Top 10 Broadway Writers Who Starred in Their Own Musicals

“American Idiot”
In 2004, Green Day released “American Idiot,” a rock opera album capturing the unrest of a generation coming of age in a post-9/11 world. In 2010, the album became a stage musical that expanded on its themes and featured a few additional songs. During its run, Green Day’s frontman and the show’s book co-writer, Billie Joe Armstrong, played St. Jimmy—a reckless figment of protagonist Johnny’s imagination. His presence sent ticket sales soaring, and he returned for the show's last three weeks on Broadway, too. Who better to bring the soundtrack's raw energy to life than the guy who poured his heart into the music to begin with?

“On the Town”
You might not know their names, but you definitely know their work— “Wonderful Town,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “The Will Rogers Follies,” and “On the Town.” Comden and Green didn’t just write some of Broadway’s most iconic musicals; they also put themselves in the original “On the Town” cast. Green played Ozzie, a sailor on the lookout for a date, while Comden played Claire, an anthropologist with a fiery streak. Their duet, “Carried Away,” is a standout hilarious number about how their big personalities always seem to get, well, carried away. With their sharp wit and irresistible charm, Comden and Green left their mark both onstage and behind the scenes.

“The Fantasticks”
We know what you’re thinking—but no, not that Tom Jones. This Tom Jones was an American librettist best known for “The Fantasticks.” In the original off-Broadway run, he played the role of Henry, the Old Actor, under the pseudonym Thomas Bruce. He kept tweaking the show throughout its incredible 42-year run, between 1960 and 2002. He even stepped back onstage for various revivals, once even taking on directing duties, too. He also wrote the screenplay when “The Fantasticks” was adapted into a film in 1995. From writing to acting to directing, he certainly left his mark on the show from every angle imaginable.

“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”
Dave Malloy wasn’t just the brains behind the music and lyrics for “The Great Comet”—he was also the musical director, orchestrator, and, for a while, Pierre Bezukhov[a] himself. In fact, he played Pierre during the final two weeks of the Broadway run. The show, inspired by “War and Peace,” started at the tiny Ars Nova theatre in 2012, where Malloy also played Pierre. From there, it moved to a bigger space in the Meatpacking District before finally hitting Broadway. With its unique style and immersive experience, the show offered theatergoers something truly special. Those lucky enough to see Malloy in the role must’ve had an unforgettable experience.

“The Last Ship”
You probably know Sting from his time in The Police or his solo career, which has earned him 17 Grammys and a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2014, he brought “The Last Ship,” a musical inspired by his youth in a Northern England shipbuilding town, to Broadway. The show featured some of his familiar hits but mostly new material. Sting showcased the title song at the Tony Awards and later joined the Broadway cast as Jackie White for a limited time during the final weeks of its run. He reprised the role in Toronto and continued with the show during its 2020 national tour.

“La Cage aux Folles”
We’d recognize that voice anywhere! Harvey Fierstein isn’t just a performer—he’s a creative force behind the scenes. He wrote and starred in shows like “A Catered Affair" and “La Cage Aux Folles,” winning a Tony for Best Book of a Musical. He also played Albin/Zaza in the 2010 Broadway revival. For Fierstein, this story has always mattered because of its message of being unapologetically yourself and living with Pride. That message was even more vital in the ‘80s, when the AIDS crisis sadly claimed the lives of many original cast members. Though times have changed, Fierstein’s powerful voice reminded audiences in 2010 that embracing who you are never goes out of style.

“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
This musical created a lot of buzz when it debuted because it dealt with themes like gender identity, body dysphoria, and sexuality in a pretty honest and direct way that was still seen as taboo in the late ’90s. Its blend of punk rock, queer themes, and raw narrative made it both groundbreaking and polarizing. Its creator played the role of Hedwig not just once but three times! He first performed as Hedwig off-Broadway in 1998, then joined a star-studded line-up for the 2014 Broadway revival, and reprised the role in the 2001 film, which he also directed. No doubt he brought a ton of depth and emotion, helping the show gain a cult following.

“Waitress”
Sara Bareilles took on the role of songwriter for “Waitress” after a little push from the show’s director, Diane Paulus. Despite the daunting challenge, Bareilles took the job as part of her effort to step out of her comfort zone. While she’d always dreamed of being on stage as a child, writing a musical score wasn’t something she’d imagined. Yet in 2017, she did both when she took on the role of Jenna Hunterson in “Waitress” on Broadway. She reprised the role in 2019 and 2021, with a West End stint in between. As the composer, she got really attached to the characters, and audiences could definitely feel her personal connection to the music.

“Hamilton”
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s talent is something else—it’s almost unfair for one person to have so much. We saw it when he played Usnavi in “In The Heights” and again when he took on the title role in “Hamilton.” Interestingly, for Miranda, it wasn’t a question of if he’d play a character in his show, but which one. He considered playing Aaron Burr—he does have some epic songs— but ultimately chose to play Hamilton. The role resonated with him, but it also gave him the chance to play a part that other casting directors might not have considered him for. And, as the show’s writer, he definitely wasn’t throwing away his shot.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

He Originated the Role of the Narrator in His Semi-Autobiographical Play

A Show About Two Guys Writing a Show? Why Not Add an Extra Layer of Meta-Ness by Starring in It Too

The Book’s Co-Writer Took His Turn Playing the Musical Theater Loving Narrator

“The Rocky Horror Show”
It’s been over 50 years since “Rocky Horror” first opened, and fans are still showing up in costume, with die-hards becoming an integral part of the show with their witty callouts. The show's creator, who really related to its themes of gender and sexual liberation, played Riff Raff in the original run. Plus, his quirkiness was a perfect match for Riff Raff’s dark, eccentric character. He played the role again in the movie adaptation and came back as the narrator for the 40th anniversary in London and the 50th in Australia. Audiences continue to shiver with anticipation for “Rocky Horror’s” next visit to their town, so we won’t be surprised if we see O’Brien do the “Time Warp again.”

Have you ever watched a musical starring the person who wrote it? If so, how were they? Let us know in the comments





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