We knew we'd immediately fall in love with the amazingly talented cast of Orange is the New Black the moment the first season hit Netflix. What we didn't know was the extent to just how ragingly awesome this crew is outside of Litchfield. Especially now that we've all most likely finished season 3 (maybe even two or three times...), it's definitely the right time to acquaint ourselves with the bands, Broadway shows, and sexy dance skills these ladies have that will help us pass the time until season 4 rolls around. And we've certainly got time.
1. Broadway veteran Annie Golden was in a successful punk/new wave band.
In season 3 of OITNB, Annie Golden's silent character Norma took center stage when she became the leader of a wildly dedicated religious cult. However, this certainly wasn't Annie's first time taking the spotlight, and most ironically she's incredibly well known for her vocals. Not only did Annie star in seven Broadway shows including Xanadu, Violet, and Hair (her rendition of Frank Mills is to die for), she was also one of the lead singers of the '80s rock band, "The Shirts," who had a song featured on the 16 Candles soundtrack. And if you don't watch the wildly bright poppy video for Hang Up the Phone right now, you're denying yourself a lot of joy. After watching these performances, we'd probably join Cult Norma too.
2.Laverne Cox leaves us awe-struck with her burlesque skills at Broadway Bares.
Just last Sunday, Laverne Cox took every lucky attendee at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids annual Fundraiser "Broadway Bares" by perfect surprise when she showed up as a special guest. The event, which celebrates sex, safety, and the amazing dancing/bodies of the Broadway community raised over 1.5 million dollars for the organization, setting an all-time record. Laverne's appearance and killer dance skills made for one of the night's greatest highlights, and a clip we fully intend to play on loop for the foreseeable future.
3. Lea DeLaria slays as Sweeney Todd.
Well, not on Broadway yet, but her jazzy rendition will make you wish she was headlining an upcoming production. Lea would most likely be totally up for the challenge as well; she already has two Broadway credits including a lead role in the 1998 revival of On the Town and a starring appearance gender-bending it up as Dr. Scott and Eddie in the 2000 revival of Rocky Horror Picture Show. More of Lea singing all of our favorite showtunes now, please!
4. Jessica Pimentel can sound VERY angry in her band Alekhine's Gun.
Are you ready to be slightly frightened by the woman who plays Maria Ruiz, whose struggles on Orange is the New Black have included wanting her boyfriend to talk to their child as part of her development and being devastated when he refuses to visit her again? Hell yes you are. She's the lead singer of the extreme metal band Alekhine's Gun, and we're not even sure how exactly she makes these sounds (or what she's even saying), but consider us pretty impressed. Any chance Ruiz will break out some hardcore metal tunes in season 4?
5. Danielle Brooks is heading to Broadway in The Color Purple.
Taystee lovers, get ready: Danielle Brooks is coming to Broadway. Back in May, we discussed Danielle's Broadway debut in the Oprah-produced revival of The Color Purple, and now the premiere is drawing ever closer. We're absolutely sure Danielle's debut will leave us in awe, especially if these video of her covering the Goo Goo Dolls' Iris is any indication.
6. Taryn Manning has a band, and it's exactly what you want it to be.
Pennsatucky has a pop band, everyone. Taryn and her sister Kelli make up Boomkat, a pop/electric duo that is oddly addicting. While the ever-so-reliable Wikipedia lists the girls as present members of the group, they seem to have been dormant for a while, although Taryn seems to be keeping her singing skills alive. Taryn, we've watched this video, and we are begging you to keep Boomkat alive. Or at least we're hoping Tucky forms a girl band in season 4.
7. Beth Fowler has 12 Broadway credits, including a part of your childhood.
Ready to love Sister Mary Ingalls even more? Beth Fowler has performed in a crazy amount of Broadway shows, including Disney-tastic staples like Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan (and less Disney-tastic staples like Sweeney Todd...). She hasn't been on Broadway since 2007, so we figure it's about time she returns. Now prepare for some epic nostalgia in this video of her singing the title song from Beauty and the Beast.
8.Uzo Aduba is all over the New York theater scene.
Before she was Crazy Eyes, Uzo Aduba was one of Jesus' disciples in the Broadway revival of Godspell. She also has several Off-Broadway credits and starred in the very short-lived Broadway production of Coram Boy. We expect from now on any show she returns to following OITNB will do pretty damn well, and we can't wait to catch her perform live.
9.Kimiko Glenn was a Spring Awakening kid.
The inmates of Litchfield may often be requesting/yelling at Soso to shut up, but in reality we want Kimiko Glenn to keep singing. She co-starred in the national tour of Spring Awakening, the Broadway smash hit about kids exploring their sexuality and continues to perform around New York when she's not filming OITNB. Perhaps this particular song can be the anthem of the relationship with Poussey that we really hope will be happening next season...
10.Kate Mulgrew makes a mean Katherine Hepburn.
In 2003, Kate Mulgew starred Off-Broadway in the one woman show Tea at Five, about the life and times of Katherine Hepburn. Her impersonation is so spot-on that it's no surprise the show was written for her in the first place. Maybe a revival will be in store now that the world can't get enough of Red?
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