Odds & Ends: Get a Sneak Peek of Josh Groban's 'Pudgy' Pierre, Idina Menzel Eyes Straight Play & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.

Get a Sneak Peek of Josh Groban's 'Pudgy' Pierre
Josh Groban is in rehearsal for his Broadway debut in Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. "My legs are sore from kicking so high," the crooner joked as he co-hosted Live! with Kelly on September 27. Check out below as the future Pierre gave us a glimpse of a costume fitting for his fat suit. "I get to be pudgy!" Groban exclaimed. Previews will begin on October 18 at the Imperial Theatre, and the new musical will officially open on November 14.



Idina Menzel Eyes Straight Play
Idina Menzel took part in a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" session on September 27 and revealed an interesting tidbit. Asked if she'd perform in a straight play, the Broadway supernova replied [sic]: "yep. it's already in the works." Other snippets include the fact she was once given a bowling ball by a fan and how Aaron Lohr proposed is “none of your business, xo.” Maybe it was at bowling?

Melissa Errico & Ryan Silverman Set for Rainbow
Passion costars Melissa Errico and Ryan Silverman will reunite for Finian’s Rainbow as Sharon and Woody, respectively. Directed and adapted by Charlotte Moore, the cast will also include William Bellamy as a Gospeleer, Kimberly Doreen Burns as Lilly Mae, Dewey Caddell as Senator, Peyton Crim as Sheriff, Mark Evans as Og, Matt Gibson as Buzz Collins, Angela Grovey as Sallyann, Ken Jennings as Finian, Ramone Owens as a Gospeleer, Kyle Taylor Parker as a Gospeleer and Lyrica Woodruff as Susan the Silent. The off-Broadway revival of the 1947 musical, which follows an Irishman who steals a feisty leprechaun’s pot of gold, is scheduled to begin performances on October 26 at Irish Rep and officially open on November 6.

P.S. Kristin Chenoweth will soon be returning to Broadway for a limited engagement; watch her reveal her slightly obscure pre-show rituals, also on Live! today!