter. This performance at 54 Below in New York City is the perfect mix of both. Because who doesn’t want to hear Jordan’s gorgeous voice singing one of Celine Dion’s most dramatic songs? Truly a blessing.

6. John Legend’s performance of “Gethsemane” in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIiWFDP-KgA

For Easter in 2018, NBC delivered a truly emotional live broadcast of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Jesus Christ Superstar starring John Legend, Sara Bareilles, Alice Cooper, and Brandon Victor Dixon. This is one of the turning points in the musical, where Legend’s Jesus is pleading with God not to let him die, showing a really human moment for a seemingly inhuman historical figure. Legend puts on an amazing performance and hits some truly incredible notes.

7. Idina Menzel in ‘RENT’ in 1996

Lastly, before she was Elsa in Frozen or Elphaba in Wicked, and even before she played Maureen Johnson in 2005’s RENT, she was Maureen in the stage production of the show. In the 1996 original Broadway version of the show, and the theater workshop of it before it premiered, which is where this video is from. “Take Me Or Leave Me” is one of the best songs from the show and really allows Maureen to show off her personality. Plus, this video is a joy, watching Menzel before she became uber-famous.

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