Theater Review – October 18, 2025

JEREMY JORDAN SHINES IN BROADWAY-INSPIRED SCOTTSDALE CONCERT

“An Evening with Jeremy Jordan”

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia G. Piper Theater
Scottsdale AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Dynamic Broadway star Jeremy Jordan returned to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts where he performed tirelessly as he demonstrated his many accomplished skills as a singer, actor, and hoofer.  The richly entertaining performance was a festive and dazzling evening of Great White Way standards.

Three-years-ago Jordan brought his talents to Scottsdale.  His many performing endeavors have honed his talents with appearances in many movie and television shows like “Smash, “Supergirl,” “Tangled,” “Hazbin Hotel,” and “The Last 5 Years.”  His multiple Broadway musicals including “Rock of Ages” (his first Broadway role), “Bonnie and Clyde” (Broadway and London), “Newsies” (for which he received Tony and Grammy-nominations), “West Side Story,” “Waitress,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Floyd Collins” (another Tony nomination), and “The Great Gatsby” have further heightened his outstanding talents and recognition.  Next month, he returns to “Gatsby” so local audiences should be thrilled he delayed his Broadway return to perform here.

Unlike many Broadway stars, Jordan is not afraid of singing tunes from his past successes and the capacity audience cheered his signature songs and the shows they represented.  His generous two-hour-plus performance included the “Smash” anthem “Broadway, Here I Come,” and selections from “Newsies” (in which Jordan summarized the show in a whirlwind 16 minutes), “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Waitress,” and “Floyd Collins.”  Jordan performed them all with exuberant energy.  Most interesting was his tribute to “The Great Gatsby” since this show has yet to be recorded. Based on his selections, let’s hope a cast album is coming.

Jordan included several Broadway love songs, “If I Loved You,” “On the Street Where You Lived,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” “She Loves Me,” and “Sweeney Todd’s” “Johanna.”  He paid a loving tribute to his grandmother who encouraged his performing career.  Jordan’s musical director and accompanist added sparkle to the performance especially when he threw Jordan his defining “Newsies” hat.  Jordan introduced him but I didn’t get his name which should have been in the program.

Jordan’s patter between songs was often insightful about important career highlights and show memorabilia.  He ended his set with “Santa Fe” from “Newsies.” which brought the audience to its feet. After one encore, “She Used to Be Mine,” his wonderful performance ended as he heads back to Broadway to rejoin “The Great Gatsby.”

The show proved a gratifying part of the Scottsdale Center’s annual Broadway series.  Upcoming Broadway concerts include Lea Salonga (November 12) and Cheyenne Jackson (February 1).  For tickets to the future Broadway events, contact the Scottsdale Center’s box office at 480-499-8587 or order online at www.scottsdalearts.org.

“An Evening with Jeremy Jordan” allowed local audiences to experience the performer’s exquisite vocals and excitingly energetic performance of Broadway standards.  A remarkable evening from the vibrant Broadway star.

Grade: A