Jeremy Jordan & Seth Rudetsky
The Town Hall, NYC, March 11, 2019
Reviewed by Chris Struck for Cabaret Scenes
To describe this show in too little detail would be a great crime. Seth Rudetsky and Jeremy Jordan are too marvelous for words. This is partly due to Rudetsky’s frank and probing questions and partly because the two of them have known each other long enough to develop an entertaining chemistry. Often, Rudetsky’s choice of words put the rabbit in the hat, and with some wizardry, Jordan pulled it out. By that I mean, despite all of the uncomfortable questions asked, Jordan always came out looking like the good guy—and deservedly so. He had a calm, easy-going demeanor and flourished on the big stage. Rudetsky set up a show that allowed him to play piano for a great singer in during a sort-of interview-like roast. It was hard to tell which it was, but boy was it entertaining.
Most of the songs were set up by the “roast-esque interview” portion, which was conducted in a pair of chairs set away from the mic and piano. Indubitably funny, Rudetsky got Jordan to spill the gritty details about show biz, including those about an “S-E-X” scene in The Last Five Years and his nude bath on stage in Bonnie and Clyde. And, while the stories about where Jordan’s journey has taken him were fascinating, his singing was the show’s most wonderful moments. With Rudetsky behind the piano and Jordan center stage, sheer happiness drifted through the audience. After Jordan discussed how he got a role, he would then sing an iconic song from that show, movie, or TV show. For example, he played Tony for two performances a week and sang “Something’s Coming” (Stephen Sondheim/Leonard Bernstein). His performance was enough to make me believe in West Side Story.
After a smattering of roles on Broadway, Jordan temporarily moved into film and television, where he was able to star in Smash. One of his better-known performances came from this show, the dark song “Broadway Here I Come” (Joe Iconis). Jordan deeply moved us with a thorough and sentimental explanation of the song’s underlying meaning and a brilliant performance at every turn of phrase. His ability to communicate emotion through song made him particularly enjoyable to watch. He did this well on the overly performed “She Used to be Mine” (Sara Bareilles). In this instance, Rudetsky wanted Jordan to sing a (paraphrasing) “role that he always imagined him playing.” It was another playful quip that typified Rudetsky’s charming wit , which set up one of many fabulous moments from Jordan.
If you’re looking for a truly entertaining evening and a detailed look into more than you imagined about Broadway, Rudetsky and his guests such as Jordan, are a major win. Though this was the last show of the first season of Broadway @ The Town Hall, do expect entertaining happenings soon from this duo!
