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Top 10 Stars We Want to See on Broadway

Top 10 Stars We Want to See on Broadway
VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton WRITTEN BY: Mark Sammut
There's nothing like a show on Broadway. For this list, we're looking at celebrities who should consider debuting or maybe even returning to New York's Theater District. We can live in hope! Our list includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Justin Timberlake, Darren Criss, Zendaya, Ariana Grande, and more! Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Stars We Want to See on Broadway.

#10: Joseph Gordon-Levitt


Broadway deals in more than just musicals; nonetheless, being able to carry a tune is definitely a plus. Whether starring in a huge superhero blockbuster or a quiet indie film about cancer, Joseph Gordon-Levitt's acting chops have been proven time and time again. While the star tends to stick to acting or directing, Gordon-Levitt has occasionally belted out a cover or two, and the "500 Days of Summer" actor is no slouch behind the mic. At the tender age of four, Gordon-Levitt landed a part in a musical theater adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz," which helped launch the celebrity's career.

#9: Emma Thompson


Armed with a biting sense of wit and a presence that demands an audience's attention, this famed British actress was made to star in period-dramas and satires. Along with a notable 1985 West End production of "Me and My Girl," Emma Thompson has spent a lot of time in theatrical shows; however, since the early '90s, the actress has primarily focused on cinema, with 2014 and 2015 adaptations of "Sweeney Todd" being the exceptions. We would watch Thompson in pretty much anything, but the actress has quite a bit of experience handling Shakespeare, and Broadway loves its "Hamlets" and "King Lears."

#8: Justin Timberlake


After conquering the music and finding sure footing in the film industry, JT should aim for the trifecta, and step on stage. As connoisseurs of '90s boybands and scathing breakup songs surely know, Justin Timberlake has the pipes, and can shake it with the best of them. Bringing "SexyBack" to the "Billboard Hot 100" charts might be the celebrity's defining accomplishment, but Timberlake has amassed a respectable filmography over the decades. If David Fincher and the Coen Brothers are both willing to cast the singer in their movies, then Timberlake's acting has to be at least respectable. Broadway loves a Triple Threat.

#7: Darren Criss


When up against the likes of Lea Michele, Amber Riley, and Naya Rivera; someone's singing must be beyond reproach or they'd risk coming across as amateurish. Cast as Blaine Anderson in "Glee," Darren Criss stood out in a cast bloated with brilliant singers and performers. The actor's singing is so good, "Supergirl" and "The Flash" cast Criss as a supervillain who controls others through song! Making his theater debut in a 1997 adaptation of "Fanny," Criss is no stranger to the stage, although the actor's two Broadway appearances have both been as replacements for the lead roles.

#6: Zendaya


When it comes to future superstars, Disney knows how to pick them. Starring alongside Bella Thorne in Disney Channel's "Shake It Up," Zendaya's powerful voice, charismatic personality, and dance moves left viewers aching for more. Following her feature film debut in "Spider-Man: Homecoming," Zendaya wowed audiences with an endearing turn in 2017's "The Greatest Showman," co-performing arguably the film's standout musical number in "Rewrite the Stars." Prior to taking Hollywood by storm, Zendaya worked as a back-up dancer and studied at the American Conservatory Theater. Zendaya can sing, act, and dance; Broadway, what are you waiting for?

#5: Brendon Urie


In 2017, "Panic! at the Disco" fans were treated to an unexpected but welcome surprise when news broke out regarding Brendon Urie's Broadway debut. Blessed with an expansive range and an irresistible charm, Urie deserves to be mentioned among music's better modern front-men, but it would be a shame to restrict the star's talents to one industry. Urie's performance in Cyndi Lauper's "Kinky Boots" garnered mostly positive reviews, with the singer's naturally expressive voice proving to be an excellent fit for Broadway musicals. While "Kinky Boots" is a great start, there are dozens of shows begging for Urie's magical voice.

#4: Anna Kendrick


Before "Pitch Perfect," "Up in the Air," or even "Twilight;" a 12-year-old Anna Kendrick took Broadway by storm in an award-winning turn as Dinah Lord in "High Society." Want to know the most impressive part? "High Society" was the actress' first proper role. Since then, Anna Kendrick has blessed moviegoers with the occasional song and dance number; however, acting is the star's true calling. Equally capable of handling comedy or drama, Kendrick should be able to slip into countless Broadway shows without missing a beat.

#3: Chris Pine


Some stars ooze magnetism. Chris Pine happens to be one of these celebrities. Along with landing key roles in huge blockbusters like "Wonder Woman" and "Star Trek", Pine also dedicates time to more character driven projects in the vein of "Hell or High Water" or "Z for Zachariah". While he has yet to grace a Broadway stage, Pine appeared in a number of theater productions during the late 2000s, even winning the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for 2010's "The Lieutenant of Inishmore." As one of Hollywood's biggest names, Pine is always working on a noteworthy film, but he might be able to squeeze in a Broadway show or two...

#2: Ariana Grande


Since her time on Nickelodeon, the pop star has devoted most of her energy and time to the music scene. Delivering three chart-topping albums in the span of five years, Ariana Grande is undeniably a global superstar with an instantly recognizable voice. Anyone who has heard "No Tears Left to Cry" knows Ari can sing, but the celebrity's acting chops tend to be dismissed and she's proven quite apt at portraying certain types of roles. Prior to joining Nickelodeon, Ariana was even cast in a 2008 Broadway musical, grapping a National Youth Theatre Association Award in the process.

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

Ryan Gosling

Amy Adams

Kristen Bell

Gerard Way

Bruno Mars

#1: Lady Gaga


A famed producer, songwriter, and singer; Lady Gaga is a natural performer. The "Born This Way" singer loves to inject an element of showmanship into her shows and music videos, while "A Star Is Born" should have put to rest any reservations regarding Lady Gaga's acting ability. Whether headlining another hugely successful tour or delivering an unsettling performance in "American Horror Story," Lady Gaga is one of those stars who seems capable of anything. Broadway and Lady Gaga are such an obvious match, the fact it has yet to happen is genuinely shocking!

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