My Top 5 Showtunes: Jordan Shaw
Jordan Shaw's stage credits include Follies (National Theatre), Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), Cats (London Palladium), Miss Saigon (Prince Edward Theatre), and The Scottsboro Boys (Young Vic).
He is currently starring in It's Only Life at the Union Theatre until 7 July.
We caught up with Jordan and asked him: "If you were stranded on a desert island which five showtunes could you not live without?"
Can I start out by saying that this was in no way easy to complete and I am currently questioning my ability to make decisions.
1. "Loving You" from Passion
Passion is my all time favourite musical and I believe that "Loving You" truly encapsulates the crux of the musical. When Georgio says to Fosca "You have to give me up" this is her response. That being that it is not a 'choice' but simply who she is. The first time I watched it I was an absolute mess by the end of this number. It's short and sweet but packs a punch right to the core of unrequited love.
2. "It's All Over" from Dreamgirls
Many people will say that "And I Am Telling You" is the best song in the show, but what would that song be without this incredible build up. This showbiz argument had me on the edge of my seat with a wide mouth the first time I saw it. The sassy digs, the heartless insults. From the intense high hat to the explosive horn section stomping through those key changes… It's a feast!
3. "That's What He Said" from Parade
This epic number is an absolute showstopper, a toe-tapping showbiz moment for the role of Jim Conley. I played this role when I was 17 back at The Brit School and it was the first time that I truly believed that I could one day be a part of this industry. Jason Robert Brown wrote a song that leaves you on the edge of your seat, the lyrics tell a horrifying story. Once Jim finally has the courtroom on puppet strings they join him vocally, climbing through a cheeky key change and a button that leaves the audience out of breath. #DreamRole
4. "Ladies Who Lunch" from Company
Do I have to say any more? This song is absolutely ICONIC. It's a meaty speech with heaps of subtext and layers that only a powerhouse leading lady who's done her rounds in the ring could take on. My favourite version of the song is sung by the Queen of Sondheim, Elaine Stritch who was famous for proving that you don't need to be an outstanding singer to nail a musical theatre song – I'll drink to that.
5. "Pretty Funny" from Dogfight
The first time that I saw Laura Jane Matthewson perform this song in the Southwark Playhouse production of I was a mess. Pasek and Paul wrote a heartbreaking song that explores the thought process that so many of us go through when we face a heartbreaking experience. Not only the anger and pain from the situation but the naivety we can sometimes blame ourselves for. The simple things such as what we decide to wear and 'how silly' to think that that would've made a difference. But what I find the most beautiful is how they present a positivity and the fact that we need to brush ourselves off and keep on trucking.
