By Maryann Lopinto . . .
Cheyenne Jackson performed at 54 Below this past week for five performances. Replacing a performer who had to cancel her gig about a month ago, all his shows were sold out within two weeks. Luckily, a wonderful friend gifted me with a ticket.
When I arrived at the club and taking the elevator, I had the good fortune of running into Cheyenne giving us the opportunity to talk a bit.
I had worked on several projects with Cheyenne before he moved to the coast over eleven years ago leaving the Broadway Stage where he performed many shows. I knew him pretty well. He came in and did two weeks in the revival of Into The Woods, covering for Gavin Creel. He misses New York so it was great for him to visit again.
Cheyenne met his husband in California and just about seven years ago they became the father of twins, a boy Ethan and a girl Willow. He was able to bring them to NY to see their first show when he was performing in Into the Woods. In California he did movies, a bunch of TV shows, appearing for three years in the TV series, CALL ME KAT. He was excited that he was able to do THE MASKED SINGER.
The show at 54 Below was autobiographical – a series of monologues about his life, his upbringing, his love for his dad (whom he lost five years ago). He spoke about being a father himself which was the best thing that happened to him and his love for the theater. When he moved to New York the first Broadway show he saw was The Full Monty. He intertwined songs that he loved into the show making us laugh and capturing our hearts. We got to know him and so many things about him. The audience was mesmerized and you could hear a pin drop.
On each of his performance nights he had a special guest and when I was there it was Kate Baldwin who co-starred with him in Finian’s Rainbow on Broadway. Together they performed “Old Devil Moon,” and some of the songs from The Full Monty i.e. “Breeze Off the River.” Other songs included “Besame Mucho,” “A Wink and a Smile,” “Stand By Me,” an Elvis Presley song which he had sung when he was starring in All Shook Up; “A Little Less Conversation,” as well as a Prince song and a Lady Gaga song.
The audience wasn’t the usual familiar cabaret folks but very different.
I know he will be booked again, so keep an eye out so you can make your reservation right away!
Photos: Maryann Lopinto
