Lea Salonga Is Going Home, Joel Grey Can Get You Hamilton Tix & More Lessons of the Week

It's Friday, and whether your weekend plans are to sing a medley with Lord Lloyd Webber, figuring out where to get this "And Peggy" T-shirt or buy an AMEX card from Bernadette Peters, put them on hold to catch up on all the crazy happenings from this week on the Great White Way. Learn how to get Hamilton tickets (the shady method), see who the new stars of Side Show are and more in the Lessons of the Week!

Lea Salonga Can Sing for Days (& Days...)
As Miss Saigon aims to bring the heat back to Broadway in 2017, its original Tony-winning star is soon heading to a house on Maple Avenue, Philippines. Allegiance star Lea Salonga will take on the matriarchal role of Helen Bechdel in her native country for the Manila premiere of Fun Home. Helen Bechdel: a role fit for both Cosettes and Eponines!

Fiyero's Warmups Are Wunderbar
In the first installment of Fiyero Time, Jonah Platt walked us through a performance of Wicked from his perspective: from some seductive pre-show stretches to his downtime (which he calls—you guessed it—Fiyero Time). Right before “As Long As You’re Mine,” he sings along to the German cast recording to warm up. He also says his dream role is Hedwig. Sounds like this Winkie prince is a Germanophile!

Joel Grey Can Make Up Hamilton Tickets
Speaking of Germany, when you’re the Emcee, you’re willkommen anywhere, including Hamilton. On Late Night, Leslie Odom Jr. revealed that when Joel Grey came to see the show, the Cabaret star literally made up a reservation, and the box office still found him a ticket. So to those still trying to get tickets, all you have to do is win an Oscar and a Tony. And the undying love of Liza Minnelli.

The Prettiest Theater Is a Prayer Away
There are some gorgeous houses on Broadway, and perhaps none more ornate than the Mark Hellinger Theatre. Sadly, it’s no longer a theater. While on a walking tour with Michael Riedel, he explained how the former home of Jesus Christ Superstar came to become (appropriately) a church. At least we can still go and ask Him the important questions, like “Do You think You’re what they say You are?”

Blondes Have More Fun...After The Wiz
We haven’t forgotten! Bombshell, the fictional musical from Smash, is still on track to become a real Broadway show. Executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have revealed that their current priority is The Wiz Live!, after which they’ll focus on the Marilyn musical. There’s still no book writer announced, so if it helps expedite the process, we volunteer.

The Circle of Life Really Is Full Circle
You know that feeling when you’re a lion cub and Rafiki holds you over Pride Rock and there’s a bunch of animals dancing? Same. Thanks to another awesome Broadway-themed 360° video, you can witness that iconic Lion King moment from any angle you please. It’s just like being there in person, except you get to be on the stage! And also no one has to be around to see you crying.

Murney & Brady Are 1 Though They're 2
This Photoshop job will never leave you. Wayne Brady heads back to Broadway in Kinky Boots this weekend, and Julia Murney is in the middle of nailing it at Feinstein’s/54 Below. But if you put them side by side, they're basically conjoined twins, right? OK, maybe it’s the dresses. Whatever. We want another Side Show revival. Look out, Adam and Arielle.

Elaine Stritch Is Still Here (In a Way)
Julia Murney’s not the only Broadway diva at Feinstein’s/54 Below this season. The hot spot will soon make way for the late, great Elaine Stritch. Twice! Sort of. Jay Malsky will channel the legend for his own solo show, and master of many voices Christine Pedi will channel a slew of divas (her Stritch is uncanny) in the return of Snow Bizness. Bring your Santa hat! (Does anyone still wear…a Santa hat?)

Celie Doesn't Stop for Oprah
Cynthia Erivo is bringing down the house in The Color Purple, and nothing will stop her from singing out. Not even Oprah. The Broadway newcomer revealed that she first met said media titan/Broadway fangirl in the middle of rehearsing the title number. And Erivo did not miss a beat and kept singing, which is impressive, considering were we in Erivo’s shoes when Oprah entered, this would have been us.

Bodhi Is Our New Broadway Boyfriend
Dear Bodhi, It must get lonely when Matilda star Allison Case and her wife Ashley Connors aren’t home to play with you. Why not come to us? Here at Broadway.com, we have couches suitable for napping, a giant picture of Darren Criss, close proximity to Sylvia and a drinks cart on Fridays. We also know a certain Tony winner who likes to cuddle. Think about it. (Sorry, Allison and Ashley.)