Stage to PageTheir Favorite Things: Cheyenne Jackson Shares His Theatregoing ExperiencesAmong Jackson's most memorable productions are Hamilton, The Light in the Piazza and The Normal Heart.
By
Andrew Gans
August 03, 2016
Stage and screen star Cheyenne Jackson, who will return for the sixth season of American Horror Story, released his latest solo album, Renaissance, in June on the PS Classics label. Adapted from his one-man show Music of the Mad Men Era, the recording—which features a 22-piece orchestra—hit the Top 10 on the Billboard “Jazz Albums” chart in its first week of release. Below, the acclaimed singing actor reveals the Broadway performances and shows that most affected him as part of the audience.
The Full Monty
First Broadway show I ever saw. Caught a matinee my first full day in the city. “Breeze Off the River” gutted me.
Hand to God
Saw it in its first incarnation Off Off-Broadway. Affected me deeply. At intermission I called a Broadway producer friend to tell them to get down there immediately...They'd already seen it...twice, and it was already in the planning stages for future Broadway glory.
The Light in the Piazza
So beautiful it hurt.
Hamilton
Reminded me what is possible with the power of musical theatre.
The Seagull
Carey Mulligan and Kristin Scott Thomas made me understand Chekhov like I never had before.
Jersey Boys
Crazy good. The original boys were magnificent, and the staging and choreography were thrilling.
Monty Python's Spamalot
Fully committed comedy. Sara Ramirez and Chris Sieber killed me.
The Normal Heart
One of the most electrifying nights I've ever spent in the theatre. I'll never forget Joe Mantello's performance as long as I live.
The Book of Mormon
I played Elder Price in a couple early workshops, so I knew what I was in for, but what Andrew [Rannells], Josh [Gad], Nikki [M. James] and the rest of the cast pulled off was heartbreakingly perfect.
The Fred Ebb Award recognizes excellence in musical theatre songwriting, by a songwriter or songwriting team that has not yet achieved significant commercial success.