6 Broadway Actors You Should Know About

Derek Klena

Soon to be 27 and with a very impressive Broadway/Off-Broadway resume on him, Derek Klena is not only a talent but a ladies magnet. He just hit 100K followers on Instagram, and if you don't know who he is, it's probably because you're not a Broadway Stan (Fan). Known for his Broadway Debut as Fiyero in Wicked (10 Anniversary) and more recently originating the role of Dimity in Anastasia the Musical, Derek has made a name for himself on the Great White Way. You can also find him on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt as the hilarious DJ Fingablast.

Why should you know Derek Klena? He's a big deal on Broadway, but it's only a matter of time before Hollywood realizes his star potential. He's known for being extremely kind to his fans, and everyone in the business. In fact, I've never heard a bad word about him. Derek is also a phenomenal actor. Go watch clips of Dogfight on YouTube and you'll see what I mean. His ability to play an asshole Marine turned War Veteran with PTSD is something I'll never forget.

I predict that instead of hearing "Derek Klena, who?" he'll be a household name within the next few years.

Hope you enjoy your (sort of) anonymity while it lasts, Derek!

Lindsay Mendez

If you watched the Tony Awards this year and saw Lindsay Mendez win for her breathtakingly funny portrayal of Carrie Pepperidge in the current revival of Carousel, and you thought to yourself, "Who is she?" You're not paying attention!

With a powerhouse voice that can only be described as "the voice of Lindsay Mendez", Lindsay is a force to be reckoned with. She can SANG anything. If you type in her name on YouTube you'll be able to find her singing just about any genre. Not only that, Lindsay is known for her generosity in the Broadway Community, participating in so many benefits and concerts your head will spin just thinking about how busy that woman must be. Did I mention she also teaches the young and talented future peeps of Broadway? Check it out!

So beyond those reasons, why should you know who THE Lindsay Mendez is? Her versatile singing and acting skills will lead her to somewhere far beyond the Great White Way, and into the hills of Hollywood. I'm just waiting for someone to give this woman a TV show. Maybe she and Derek can star in a show together? Now that would be a brilliant thing to watch! (Mendez and Klena have starred in both Wicked and Dogfight together)

When it happens, I have no doubt Lindsay will leave her mark like the greats: Judy Garland, Patti LuPone, and Audra McDonald

Matt Doyle

I first discovered Matt Doyle via a YouTube video with Bonnie Milligan (another amazing B-way lady you should know about). His crazy...and I'm talking crazy range, and charismatic smile is enough to make any gender swoon. His Broadway credits include Spring Awakening, Bye Bye Birdie, War Horse and Book of Mormon. He currently is getting ready to perform in the World Premiere of The Heart of Rock & Roll at The Old Globe in San Diego.

Matt is outspoken on his social media (in an amazing way), and did I mention funny? Go watch his impersonation of Norbert Leo Butz on YouTube, it will leave you in stitches. He also is a writer in his own right, creating a hit digital comic series with his co-creator Beth Behrs called, Dents. It tackles many social issues the world faces today in a way that's digestible and interesting.

Why know Matt Doyle? He's going to take San Diego by storm in his new musical, and I wouldn't be surprised if it came to Broadway shortly after. With a talent like his, he can't stay under the radar for long. Look out for Matt's face on your TV or Film screen in the near future...he won't go unnoticed by Hollywood for much longer.

Katie Rose Clarke

Katie Rose Clarke is someone that most people outside of Broadway don't know about. In fact, I don't hear too many Broadway Stan's talk about her either...which is a shame, because Katie is not only a highly talented bombshell, but she's a new momma already kicking ass and taking names! Less than two months after having her first child, Katie moved across the country to star besides our other love, Matt Doyle in The Heart of Rock & Roll at The Old Globe. Talk about a strong woman!

Katie is not new to the Broadway game. She spent many years as Glinda in the North American Tour of Wicked, followed by a stint on Broadway with Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena. She's also known for her role as Hannah in Allegiance, and most recently as Ellen in the revival of Miss Saigon.

Why else should you know Katie Rose Clarke? What makes her special is her ability to emote through any song. The empathy and compassion she's able to convey not only on her face but in her voice is astonishing. This lady can do anything, and I know the day will come when a lot more people recognize the wonderful talent and woman that she is! It might be that Southern charm...but I think it's her beautiful soul that makes her brilliant.

Max von Essen

Currently starring as Gleb in Anastasia the Musical, Max von Essen is full of talent, charm and old fashion swagger. With a voice that can literally knock you off your feet, Max has been taking Broadway by storm since he first joined LES MISÉRABLES. Since then, Max has made a mark not only on Broadway but with his sold-out solo shows most recently at Birdland Jazz in NYC.

One of the things that first drew me to Max was his unique Instagram stories pre-show at Anastasia. His love for M&M's and hilariously outrageous Liza Minnelli LipSyncs had me at first watch. Seriously, if you need a pick-me-up, head on over to his Instagram and take a peak. Did I mention he also has a hairless cat named, Pocket? His love for her will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

But why know Max? His talent is really beyond anything you will see these day's on television or on the radio even. His voice is like velvet, and the way he emotes through his talent will make you close your eyes and drift off into a magical land where everything is gonna be alright. Max deserves to be a household name—his voice can and do make the world a better place!

Alysha Umphress

This powerhouse vocalist is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Currently starring in off-Broadway's Smokey Joe's Cafe, Alysha is the definition of #FEROSH! She is a beautiful, bold performer who redefines what a leading lady can look like on stage—or any medium for that matter.

Recently, Alysha spoke-out against the unnecessary and shallow comments made by theater reviewer Laura Collins-Hughes of The New York Times. In the review, Collins-Hughes fat-shamed Alysha, pointing out how she was one of the "bigger" girls on stage, using the costume design as a scape-goat to publicly shame plus-size women. Instead of staying silent, Alysha used this as a way to speak out for all women, not just those with curves, and to empower women to love themselves for who they are and not what they look like. The term "Ferosh" was used by Alysha in her statement, and I've now adopted it in my own hashtag repertoire.

You should know Alysha not only because she is a woman who speaks her truth, but because of her beautiful heart and soul. On social media, she will always respond to you—even if you're asking where she got her shirt. I love artists who treat fans like friends, it only goes to show the kind of person that she is. I predict that Alysha's future is very bright...more people will know her name in the coming years. I can't wait for that day.