As we get closer and closer to the Tonys, we’re seeing more and more of Broadway’s biggest and brightest stars. Most recently, James Corden, this year’s host of the Tonys and host of the popular talk show The Late Late Show , brought together some of Broadway’s finest in his popular “Carpool Karaoke” series.
In the past few weeks, there were rumors that there would be a Hamilton “Carpool Karaoke” video, which wasn’t all that surprising since Hamilton swept the Tony nominations with a record-breaking 16 nominations this year. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the writer and star of Hamilton , was spotted driving around New York City a few weeks ago with James Corden. So it wasn’t all that surprising to see Lin pop up in the latest carpool sing along.
I need Corden to do another Twitter Q&A bc I have some important questions like 1. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME? ???? pic.twitter.com/hFnPr2i8iW
— Jessie (@fessiejant) May 20, 2016
James and Lin began their carpool by singing some of the hit songs from Miranda’s sold-out musical, including the opening number “Alexander Hamilton” and “Guns and Ships.” James Corden showed off his rap skills by mouthing off Daveed Digg’s rap on “Guns and Ships,” the fastest rap to ever be performed on Broadway. Even Lin looked impressed with James’ skills.
Then, to make this carpool every Broadway fan’s dream, James and Lin picked up six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald; Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who’s currently starring in Fully Committed ; and Tony winner Jane Krakowski. Who better to do carpool karaoke with than professionally trained Broadway singers?
This car was literally every theater kid’s dream and fans everywhere were wishing they could’ve been in this car. The group of five made their way through a few popular songs, including “Seasons of Love” from Rentand “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Frankie Valli. But the perfect moment was when they all joined together to sing “One Day More” from Les Miserables. Breaking off into separate solo parts, with Lin taking the lead as Jean Valjean, Audra and Jesse doing the duet as Cosette and Marius, and Jane filling the role of Éponine, they absolutely killed this song. If you didn’t completely fangirl when Audra hit that high note at the end, nothing will ever impress you.
In between songs James chatted with the Broadway stars asking them for tips on how he could make this year’s Tony Awards spectacular. Audra suggested just making it fun and exciting since it will be a long night. She also reminded him that if he wanted to do a song, the audience would definitely sing along. How perfect would it be to have a crowd filled with Broadway’s finest doing a sing-along with you? It’d be amazing.
James also chatted with Jesse and Jane, discussing how they both act on stage and on TV shows. Jesse Tyler Ferguson is currently starring in Modern Family and Jane Krakowski is starring in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt .
“Which do you prefer?” James asked them both. “Theater or money?”
Although everyone laughed, both Jesse and Jane agreed they love live theater.
“There’s nothing like live theater, right?” Jesse said. “The interexchange with the audience. It’s why I keep coming back.”
And we’re so glad they keep coming back. There’s nothing like going to see a musical or play live and interacting with the cast. It’s amazing!
James also talked to the four about their past experiences at the Tony Awards, where Jesse sadly confirmed that he still hasn’t won one of his own yet, but everyone assured him his time would come and it definitely will. Ferguson has been doing an amazing job in Fully Committed currently and his acting chops are phenomenal. It’s a wonder that he hasn’t already been nominated.
To see more of these five and even more of what Broadway has to offer, make sure to tune into the Tony Awards on June 12 at 8 p.m. EST on CBS. You don’t want to miss it!
[Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images]