**Broadway Stars Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff Take the Stage in ‘Celebrity Substitute’**
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Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff, renowned Broadway performers and longtime friends, are set to make a memorable appearance on the popular digital series ‘Celebrity Substitute.’ This exciting collaboration brings the duo to P.S. 57 in Harlem, where they will support students in an enthralling talent competition, as highlighted in a first-look clip exclusively shared with PEOPLE.
The episode, which is poised to air on 4 March on YouTube, showcases the duo’s unique dynamic and enduring friendship, which has flourished over the past two decades since their initial meeting during the acclaimed musical ‘Spring Awakening.’ In the clip, Michele, 39, enthusiastically challenges her friend Groff, 40, as they engage in a pre-show tête-à-tête with the show’s host, Julian Shapiro-Barnum. With playful banter, Michele sets a competitive tone, declaring, “Are you ready?” to which Groff confidently replies, “I’m so ready.”
As Michele and Groff embark on this exciting teaching role, they bring not only their expertise but also a wealth of shared experiences. Their friendship, which has withstood the test of time, includes highlights from their stint on the iconic series ‘Glee.’ Reflecting on their time on the show, Groff shares, “We pretended to be competitive, which was probably the first time we were ever actually competitive.” Michele interjects, recalling the days of performing on stage while their characters expressed a mix of rivalry and camaraderie.
Their friendship aside, the fun continues as the host prompts a lighthearted question about who would prevail in a hypothetical physical fight. Without missing a beat, Groff gestures towards Michele, who receives the jest with pride, adding with a laugh, “100 percent.” In a light-hearted moment, Groff quips, “She hurts me,” to which Michele bursts into laughter.
As the two prepare to coach students in the upcoming talent show, audiences are left eager to see how their unique friendship will translate into mentorship. The episode is set to be released on YouTube at 10am ET, inviting fans to witness the action unfold first-hand.
‘Celebrity Substitute,’ which is executive produced by acclaimed EGOT winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, presents a much-needed initiative. In collaboration with Amazon, the series supports educators by clearing items from teachers’ Amazon Classroom Lists, helping to provide necessary resources for classrooms across the country. This thoughtful gesture aims to contribute positively to the educational environment for both teachers and students.
Other celebrity guests on the show have included a diverse array of stars such as A$AP Rocky, Florence Pugh, and Billie Eilish. Each guest brings their distinctive flair to the series, enriching the experience for students while pushing the boundaries of traditional education.
Amidst their guest role on ‘Celebrity Substitute,’ both Michele and Groff are actively involved in Broadway productions. Michele currently leads the revival of ‘Chess,’ alongside co-stars Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher. This musical, known for its captivating score by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA, is anticipated to generate numerous nominations for the forthcoming 2026 Tony Awards before concluding its limited run on 14 June.
On a parallel note, Groff is also making waves in the theatre scene with his portrayal of Bobby Darrin in ‘Just in Time.’ His critically acclaimed performance is scheduled to conclude on 29 March, after which he will be succeeded by fellow ‘Glee’ star Matthew Morrison for a limited engagement, followed by Jeremy Jordan at the end of April.
As both performers continue to thrive in their respective careers, their collaboration on ‘Celebrity Substitute’ not only highlights their enduring friendship but also reflects their dedication to empowering the next generation of talent. Fans eagerly await the premiere, curious to discover how the Broadway BFFs will inspire students while showcasing their extraordinary talents.