From Show Choir to Broadway: “Glee” Stars Currently on the World Stage

By Ellie Esquenazi

Many of us are familiar with the iconic 2010s TV series, “Glee.” The show aired in 2009 and has been gaining popularity since. 

It is centered on a high school show choir, the ‘New Directions,’ as they find confidence, connection, and their voices through song under the guidance of their teacher, Will Schuester. 

Many of the students were played by debuting actors and performers, but now, over ten years later, they have built careers for themselves.

How many “Glee” stars are currently on Broadway? Let’s find out.

Lea Michele, who played the dramatic, wickedly-talented Rachel Berry, is currently starring in “Chess” on Broadway. She began her run in Oct. 2025 and will remain in the role until late June.

Also starring on Broadway is Jonathan Groff, who played Jesse St. James, the leading male in McKinley High’s rival choir group, Vocal Adrenaline. He is currently playing Bobby Darin in “Just in Time.” His run ends on Mar. 29, in just a couple of days. His replacement is also a “Glee” star, Matthew Morrison who played Mr. Schuester in the TV show. He begins his limited three-week run as Bobby Darin on Apr. 1.

Darren Criss was a later addition to the “Glee” cast but his character, Blaine Anderson, still became one of the most loved in the series. Criss is currently playing Oliver in Broadway’s “Maybe Happy Ending.” Having originated the role in Nov. 2024, Criss won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor at the 2025 awards.

The most recent announcement was Heather Morris’ Off-Broadway debut. The actor played Brittany S. Pierce in “Glee,” a perky, peppy cheerleader and gifted dancer. On Mar. 23, Playbill announced Morris’ casting in “11 to Midnight” at the Orpheum Theatre. Her limited five-week engagement is set to start on Apr. 9.

This brings our tally to five “Glee” stars in Broadway or Off-Broadway shows. While some of these actors are most famous for the TV show itself, they have continued their careers in the performing arts and made their way to the big stages.