12 Times Broadway Writers Starred in their Own Musicals

Typically, Broadway librettists, composers and lyricists will leave the task of bringing their musical to life to the actors.

But when the creatives behind a musical step into the limelight, we get to witness something truly extraordinary!

Here are 12 instances Broadway creatives starred in their own musicals.

1. Tom Jones in The Fantasticks

Tom Jones / photo by Joseph Marzullo

Not to be confused with the singer of "It's Not Unusual," Tom Jones starred as the Old Actor, Henry in his own musical, The Fantasticks. He also wrote the book and lyrics, and continued to tinker with the show until its closing.... 57 years later.

The show became the longest running musical of all time. 

2. Richard O’Brien in The Rocky Horror Show

The man behind one of theatre's biggest cults, Richard O'Brien wrote the book, music and lyrics and also starred as Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show. He also reprised his role in the 1975 film adaptation.

3. John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch

In 1998, book writer John Cameron Mitchell starred as the title role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He also replaced Neil Patrick Harris in the most recent Broadway revival.

4. Bob Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone

Bob Martin, along with Don Mckeller, wrote the book of The Drowsy Chaperone. The musical opened on Broadway in 2006, with Bob Martin as the Man in Chair.

5.  Harvey Fierstein in A Catered Affair

Harvey Fierstein in A Catered Affair / BroadwayWorld

In 2007, book writer Harvey Fierstein starred as Uncle Winston in his Broadway musical, A Catered Affair.

6. Lin-Manuel Miranda in In The Heights

Lin Manuel Miranda made his Broadway debut in 2008 as Usnavi in In The Heights. He also wrote the music and lyrics.

7. Billie Joe Armstrong in American Idiot

Based on the music of Green Day, American Idiot opened on Broadway in 2010. Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong took over the role of St. Jimmy for a brief but impressive stint.

8. Harvey Fierstein in La Cage Aux Folles

In 2011, original book writer Harvey Fierstein assumed the role of Albin in the Broadway revival of La Cage Aux Folles. 

9. Sting in The Last Ship

Multi-Grammy award winner Sting composed the music to the Broadway production The Last Ship. In 2014, he went on to play Jackie White until the show closed.

10. Dave Malloy in The Great Comet

With music and lyrics by mastermind Dave Malloy, Natasha, Pierre and the The Great Comet opened on Broadway in 2016. Since the show's development, Malloy often performed as the lead role, Pierre.

11. Lin-Manuel Miranda in Hamilton

Composer, lyricist and librettist Lin Manuel Miranda starred as Alexander Hamilton in his second Broadway musical, Hamilton.

12. Sara Bareilles in Waitress

Waitress opened on Broadway in 2016 with music and lyrics by singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Shortly after, Bareilles joined the cast as the show's main character, Jenna.

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