Nicole Scherzinger Is Totally Legit, Will Swenson Has a Black Swan Fantasy & More Lessons of the Week

As another week on the Great White Way is wrapping up, and we’re looking back at all we’ve learned from our favorite shows and stars. Some actors revealed hidden talents, others shared secret desires. Read on to see our latest batch of Broadway lessons!

Tom Cruise Can Rock a Rock Star Look
If it’s true that all movie stars want to be rock stars, Tom Cruise has hit the jackpot playing Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages. The film's first trailer is hot off the presses, and the normally clean cut Cruise looks like a natural as the ridiculously over-the-top ‘80s music god, rocking a packed stadium in skintight leather pants (with Bret Michaels-style bandana, natch), fending off screaming groupies and, of course, signing boobs. It’s a tough job, but someone had to do it.

Harry Connick Jr. Has (Very) Long-Term NFL Plans
Harry Connick Jr. is playing a shrink who falls in love with the sexy past-life incarnation of a patient in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, and while the silky-voiced singer isn’t sure about his own previous lives, he has big plans for his next one. “[It’s] always been a dream of mine to be an athlete. I’m a terrible athlete,” he told Broadway.com on opening night. “Maybe I’ll come back as a football player.” A jazz crooner trapped inside an NFL player? Sounds like another musical waiting to happen.

Nicole Scherzinger Really Is an Angel of Music
Theater fans were blown away when former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger brought down the house as Maureen in Rent at the Hollywood Bowl in 2010. That was nothing compared to the jaws that dropped when she sang the title number from The Phantom of the Opera as part of London's Royal Variety performance and nailed the song’s difficult final note, a high E. OK, quit teasing us Nicole, and come to Broadway for real.

Lady Gaga and Katy Perry Have Made it to Broadway
To create a totally current pop score for Lysistrata Jones, composer Lewis Flinn pulled from the biggest hitmakers around. In a recent video, Flinn shared some of his superstar inspiration: “In all the orchestrations and arrangements I’m looking to Katy Perry and Lady Gaga for influences,” Flinn said. “When I’m putting the songs together, I’m thinking about how would they sound as singles.” Hey Gaga, I think we just found the arranger for your jukebox musical.

The LeVays of Stick Fly Channel the Von Trapps
Stick Fly is not a musical, but the show's stars syill like to break into song. On a recent episode of ABC News, stars Tracie Thoms, Dule Hill, Mekhi Phifer and more busted out lyrics they’d written to some of their producer/composer Alicia Keys’ instrumental music for their show. What we wouldn’t give to hear them groove on “Lonely Goatherd.”

After Cheerleading, Broadway is No Sweat for Patti Murin
Patti Murin is starring as Lysistrata Jones’ title cheerleader in front of enthusiastic Broadway houses every night, but after being a college cheerleader herself the actress doesn’t sweat it. In her freshman year at Syracuse University, musical theater major Murin wasn’t yet allowed to perform in shows, so she found another outlet: cheerleading! Murin said she wanted to “perform for 50,000 people in the Carrier Dome.” All right, Lysistrata fans, start painting your chests and Patti will feel right at home.

Will Swenson Has the Hots for a Certain Black Swan
Will Swenson had some pretty bright spots this year, including opening Priscilla Queen of the Desert on Broadway and taking a mind-blowing trip to the Kennedy Center with girlfriend Audra McDonald, but he is always looking forward to a brighter future. One of his resolutions for the New Year? “To sit in a hot tub filled with Champagne and Natalie Portman.” OK, Will. We'll say a little prayer for you in 2012.

Patrick Page Keeps Spidey History Close to His Heart
Who knew the Green Goblin was sentimental? In his dressing room, next to his cherished theater memorabilia, Spider-Man’s Patrick Page keeps a piece of his own show’s history close at hand. He has a swatch of the Spidey suit that cast member Christopher Tierney was wearing when he was injured on December 20, 2010. Page says it's a reminder of the challenges the cast has risen above. Awww, Patrick! Guess he’s only a bad guy on stage.

Condola Rashad Grew Up with Medea for a Mom 
Breakout Stick Fly star Condola Rashad grew up a normal, soccer-playing kid, but her childhood wasn’t entirely average. Her mother Phylicia Rashad is a Tony-winning actress famous for playing beloved TV mom Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show and who, according to Condola, brings her work home with her. “My sister will be like, ‘What role is she playing? 'Cause she is kind of off the chain right now!'” Rashad said. “So that’s kind of funny. Except for when she played Medea.” Yeah, there's not a lot that’s funny about Medea…especially to her kids.

Now You Can Carry Broadway.com in Your Bag!
The biggest news of all this week (in our humble opinion) was the announcement that Broadway.com’s free iPad app has been released! Now you never have to be without all your favorite theater photos, videos, interviews and, of course, lessons of the week. Download it today to make sure you don’t miss any of the hottest content from the web’s hottest theater site.