Jeremy JordanPolk & Co./Supplied
If you’ve heard of Jeremy Jordan, you’re either an avid Broadway fan or you’ve raised a theatre-obsessed kid in the past two decades. Perhaps you’ve belted along to Santa Fe in the shower or car; maybe you’ve watched bootleg videos of the 2015 concert staging of Parade on loop. (Okay, yes, guilty as charged.)
Best known for starring in Newsies, the theatrical version of Disney’s cult classic musical about the newsboy strike at the turn of the 20th century, Jordan has enjoyed an atypically healthy string of starring roles on Broadway and beyond. Stage highlights in addition to Newsies include Bonnie and Clyde, Floyd Collins, The Great Gatsby and Just in Time, as well as major roles in films and TV shows such as The Last Five Years, Hazbin Hotel and Supergirl.
When he’s not crooning on Broadway or the silver screen, Jordan tours his repertoire, usually offering a mix of the show tunes that made him famous alongside songs of other genres. On Wednesday and Thursday, he’ll perform with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at Roy Thomson Hall; next year, he’ll tour to North Bay, after his previously announced stop in the Northern Ontario city was cancelled owing to illness. (A rescheduled date for Jordan’s postponed appearance in Brampton, Ont., has not yet been announced.)
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The Globe and Mail sat down with Jordan, 41, for a chat about everything from staying healthy to his lifelong affinity for songs about a certain city in New Mexico.
As a fan of musical theatre, which musical was most formative for you?
The first show I saw on Broadway was Rent, and that was a big moment for me. I remember thinking, ‘Oh, that’s what theatre is. I want to do that.’ It still took a little time after that to fully commit to the idea, but that show was what made me want to be part of this world.
That’s another show with a song about Santa Fe, it’s worth noting. Santa Fe, from Newsies, is by far the song you’re most famous for singing. Have you ever actually visited the city?
I’ve never been, and I think that’s a good thing. My idea of Santa Fe is all about longing for somewhere you’ve never been – so not going is what’s keeping that feeling honest. That said, I’d love to go someday.
Are you able to be choosy about the projects you take on?
In theatre, yes, I’m able to be somewhat choosy. Concerts, too. I couldn’t do them every weekend or I’d go crazy.
I still have goals, especially in film and TV, but those opportunities are harder because I don’t love being away from home for long periods. Theatre has been really good to me, but performing every night does take a toll, especially when you’re a parent.
Jordan starred with Anna Kendrick in The Last Five Years.
How do you keep your voice healthy while performing eight shows a week, often in roles that see you singing very high and very loud? Do you still take lessons?
Most of my vocal health routine is about what I don’t do. I drink a lot of water, sure, but I don’t smoke and I rarely drink alcohol. I keep my speaking voice quiet because I’m always in conservation mode. Technically speaking, I rely on good placement and I try to keep tension out of my throat. I warm up and take care of my body. If I’m feeling run down, I’ll drink tea or steam my voice.
I used to take voice lessons, but my college voice teacher was so incredible that I’ve struggled to find someone who matched that experience. Lately, though, I’ve been thinking about getting some coaching again. Your voice changes with age. I’m looking for someone to offer guidance, not change anything fundamentally.
Some of your concert repertoire – including, yes, Santa Fe, which, as written, sees you hold a sustained A4 – is really difficult. How do you put together a show that’s interesting for you while still giving fans what they want?
It’s funny, I used to only sing that song in concerts because people expected it. But over time, I realized how meaningful it is for audiences. Out of context, that song becomes so much bigger – it’s hopeful, but also defiant.
I’ll tell you a secret, though: I usually do that song a half-step down in concerts. It’s always at the end of my show, and those concerts include about 90 minutes of singing. When I first started touring I was 26 and had an intermission afterward to recover – that’s not true any more.
Concerts are different depending on context, as well. Sometimes they’re closer to a mini staged show, like when I did Parade, or Bonnie and Clyde in London. But what I’m coming to do in Ontario is more about me telling stories and looking back at my career, and getting to share who I am with people.
A lot of people get an idea of who you are by the roles you’ve played, the things they’ve seen you do – in other words, other people’s stories. But with this, I get to tell my own version of that story. Concerts are about letting people have a joyful experience, and taking them away for a little bit. It’s exciting to be a catalyst for joy and emotion.
This interview has been edited and condensed.