Unless you are living under a rock in Broadway Land, you know that Jeremy Jordan, current Supergirl supporting nice guy and erstwhile Broadway dude (Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde, Finding Neverland) performed in this year’s MCC Theater’s annual MisCast gala.
He took on the pivotal Big Moment Song™ in the Waitress musical, “She Used to Be Mine,” sung by Jenna. The song, written by Waitress composer/lyricist Sara Bareilles, is a ballad of self reflection, honesty and that nagging voice that we fight with on a daily basis. It’s pretty damn perfect as songs go and fits the journey Jenna is taking to a T, pies and all.
The thing is, when Jeremy Jordan takes on a song, he takes on a song.
Join me friends! Grab some tissues, cue up the video, and follow along as we travel through this newly minted Jeremy Jordan classic.
0:01 We start with the sudden realization that Jeremy is taking on another power ballad sung by a woman and based on his track record, this is going to be one hell of an emotional ride.
0:25 We then hear him start, as he does, with a light, even tone that sets the stage (pun most certainly intended) for what promises to be a hell of a ride. Notice the eyes closing and the eyebrows forming a perfect furrowed brow.
0:51 First use of the falsetto – my word is it lovely.
1:10 Okay I admit I don’t know what’s happening here with the face, Jeremy.
1:42 Second Verse. This one with a little more power behind the vocals. We’re getting going for real now, y’all.
2:03 Now here’s the thing Jordan does to own my soul. From this point through the next few lines, he knows just when to use that power in a strong clear tone and when to throw in a run or a little vibrato to show the vulnerability the lyrics require. He makes such good choices here!
2:27 He is so upset yet determined here, and willing himself with everything he’s got to get out of this funk if it kills him. And it just might do that.
2:36 The mic is off the stand now. I repeat, he has taken the mic off the stand. Anything can happen, people.
2:45 YAS Jeremy! I will fight anyone that gets in the way of your dreams!
2:55 Here we go. THE BIG CRYSTAL CLEAR NOTES WITH THE BEAUTIFUL, PERFECTLY TIMED LILTS AND THE KEY CHANGES SORRY I CAN’T HELP THE ALL CAPS AND RUN ON SENTENCE THIS IS WHAT JEREMY BELTING DOES TO ME!
3:14 Now that we’re sobbing and a hot mess, Jeremy is kind and takes it back down for us mere mortals. He knows that we need to recover and somehow make it out of this song alive and graciously pulls it back. What a guy.
3:32 Another pie reference. I think this is when even HE gets it. He looks to the sky to absolve himself of what he’s done, how he’s murdered us with this song. And it dawns on him that wow the pie metaphor really does work here (thanks Sara!).
3:46 One last wafting note, one last eyebrow raise, and we’re done.
Smile.
Breathe.
How are we all doing, fam? Are we okay after all that?
I might not be okay for a while, but sharing the ups and downs of this performance with you has certainly made me feel better. I know that for all of us, with we can take the mess of ingredients we’re given in life and bake it into a delicious pie that comes out of the oven just right.
Thanks, Jeremy.
I love so much that you did this post.