Josh Groban Will Cluck No More, Shanice Williams Is (Still) Singing Live & More Lessons of the Week

It’s Friday, and we’ve had a lot of Christmas cookies! Wait, no. That’s not what we wanted to say. It’s Friday, and it’s time for Lessons of the Week! We learned all sorts of things from our Broadway faves this week, so sit down, put down that cookie (just for a minute) and take it all in.

Josh Groban Is a Man of His Word
Confirmed: Josh Groban is indeed not poultry. Earlier this year, the crooner teased that if he doesn’t come to Broadway next year, he’s “just a chicken.” Well, he’s officially bound for the Great White Way in the New York return of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Sadly, this probably means that our all-chicken revival of Chess is out of the running.

Shanice Williams Takes Requests
Shanice Williams slayed as she served us a world full of love and belt on The Wiz Live!. But the fun didn’t stop there. When the 19-year-old visited Broadway.com HQ for #LiveatFive, she treated us to quickie renditions of both “I Am Changing” from Dreamgirls and Sister Act’s “Fabulous, Baby.” Don’t wear your voice out, Shanice. We're still commissioning that mother/daughter musical with Audra.

Alex Brightman Is a Broadway Barista
There’s nothing we like more after rocking out than a cup of coffee (or, if we’re with Sierra Boggess, tea). Fortunately, we have the hookup with Alex Brightman. The School of Rock vlogger revealed that every week, he invites his cast to a coffee shop located in his dressing room named Cup of Jaybe (you have to see it ot get it). There are even branded coasters! Now that's some hardcore caffeinating.

You're Allowed to Be In Grease: Live
Now you can hand-jive with Aaron Tveit from your couch…or directly at the studio! Grease: Live director Thomas Kail confirmed that the January 31 telecast will feature an audience on the set, including in bleachers in the Rydell High gymnasium. So please, Tveitertots, if you find yourselves on set, be on your best behavior. A live broadcast is not a great time to ask him to autograph your stolen street sign.

Tyler Perry Has a New Passion Project
Media mogul Tyler Perry will soon bring a live musical to the small screen. No, not Tyler Perry Presents Madea’s My Fair Lady. Next year, he’ll present a live musical telling of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ set in modern-day New Orleans. Think Streetcar meets Superstar. Yes, after breathing life into Madea On the Run, Tyler Perry is telling the other greatest story ever told.

Samantha Massell Is Ready to Play Tevye
Samantha Massell is making a splash in Fiddler on the Roof, and she’s well-equipped to play the role of Hodel. Or Chava. Or Tzeitel. Or Golde. Or Tevye, frankly. The Fresh Face revealed that she grew up performing one-woman versions of Fiddler for anyone who would listen. We love this concept. Is it too soon for another revival of Fiddler? Or a one-woman Chess? If that chicken one falls through...

Wanna Be a Star? Sing More Smash
See?! All those Smash YouTube spirals paid off. New York newcomer Melody Betts blows the roof off of Second Stage in Invisible Thread’s show-stopping “Bela Musana.” So where did she come from? Creators Griffin Matthews and Matt Gould found a YouTube video of her singing “Let Me Be Your Star.” Hey, Craig and Neil, we’ve found your new Marilyn. You’re welcome.

#FiyeroTime Has a New Beat
What time is it? Fiyero Time (hashtag #FiyeroTime)! This week, Jonah Platt rounded up his Wicked co-stars to come up with a customized theme song for his vlog. So many citizens of Oz had tuneful suggestions, that there are simply too many to choose from at this point…it’s like the Q&A song all over again! Just make sure you get everyone on Twitter to sing it for you.

Norm Lewis Should Learn to Play Gin
Norm Lewis revealed that while he’s crossed many items off his bucket list (playing the Phantom, kissing Kerry Washington, etc.), there are two stars he’s eager to work with: James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson. Conveniently, they’re starring opposite each other in The Gin Game! It’s a two-hander—and Gin is a two-person game—but surely there's room for a little "Music of the Night," right?

Dick Socks & Anal Covers Are Super Fun
Forget schnitzel with noodles, Hamilton fave Jonathan Groff's favorite things seem to include San Francisco, dick socks and anal covers. At least that's our takeaway from this kooky interview with the Looking star, who also noted that shooting sex scenes is “fun and enjoyable.” Noted! Meanwhile, Beyoncé covets his moves. You have a weird life, Jonathan. A weird, wonderful life.