Valisia LeKae Is an Amazing Human, Steven Pasquale Has a Plan for Your Panties & More Lessons of the Week

As another week comes to an end on the Main Stem, we’ve learned plenty of fascinating lessons from our favorite stage stars. From Idina Menzel’s pitch perfect Barbra imitation to Samuel Barnett’s movie star muse, check out all the exciting and absurd bits we’ve learned from the headlines this past week!

Stephen Colbert Has Exquisite Taste in Carolers
Fake newshound Stephen Colbert only carols with the crème de la crème of Broadway. At least it seems that way! The Colbert Report host welcomed two Tony winners—Cabaret’s Alan Cumming and Kinky Boots composer Cyndi Lauper—who helped him bring good tidings with “Let It Snow.” “Good King Wenceslas” with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin next, please?

Idina Menzel Can Do a 'Babs'
Tony winner Idina Menzel can dance, she can moo, and she can certainly belt, but who knew she could do impressions? The Broadway-bound If/Then star popped by The Talk this week and brought her best Barbra Streisand impersonation, complete with a squint over her glasses. We smell a Babs-biopic in someone’s future!

Mix Tapes Are Still a Thing for Brian d’Arcy James
Brian d’Arcy James rocks out to mix tapes! The Macbeth star recounted his Shrek days, when castmates recorded their favorite songs to amuse him during endless makeup sessions. (This was like four years ago, not 1987!) Still, James “learned a lot about [his] castmates by the music they chose!” Did Sutton Foster put “Jack & Diane” on your mix tape, dude?

Phantom Bras Actually Exist
The only thing better than seeing The Phantom of the Opera is letting it support you as an undergarment. That’s right, you can actually buy your very own Phantom-style pushup bra for that New Year's Eve party. All we ask is that you masquerade like a Broadway diva when sporting this lace-and pearl-encrusted brassiere.

Movie Stars Get Stranded on Islands
Tony nominee Josh Gad is a hot commodity in Hollywood, and now he’s being shipped off to an island. Well, Gilligan’s Island. The rising star (who has been keeping very busy) will co-write and star in a big-screen adaptation of the beloved 1960s sitcom. Too bad Andrew Rannells is a bit young to play the Professor, but Nikki M. James would make an awesome Mary Ann!

Annette Bening Is Samuel Barnett’s Queen
Tony nominee Samuel Barnett is earning raves as Queen Elizabeth in Richard III (and as Viola in Twelfth Night), but turns out it’s an American beauty this Brit is channeling when donning noble drag. He told us, “I think of Annette Bening when I’m playing Queen Elizabeth.” We’re glad the regal Bening is helping Barnett personify royalty. Now, Sam, will you sell that house today?

Valisia LeKae Is a Superhero
Going public about her recent ovarian cancer diagnosis, Tony nominee Valisia LeKae is intent on educating young women. The Motown star told us, “If five more people go to see their doctor because of this, I’ve done my job.” We knew LeKae was a triple threat, but shelving her privacy so other folks get checked out? That's the most important lesson we've learned all year. 

The Boys Go Ape for King Kong
The male cast members of new musical King Kong are taking it off in honor of their furry leading man. These perfectly chiseled Aussie studs bared their six-packs for a free 2014 hunk-a-month calendar. Do these guys come with that big ole gorilla? If so, we're headed to the Empire State Building. Help! Help! Help!

Bebe Neuwirth Can Do a Hat Trick
Broadway legend Bebe Neuwirth is making her way down the cast list of Chicago. She won a Tony for playing Velma, then returned 10 years later as Roxie, and now she’s headed to Broadway as Mama Morton. What's next? Amos Hart in 2017? Go-to-Hell Kitty, then the Hunyack in 2021? We see this ending with Bebe's magnum opus, playing every role. Imagine that "Cell Block Tango!"

Steven Pasquale Wants Your Undies
Former Rescue Me star Steven Pasquale is playing the ultimate dreamboat in The Bridges of Madison County: sensitive, mysterious traveling photographer Robert Kincaid. Pasquale told us prepping for the role “feels like a lot of sit-ups and a lot of pushups,” but he’s confident he can get the audience hot and bothered—even jokingly suggesting selling a panty slingshot at the merch table. Fire away!