Interview: Jackie Burns on Performing with Frank Wildhorn at BYU

Tony-nominated composer Frank Wildhorn will join three Broadway vocalists for a night of music at Brigham Young University that celebrates his hit musicals, including THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, JEKYLL & HYDE, and more.

The concert, entitled THIS IS THE MOMENT: THE MUSICALS OF FRANK WILDHORN, will be presented in BYU's de Jong Concert Hall as part of its BRAVO! professional performing arts series on Friday, October 30, 2015. For more information and to buy tickets, visit arts.byu.edu.

The list of performers includes Jackie Burns, who played Elphaba in WICKED on Broadway and was the standby for Idina Menzel in IF/THEN; Norm Lewis, who played Javert in the televised 25th anniversary concert of LES MISERABLES and has starred on Broadway in such varied shows as THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, SIDE SHOW, and THE LITTLE MERMAID; and Adrienne Warren who starred in BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL and will return to Broadway in SHUFFLE ALONG. They will be accompanied by the BYU Symphony Orchestra and a BYU musical theatre chorus, with Wildhorn himself at the piano.

Jackie Burns graciously took the time to answer some questions for BroadwayWorld.

1. What did you think of Utah, and BYU in particular, the last time you performed there? What made you decide to return?

The last time I performed at BYU was two years ago, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be going back! The campus and theatre are gorgeous. The theatre program is top notch, which shows in its ridiculously talented students. And everyone is so lovely to be around. It truly is a very special place.

2. This concert will feature a student chorus and full orchestra. How else will it be different from the last one you performed at BYU with Frank Wildhorn?

This time Frank is pulling out all the stops and giving you highlights from all his blockbuster hits, as well as some songs from his new upcoming show, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO.

3. What are some of the highlights of the set list?

Well, one song I'm super excited to sing is from his new show, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. It's called "All This Time," and it is seriously haunting. I can't get it out of my head, nor do I want to!

4. What is it about Frank Wildhorn's music that appeals to audiences and to you as a performer?

I think Frank has such a special gift of writing to showcase the singer, which is why I think every performer I know jumps at the chance to get to work with him. Also, the man knows how to write a HIT!

5. When you were Idina Menzel's standby in IF/THEN on Broadway, many audience members specifically bought tickets to see your take on the character. How was your experience in that show?

Standing by is a really hard job. You don't usually get much notice before you go on, you don't get much rehearsal, and you don't have the luxury of getting to do eight shows a week and become comfortable in the role. Every time you go on is your opening night in essence, and that's hard. But on the other hand, it is extremely gratifying as an actor to step up to the plate and rise to the challenge. I feel stronger having done it!

6. What projects are coming up next for you?

One project I'm super excited about is traveling to Japan in December with Frank and Adam Pascal to join two of his European stars, as well as his superstar wife Takao, to do a week of concerts in Tokyo and Osaka.

JACKIE BURNS recently finished standing-by for Idina Menzel for the role of Elizabeth in IF/THEN on Broadway. She previously appeared as Elphaba in WICKED on Broadway, after performing the role on the national tour (IRNE nomination). She was a member of the original cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of HAIR, where she was part of the "Black Boys" trio. She was in the original Off-Broadway company of ROCK OF AGES and starred in the award-winning musical UNLOCK'D, at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. Additional Off-Broadway credits include RIPPER and HELLO, MY NAME IS. Jackie has performed at regional theaters across the country and is the recipient of a Connecticut Critics Circle Award for her performance in A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING. TV appearances include ALL MY CHILDREN. She recorded the concept album for the Disney musical, SWEPT AWAY, and sang with Linda Eder on the concept album for Frank Wildhorn's TEARS FROM HEAVEN and EXCALIBUR. Jackie made her BYU concert debut in October 2013 with FRANK WILDHORN AND FRIENDS.

Photo Credit: Jackie Burns

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