The UK is known for its massive entertainment industry, from radio shows to films and theatre, it stands out from the rest. However, the musical theatre industry has been hit massively with waves and bouts of Covid these last few years, which has even caused some shows to stop. Whilst we are sitting in the audience, maybe even dreaming about being up on the stage, the shows are being saved by the superheroes that are swings, standbys, covers and alternates - not just nationally, but internationally too. These performers make the show who they are, they are the foundations holding the shows together, as no performance would be able to go ahead without them. Think about West End Live 2022, where you may have heard that Lauren Jones (from Bonnie and Clyde) performed in front of thousands at Trafalger Square with just over 1 hours notice. This shows just how vital a cover is.
I am a massive musical theatre fan, and have seen many shows post-lockdown which showcase the wonderful talents of swings, covers, alternates and standbys. All three times I have seen Hamilton (which, if you didn't already know, is a critically acclaimed, modern day masterpiece - and my absolute favourite), I have seen covers gracing the stage - from Manaia Glassey-Ohlson as Burr twice to Lydia Fraser and Aaron Lee Lambert being stars. However, I have seen one performer in three different roles, and she has been absolutely outstanding in the way she conducts and portrays each character differently - she is also really sweet.
I have had the opportunity to interview this individual, Jordan Frazier, for the Felixstownian, which is
probably by far the best memory we have made yet. Jordan plays W5 (an ensemble role) in Hamilton West End, and also covers all three Schuyler Sisters: Angelica, Eliza and Peggy (and Maria too). From advice for students, to her journey and the show, Jordan answers our top 10 questions decided by the Felixstownian Team.
Without further ado, here is the interview with Jordan:
1. You are American, what made you want to perform on the West End specifically, and how did you get into musical theatre?
"I honestly felt led by the Holy Spirit to come here after deciding between LA and London, and after some
research I noticed this industry isn't as inundated with black female performers as it is in New York or LA, so l found that to be a major plus! I got into Musical Theatre by accident when I was a new student at my arts school, studying music production and …. as I was passing by the theatre, someone randomly asked me if I would try my hand at auditioning. It was for the show 'Bat Boy', and I got the role of the Reverend. And I was so shook that all three things that I loved (singing, dancing and acting) could coexist in this one, amazing, artistic expression! I was hooked."
2. How has your job changed in the past year post-covid?
"Well, for a while we were testing everyday at work. Also, waves of Covid have hit our cast several times and as a cover, it means I have to be ready to go on even more often than usual!"
3. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
"In 10 years time I see myself doing feature films in the action and drama genres. Living in LA, and hopefully at least have started on my monkey sanctuary that I want to start in Nigeria or Equatorial Guinea. I have this dream of me in my 80s nursing baby monkeys back to health and re-releasing them into the wild."
4. What's your favourite costume in the show?
"Out of my four roles, I think Eliza's seafoam dress that she wears in 'Take a Break' is my favourite. I just love the colour! It's like an iridescent blue/green that really suits my skin!"
5. What was the most challenging song to learn?
"As a cover I play Angelica and Eliza (among other roles), and since they do a duet, singing totally different lines in 'Take a Break', I'd say that one is probably the toughest to not mix up, depending on who I'm on for that night."
6. Is there anyone that has influenced/inspired your portrayal of the characters?
"Not really other than the historical characters themselves. The book is so rich, and I love that I can easily research each of these people because they really existed. I craft my character arcs around historical
truths and around all the clues and hints given in the text of the show."
7. What are the emotional and physical challenges of performing on the West End/in Hamilton?
"Eliza's journey is a difficult one to do twice in one day (on our double show days). She goes through the entire gamut of emotions and sometimes it's a challenge to be brave and 'go there' emotionally every. Single. Time."
8. If you could meet any character from the show, who would it be, what would you ask them and what would you cook for them?
"I would meet Angelica. I would ask her if she was happy with her life even though she experienced love that couldn't fully be realised. I want to know if she even fully got over him or if she lied awake at night unsatisfied years later. I would cook her microwave popcorn, as it would be probably amazing to her that we can cook this magical bag of seeds into a whole snack in a rotating metal box! It would be a cheap but satisfying thrill for her to see me use such a foreign technology!"
9. Do you have any advice for people wanting to go into musical theatre?
"Yes, study and get around people that inspire you and learn from them. Be humble and just really do
your research on the thing that excites you the most about musicals!"
10. What was it like to meet Lin-Manuel Miranda and perform for him?
"It was amazing!! He has such a down-to-earth energy and although nerve-wracking, it was such a pleasure to perform this masterpiece for the person who made it in the first place!! Such an honour."
I'd like to thank Jordan for taking time out of her busy, busy schedule to answer our questions.
If you've not seen Hamilton, Jordan, and the rest of the amazing cast, book tickets now to be in the 'Room Where it Happens'.
By Grace Wells
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