INTERVIEW: For Jay Armstrong Johnson, there is no place like home
Photo: Jay Armstrong Johnson will celebrate his birthday with a special country tribute concert at Feinstein’s / 54 Below. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by Kampfire PR with permission.
Jay Armstrong Johnson, the Broadway star and accomplished singer, will soon celebrate his birthday with a special concert at Feinstein’s / 54 Below in Midtown Manhattan. The Sept. 1 event is called Jay’s Birthday Bash: There Is No Place Like Home, and audience members can expect not only Johnson’s vocals, but also guest appearances by Allison Robinson and Amanda Williams Ware, his co-stars from I Put a Spell on You, an annual Hocus Pocus-inspired benefit for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS.
The Birthday Bash will feature a loving tribute to the country music that influenced Johnson as a young Texan, according to press notes. That means tunes by Reba McEntire, the Chicks and Garth Brooks, plus some of his Broadway hits thrown in.
Johnson has had a celebrated career in musical theater, TV and film. He has appeared on Broadway in On the Town, Hair and Catch Me If You Can, among other shows. Around town he also acted in A Chorus Line, Darling Grenadine and Sweeney Todd. He is a frequent presence at Feinstein’s / 54 Below, a club where he actually recorded his first live album, according to his official biography.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with the singer about the special evening on Sept. 1. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can your fans expect during this birthday celebration?
They can expect a rocking country music six-piece band, the return of my two best lady singers, some flamboyant country lewks, and I’m secretly hoping for cake.
When did you first fall in love with country music?
It’s hard to pinpoint the exact time as I’m pretty sure I was listening to it in the womb.
What’s it like to perform in front of a live crowd again?
It’s a bit emotional but mostly exhilarating. My body, soul and spirit have missed the beautiful exchange between artists and audience.
How difficult have the last 18 months been?
To be honest, it’s been some of the hardest months of my life, and yet some of the most rewarding. You gotta take the bad with the good and press forward with what you’ve learned, I guess. Let’s just say my therapist and I got really close.
What do you like about Feinstein’s / 54 Below?
I like that it truly feels like home. Their staff and technicians are brilliant artists, old friends and lovely humans. It’s an iconic venue that I love as both an audience member and performer.
Beyond this engagement, what are your performing plans for the future?
I’m always excited about the fall, and this year will mark the sixth iteration of my benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, I Put A Spell On You!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Jay’s Birthday Bash: There Is No Place Like Home, featuring Jay Armstrong Johnson, will play Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 9:45 p.m. at Feinstein’s / 54 Below in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
