Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre – Interview with Jordan Luke Gage

Episode Title: Jordan Luke Gage (Bonnie & Clyde, Titanic, & Juliet, Saving Mozart) - INTERVIEW
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: MickeyJoTheatre

Introduction

In this engaging episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey-Jo sits down with acclaimed actor Jordan Luke Gage to discuss his illustrious career in theatre, recent projects, and his foray into musical writing. The conversation provides an insightful look into Jordan's journey, the challenges he has faced, and his ambitions within the theatre industry.

Career Milestones and Breakthroughs

Jordan Luke Gage shares pivotal moments in his acting career, highlighting the roles that have shaped his trajectory in the West End and beyond.

• Breakthrough Role:
  "Strat in Battle of Hell was my first break into the West End," Jordan explains (11:15). This role not only marked his entry into major productions but also led to subsequent significant opportunities.

• And Juliet:
  Jordan credits the show And Juliet as a key factor that "put me on the map and solidified me as a leading man" (11:26). Originating a role in this production allowed him to showcase his talents and receive recognition from industry veterans like director Luke Shepard and writer David West Reid.

• Broadway Success:
  Reflecting on And Juliet's enduring presence on Broadway, Jordan expresses immense pride:
  "I personally, obviously, am biased. I think it's the best jukebox musical ever written. Just the way that the songs interweave within the show, it feels like they were written for that show." (13:12)

Challenges and Growth as an Actor

Delving into the complexities of his roles, Jordan discusses the demanding nature of portraying multifaceted characters.

• Villainous Roles:
  Playing antagonistic characters has been both challenging and rewarding for Jordan.
  "I'll like to think that he has some redeeming features. I feel like you can only successfully play somebody who is a villain if they also counterbalance with qualities which we all possess, which are goodness and kindness and generosity." (07:01)
  He emphasizes the importance of depth in villain roles, ensuring they resonate with audiences on multiple levels.

• Physical and Vocal Demands:
  The role of Clyde in Bonnie & Clyde stands out as particularly strenuous:
  "You're using every part of your voice. You're still singing super high, singing super low, screaming, whispering, which is quite damaging." (15:13)
  Despite the challenges, Jordan finds immense fulfillment in these performances, describing them as both taxing and exhilarating.

Behind the Scenes: Production Insights

Jordan provides a glimpse into the production aspects of his shows, particularly focusing on the theater environment and creative processes.

• Theater Atmosphere:
  Speaking about performing at the main studio of the Other Palace, he remarks:
  "It feels like everything is clean and everything works well, which in a lot of West End theaters... it's nice." (10:48)
  This positive environment contrasts with the often chaotic backstage realities of older theaters.

• Costume Design:
  Jordan has a particular affinity for costumes, especially those featuring distinctive jackets:
  "The Bonnie and Clyde costumes... I loved how dapper the suits were and his evolution from a street urchin." (14:16)
  These costumes not only enhance the visual appeal but also reflect character development.

Transition to Writing: Redcliffe

Expanding his creative horizons, Jordan discusses his ambitious project – a musical titled Redcliffe.

• Inspiration and Development:
  Jordan embarked on writing Redcliffe out of a desire to address gaps he perceived in contemporary theatre, particularly concerning the LGBT community:
  "I knew I wanted to write something about the LGBT community because it's close to me, and I feel like it's also something that I've never really explored in the work that I've done." (20:15)
  The musical is inspired by a true story discovered in the Bristol Museum about a secret relationship between William Pritchard and Richard Arnold in the 18th century.

• Creative Process:
  Taking on multiple roles as writer, composer, and lyricist, Jordan shares the challenges and rewards of shaping Redcliffe, ensuring the characters are well-developed and authentic:
  "I've placed myself in each of them and thought, what would I need from this? Is this making sense to me?" (24:28)

• Future Aspirations:
  Jordan expresses hopes for Redcliffe to resonate with audiences and make a meaningful impact, much like acclaimed productions such as Hamilton:
  "I would love to be the Lin Manuel Miranda of Hamilton when this arrives at its final destination." (26:19)

Reflections on Industry and Collaboration

Throughout the interview, Jordan emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the dynamic nature of theatre:

• Recasting and Evolution:
  He enjoys observing how different actors interpret roles he originated, viewing it as an opportunity for fresh perspectives:
  "It's exciting... to see people have their own take on things." (28:33)

• Audience Reception:
  Anticipating Saving Mozart at the Other Palace, Jordan is keen to gauge audience reactions and refine the production during previews:
  "I believe in it so much, and it's like any...the unknown is really...addictive." (32:24)

Conclusion

Jordan Luke Gage's interview with MickeyJoTheatre offers a comprehensive look into his dedication to theatre, both as an actor and as a writer. His passion for creating authentic, impactful stories shines through, promising exciting developments in his upcoming projects. Listeners are left inspired by his commitment to the craft and eager to witness the evolution of his creative endeavors.

Timestamps Overview

• [07:01] Discussion on portraying the villain in performances.
• [10:48] Insights into the theater atmosphere at the Other Palace.
• [11:15] Reflecting on his breakthrough role in Battle of Hell.
• [13:12] Pride in And Juliet's Broadway success.
• [14:16] Thoughts on costume design in his performances.
• [15:13] Challenges faced while performing as Clyde in Bonnie & Clyde.
• [19:20] Initiation of the in-depth interview with Jordan.
• [20:15] Journey into writing his own musical, Redcliffe.
• [24:28] Transitioning from actor to writer and understanding performers’ needs.
• [26:19] Ambitions related to Redcliffe and drawing parallels with Hamilton.
• [28:33] Reflections on recasting and actors' interpretations.
• [32:24] Excitement and apprehension about audience reception for Saving Mozart.

Note: For detailed insights and further discussion, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of MickeyJoTheatre.