Review: Jordan Goodsell Debuts INTO LOVE at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal

It's always a pleasure to come to a cabaret debut and have a far greater experience than expected. Such was the case when I attended Jordan Goodsell: Into Love on Monday June 26 at Sterling's Upstairs at the Federal. I had seen Goodsell in 3-D Theatricals' The Addams Family a few years back, but, frankly, it was an ensemble role, and not enough to give me an indication of his exorbitant talent. He is currently a big hit in Frozen: The Musical Live at the Hyperion for Disney Theatrical Productions at Disney Resort in Anaheim. It's no wonder as this handsome six foot 24 year-old has a magnetic appeal. And then when he opens his mouth to sing, what comes out of his baritone/tenor range is a powerhouse voice that commands atention.

Backed by fantastic musicians Christopher W. Smith, musical director, at the piano, Ian W. Felchin on guitar, Randy Fox on drums and percussion and Brian Kukan on bass guitar, Goodsell chose some rather eclectic songs to tell a story about the ups and downs of love, which have related to his own personal relationships thus far. He sang one song after another without any banter. This is OK, but I would have preferred a few comments about his family and a funny story or two about the music he chose....or about doing live theatre. As is, he said next to nothing until the end when a very emotional thank you was offered to his father, sitting at the front table with other family members, for his incredible support. He had taught him to be bold and to take chances with his career. Jordan proved what a fine actor he is becoming, with his great emotional resources on tap. It takes a good actor to be a good performer, especially in the cabaret setting. In time he will be more at ease with the venue, open up more verbally and be totally himself. Throughout the 75 minute set, Goodsell welcomed fellow singers Matthew Ballestero, Nick Morganella, Allyson Spiegelman, Amber Liekhus and Samara Otero who provided backup and also sang duets with him.

One thing I feel I must add is Goodsell's presence onstage. Many very tall performers feel awkward and move uncomfortably, not knowing what to do with their hands or how to control their movements. Goodsell is definitely at ease with himself, keeping his hands at his sides or bringing them up to gesture as it feels natural to him. He firmly plants himself at the microphone center stage, focuses intensely on the music and communicates it fluidly to the audience. He has been well trained by his grandmother Jill Grande Goodsell, who also happens to be his vocal coach.

Highlights of the evening included: John Bucchino's fascinating "Playbill", a very Sondheim-like tune relating to the show business world; "Human Nature" by John Bettis and Steve Porcaro, inspired by a Michael Jackson arrangement;"I'll Jump" by Paul Loesel and Scott Burkell, one of the many songs Goodsell sang about taking a risk and going for what you love; "Take Me Away" Scott Alan's lovely tune about freedom - a superb duet with Matthew Ballestero; an hysterically funny "The Sensitive Song" about a date with a 'skanky whore';"The Ground" about trying and failing; a fabulous duet with Allyson Spiegelman on two Sondheim songs combined, "No One Is Alone" from Into the Woods and "Move On" from Sunday in the Park with George. Both singers really shined fully on these songs. Afterall, they are from the pen of Sondheim, whom Goodsell praised for creating actors' dream material. I wish he had included more Broadway tunes in the program to accentuate his powerful vocal instrument. Love songs like "People Will Say We're In Love" would suit him perfectly. His encore was another Bucchino hit "Taking the Wheel", once again a song about being brave and moving ahead in life.

Goodsell forgot to introduce some of his guests up front and should have entertained us a bit more with his warm style through talk, but we can forgive this and chalk it up to nerves in doing his very first cabaret. This good-looking, great singer has a lot going for him and should make it big in New York and wherever else he plays. Watch for his name in lights: Jordan Goodsell!

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Just a couple of words about the food and service at the Federal. The wait staff is friendly and attentive. As to the fine food, there is a brand new menu that includes salads, pasta, chicken, and a new burger called the Sterling Burger, named after Michael Sterling. I had a wonderful Caesar Salad with charbroiled salmon in a crunchy taco bowl that was simply delicious. Nice to note that their ice creams, like the scrumptious salted caramel that I had, are all house made. I look forward to returning soon.

(left to right, front row: Amber Liekhus, Allyson Spiegelman, Samara Otero; back row, left to right: Nick Morganella, Jordan Goodsell and Matthew Ballestero.)

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