I don’t know about you, but if I had to choose a Broadway dream role for myself it would probably be the strong, feisty, divalicious Effie White from Dreamgirls. The only problem is that I am a gapped tooth, half-white/half hispanic, bearded MAN…Well the MCC Theater has solved this problem by creating an annual event called Miscast. The gala is an evening of performances by Broadway powerhouses who sing songs from roles they would never be cast in. In the past the event has hosted performances by big names such as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ana Gasteyer, Kristin Chenoweth, Tina Fey, and Aaron Tveit. The proceeds from the event go to the MCC Theater Youth Program, as well as a number of in-school partnerships with New York City high schools. The videos from this year’s performances are slowly hitting the internet, and every one of them is truly a theater-geek’ dream.
Caissie Levy aka Elsa from Frozen does a beautiful rendition of “Shishka Goddess” from The Last Five Years. Her last note is definitely worth waiting for as she gives us the big belt we love her for.
Jordan Fisher from a little show called Hamilton, gives a soul rendition of “I’m Here” from The Color Purple. This would be an excellent second choice of a dream role if Effie White was already taken…FYI. This performance tugged at the heart strings but didn’t move me quite as much as this next one did…
Jeremy Jordan, whose lengthy resume includes Broadway’s Newsies, the film version of The Last Five Years, and, most recently, tv’s Supergirl, breaks my heart with his take on “She Used To Be Mine” from Waitress. In the musical, the song occurs after the lead, Jenna, has her escape fund snatched away by her abusive husband. The song is the waitress’ lament to a time when she was different person. When she was her own person in fact. Choosing a song that was already so emotionally charged was a brilliant idea for Jordan. His wide range of vocals provide the exact amount of vulnerability needed to drive this one home. Slap a pillow under that shirt, and a hair net on that head…we HAVE to get him to be the next Jenna.
To see all of the performances from this year’s Miscast Gala click here!