CRITIC'S CUT: Broadway Vets Destined to be a SMASH

Critic's Cut runs every Friday, presenting television's 'Best Of' moments, characters, shows, and more!

In honor of NBC's SMASH welcoming Broadway veterans Jeremy Jordan, Krysta Rodriguez, and Andy Mientus to their ranks - in addition to Megan Hilty, Christian Borle, and numerous others - we compiled a list of other theater stars we'd love to see tapped for a role in honor of the second season kicking off next week!

Rather than attempt to put into words why each vet was chosen - we'll let their previous performances do the explaining.

Note: Many hugely obvious potential selections have already booked extensive roles on television (Sutton Foster, Neil Patrick Harris, etc.) and thus, were not included on the list. Solely for the sake of realism.

10) Jennifer Damiano


Video via broadwayislove10
Notable Broadway Credits: SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK (Mary Jane Watson); NEXT TO NORMAL (Natalie Goodman); SPRING AWAKENING (Understudy: Martha, Wendla, Anna, Thea)

9) Alice Ripley


Video via totescramazing
Notable Broadway Credits: NEXT TO NORMAL (Diana Goodman); THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, 2000 Revival (Janet Weiss); SUNSET BOULEVARD (Betty Schaefer); LES MISERABLES (Fantine, Replacement)

8) Norm Lewis


Video via OWN
Notable Broadway Credits: THE GERSHWIN'S PORGY AND BESS, 2012 Revival (Porgy); THE LITTLE MERMAID (King Tritan); LES MISERABLES (Javert, Replacement); MISS SAIGON (John, Replacement)

7) Raul Esparza


Video via humbugfoto1
Notable Broadway Credits: LEAP OF FAITH (Jonas Nightingale); COMPANY (Robert); THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, 2000 Revival (Riff Raff); CABARET, 1998 Revival (Master of Ceremonies, Replacement)

6) Gavin Creel


Video via Andrew Keenan-Bolger
Notable Broadway Credits: HAIR, 2009 Revival (Claude); THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Jimmy Smith)

5) Lin-Manuel Miranda


Video via Cgando1
Notable Broadway Credits: IN THE HEIGHTS (Usnavi)




4) Andrew Keenan-Bolger


Video via broadwayryann
Notable Broadway Credits: NEWSIES (Crutchie); MARY POPPINS (Robertson Ay, Replacement)

3) Audra McDonald


Video via AudraMcDonaldFan
Notable Broadway Credits: THE GERSHWIN'S PORGY AND BESS, 2012 Revival (Bess); 110 IN THE SHADE, 2007 Revival (Lizzie Curry); A RAISIN IN THE SUN, 2004 Revival (Ruth Younger); MARIE CHRISTINE (Marie Christine L'Adrese); RAGTIME (Sarah); MASTER CLASS (Sharon); CAROUSEL, 1994 Revival (Carrie Pipperidge)

2) Patti LuPone


Video via NewNickTahoe
Notable Broadway Credits: GYPSY, 2008 Revival (Mama Rose); SWEENEY TODD, 2005 Revival (Mrs. Lovett); ANYTHING GOES, 1987 Revival (Reno Sweeney); LES MISERABLES, Original London Cast (Fantine); EVITA (Eva Perón)

1) Joel Grey


Video via Sophia Bergamo
Notable Broadway Credits: ANYTHING GOES, 2011 Revival (Moonface Martin); WICKED (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz); CABARET, 1987 Revival (Master of Ceremonies); THE GRAND TOUR (S. L. Jacobowsky); GEORGE M! (George M. Cohan); CABARET, Original Broadway Cast (Master of Ceremonies)