Sold-out audience smitten as Jeremy Jordan performs with Utah Valley Symphony
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- Jeremy Jordan sings “Bring Him Home” during a performance with the Utah Valley Symphony on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem.
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- Jeremy Jordan gestures to the audience during a performance with the Utah Valley Symphony on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem.
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- Jeremy Jordan and Blanka Bednarz, Utah Valley Symphony conductor, are pictured during a performance with the Utah Valley Symphony on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem.
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- A sold-out crowd attends a performance by Jeremy Jordan and the Utah Valley Symphony on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem.
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- Jeremy Jordan performs with the Utah Valley Symphony on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem.
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- The Utah Valley Symphony performs Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem.
Labor Day weekend got an early kickoff in Orem, with a performance by acclaimed actor/singer Jeremy Jordan and the Utah Valley Symphony last Thursday. Being one of the final shows of the outdoor season, it was sure to be memorable as the excited, sold-out crowd found their way to their seats before the night began.
From the moment Jordan stepped on stage, he won everyone’s hearts. He was able to create a connection with the crowd through his storytelling of things that had happened throughout his career and the various roles he has played thus far. He performed a wide variety of songs, including a fun medley of award-winning songs from the 1930s, quipping that they were for some of the “more seasoned” audience members.
As the night progressed, Jordan would occasionally leave the stage to let the Utah Valley Symphony perform. They played a “Les Miserables” medley, as well as a “Phantom of the Opera” medley later in the evening. The symphony, whose home is the Covey Center in downtown Provo, added a great sense of depth to the night, as everything that was performed, whether by them or Jordan, was done in grandeur.
Two of my favorite songs of the night included a cover of “Bring Him Home” from “Les Miserables.” Jordan performed this song with so much emotion and elegance the whole crowd was completely silent. It was hard not to be completely focused on him, as he did an incredible job of capturing the crowd’s attention. My other favorite song of the night was “Santa Fe,” one that he is arguably most known for as he played the notorious Jack Kelly in Disney’s “Newsies” on Broadway. Before he sang the song, he spoke of the irony that he had never actually been to Santa Fe, much like his character on stage. He asked the crowd to think of a place, whether it be a real place or somewhere made up, that we would like to go to while he sang. He talked about how the magic of Santa Fe is the dream itself, that those dreams are what give us the push we need to take the next step. He then proceeded to sing as he assumed the role of Jack Kelly and again captured the crowd’s attention for his final song.
Something that was so cool to watch throughout the night was the difference between Jordan singing a song that he liked versus one he played as a character throughout his career or ones he still wants to play. When he performed a song, he would do it well, and he did a great job of showcasing his vocal range. However, when he would perform a song from a previous role, he would assume the character that he once was. He did it in such a way that it wasn’t over the top or in your face; rather, it was subtle, but the audience could still see him become that particular character. It was so cool to watch and it was a great display of his skill.
With a perfect end to the summer, this night will surely remain unforgettable and we hope it isn’t too long before Jordan makes his return to Utah. While the summer season is coming to an end at the SCERA outdoor theater, there are plenty of shows lined up for the winter season including “Into the Woods” running from Sept. 15 through Oct. 7.