James Corden is a mastermind when it comes to creating and performing content for his show, “The Late, Late Show”. One of his most popular segments is “Crosswalk: the Musical”.
Each segment consists of the hilarious James Corden, who acts as an overbearing, conceited choreographer, director, and star, with a dance company, and even the occasional appearances of celebrities, but the true star of this segment is the crosswalk outside CBS Studios on Genesee Avenue and Beverly Boulevard.
Most people have enough trouble walking across the street in the allotted time, but James Corden takes it to another level by producing a “Broadway caliber musical production” (as he would say).
Here’s where your favorite production ranks:
*Click on images to view on YouTube
7. Grease
This production came in at #7 for two reasons. First off, I'm not really a big fan of Grease (sorry, not sorry). Secondly, it is not as big or high caliber as of a production as other musicals performed in the crosswalk.
Notable moments:
Benedict Cumberbatch vocal exercises.
James' reaction to his missing leather jacket.
6. Mary Poppins
Shot in London, this segment includes special guest, Sir Ben Kingsley. James Corden plays the titular role of Mary Poppins and thinks that he's "better than Julie Andrews."
Notable Moments:
The performance of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."
James Corden's portrayal of Mary Poppins.
5. Beauty and The Beast
This crosswalk production is packed with celebrities from Disney's live-action version of Beauty and The Beast. Luke Evans, Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, as well as James Corden and his dance company come together to tell the "tale as old as time".
Notable Moments:
James Corden as Belle dancing with the Beast.
Corden's opinion of the magnitude of his performance, "Daniel Day-Lewis played Abraham Lincoln, Meryl Streep played Margaret Thatcher, James Corden played Belle. Those three will always be regarded as similar, if not the same."
4. The Lion King
Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne guest star in this crosswalk creation. Corden once again plays the main character of the show, leaving Rose Byrne to portray both Nala and Timon, while Seth Rogen is used as scenery.
Notable Moments:
Anytime "Sath" (look at his name tag) opens his mouth, including, "Someone's gonna get killed doing this."
Corden's pre-show chant.
3. The Phantom of the Opera
James Corden portrays the Phantom along with some help from his dance company and members of the Phantom National Tour. Corden is extremely extra, but this musical is performed seamlessly in the busy streets of Los Angeles.
Notable Moments:
"The Music of the Night"
The Gondola gliding across the street.
2. Hair
"Hamilton" and "In the Heights" creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda co-stars in this crosswalk production with James Corden. This production is high energy, entertaining, and comes with a surprise at the end.
Notable Moments:
Performance of "Aquarius (Let the Sunshine in)"
James Corden's advice about performing in the crosswalk to Lin-Manuel Miranda, "It's one thing, on the stage, air-conditioning, Broadways, it's another thing when people are shouting obscenities out of a window at you because they don't get it."
1. Selections from "Guys and Dolls, "On the Town", "Fame", and "The Greatest Showman"
Broadway will never be the same after James Corden, Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Zendaya performed in the crosswalk. This segment came in 1st place because of its high energy performances and James Corden's continued extravagant persona.
Notable Moments:
James Corden's mispronunciation of Hugh "Huge" Jackman's name.
Zendaya (Because she's the best!)
Disagree with my rankings? Watch them and compile your own list of favorites!
