Happy Friday! We know you're still busy watching all your favorite Tony Awards performances, but now would be a great time to take a break and study up on the past week. We've learned a lot over the course of these seven days, from just how hard Aaron Burr parties, to who Aaron Burr would play in Rent, to who Aaron Burr invites on "her" weekly variety show. Basically, if you have any questions about Aaron Burr, this is the roundup for you. Talk less, smile more and check out the Lessons of the Week!
A Tony Award Goes with Any Look
Newly minted Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr. is so nonstop, he hasn't had a chance put his award away. After his big Hamilton win on Sunday, the actor partied hard and apparently never made it home before his appearance on CBS This Morning; however, he did manage to change out of his tux. That's OK, Leslie: Spinning silver medallions are a universal accessory.
Maya Rudolph Is a Trust Fund Baby
Speaking of Aaron Burr(, sir), it looks like a certain comedian is also vying for a spot in the room where it happens. On her variety show, Maya Rudolph had three pint-sized Broadway stars perform their gender-bending take on "The Schuyler Sisters," and she took it upon herself to play Burr. Now we just need Kristen Wiig as Hamilton and Rose Byrne as King George. #Bridesmaids4Ham
Hot Pockets Are Better than Privacy
Daniel Radcliffe is about to headline Privacy at the Public, and it’s making him question his own security. He isn’t one for social media, but as Stephen Colbert pointed out, people can even be track you using your microwave. That’s where Dan Rad draws the line, though. He will keep using his microwave because nothing is worth sacrificing Hot Pockets. After years of battling dark wizards, it'd really suck if microwavable turnovers are what brings this guy down.
The Tony Nominees Just Want Food
This year’s Tony nominees may have rocked pajamas about simply rocked, but what they were thinking about that night might surprise you. At the Tony Awards red carpet, Laura Benanti said she wanted to break the record for eating the most slices of pizza in one sitting (while watching Game of Thrones), and Alex Brightman’s aspirations involve a bunch of nachos. Incidentally, our goals are similar, but with peanut butter cups.
Cats Just Got More Terriiiifffic!
The cast of Cats has already been fully announced, but we’d like to apologize for burying the lede earlier. Liza Minnelli is going to be in Cats! Oh, sorry. That’s not Liza, that’s Christine Cornish Smith. We were confused because she has an uncanny impression of Liza while singing an ode to Old Deuteronomy. Ooh, can you do Celine, Christine?
You Can Hear the Amazon on Broadway
First, there was the pie baked in the Waitress lobby. Now, another incoming show has some extra-sensory tricks up its sleeves. When catching The Encounter this fall, you'll need a set of provided headphones to get the full effect of the Amazon. This is quite a trend, but if Frozen sets its theater to 30-something degrees to give the audience the complete experience, that's where we draw the line.
Marin Mazzie Can Burp a Happy Tune
With shows like The King and I, Passion and Kiss Me, Kate, Marin Mazzie is one classy lady. However, her offstage presence isn’t filled with a beautiful mezzo mix so much as a constant belching. In fact, some of her former co-stars know her as “Burperina.” It’s a shame there aren't more roles for her to showcase this talent; we don't exactly see Anna burping with the school children. (But imagine!)
Lin & Leslie Don't Own Emotion; They Rent
We've had Broadway.com vlogs for years, but leave it to Lin-Manuel Miranda to finally make it about Rent, somehow. As Leslie Odom Jr. films his weekly backstage glimpse, look out for Lin shouting some familiar lyrics by Jonathan Larson about a bohemian filmmaker. So we have our Mark and Roger; have you two talked to Daphne Rubin-Vega lately? We hear she's ready to play Benny now.
Andy Karl's Wearing His Role on His Head
Wait: Who is Andy Karl playing in Groundhog Day? Is he the titular character? While rehearsing for the new musical in London, the Broadway favorite rocked a groundhog hat that we can only hope is an actual costume piece from the show. This makes total sense; remember when Andy kept wearing this back in 2014? (Is our age showing?)
Keala Settle's a Vocal Coach for the Stars
In the wake of the tragedy in Orlando, the Broadway community came together to spread love and raise money for the LGBT Center of Central Florida. Keala Settle, Chita Rivera and over 60 other stage favorites took part in a benefit recording. The Waitress standout was initially nervous to talk to the Broadway legend, but then she had to teach Chita the alto part. So, if you listen and hear Chita belting up the octave, you can tip Keala. Get it? Waitress? Whatever. Have a good weekend.