My first encounter with Christian Borle was on the soundtrack to Legally Blonde: The Musical (which is actually a kinda awesome musical). MTV recorded the musical in October 2007 (and reran it constantly), so, although I didn't actually see him in Legally Blonde, I feel confident & competent enough to say he was a perfect Emmett. Thoroughly Modern Millie holds a special place in my heart (the movie more than the musical) and I can completely see him playing Jimmy; the same goes for him playing Bert in Mary Poppins. My favorite of his roles has been Tom on SMASH. He's dapper, likable, complicated, & a clearly authentic casting choice. The man deserves a happy birthday. His theatre/street cred:
- Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie (2003). Sutton Foster played the title role; the two had met in college & married in September 2006 [separated in 2010 :( ]
- Prince Herbert, the Historian, etc. in Monty Python's Spamalot (2005) which earned him a Drama Desk Award nomination as Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical & a Broadway.com Audience Award as Favorite Featured Actor in a Musical.
- Originated the role of Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde (2007) & recieved a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.
- Bert in the Broadway production of Mary Poppins (2009-2010)
- Prior Walter in Angels in America in Signature Theatre Company's 20th anniversary production (2010/2011) [P.S. Signature is one of my favorite regional theatres ever]
- Captain Hook in Peter & the Starcatcher (2012) & winner Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role.
- Tom on NBC's SMASH, otherwise known as my favorite show ever since LOST.
