Surging star, Jessica Vosk, takes center stage at The Parker on Sunday, January 21 at 7pm accompanied by Grammy and Emmy Award-winner John McDaniel, who was seen leading the band on the Rosie O’Donnell show for its entire six year run.
Jessica is a celebrated singer, and actress known for her work on Broadway and beyond and brings her spectacular talents to the stage for a dazzling evening of music and stories. An Evening with Jessica Vosk features an eclectic mix of songs from musical theater visionaries, singer-songwriters whose works stand the test of time, pop stunners like you’ve never heard them before, and much more. Best known for her star-turn as Elphaba in Wicked, both on tour and on Broadway, and when she sold out her Carnegie Hall debut in 2021 and has since delighted audiences with her singular mix of talent, sincerity, humor, and “her powerhouse and pristine vocals” (Playbill). She also starred as Fruma Sarah in the recent revival of Fiddler on the Roof; as well as appearing in Finding Neverland and The Bridges of Madison County; as the Narrator in the 50th anniversary of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Lincoln Center; in New York City Ballet’s Jerome Robbins tribute Something to Dance About, directed by Warren Carlyle, and much more.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Jessica for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did you begin performing?
I began performing around age 3, to the excitement or dismay of my parents. Usually at dance parties or when records were playing around the living room. My parents were big music lovers. My mom said I started singing at 6 months.
What was your first professional gig? And how much did you get paid?
Professionally I got paid to play Annie at a regional theater in Pennsylvania. I don’t remember how much, but it wasn’t very much. I remember I had to dye my hair and I was very serious and excited about it.
When did you know performing would be your career?
I knew growing up that singing was my passion, and it was inherently something I needed to do, but I didn’t know how to get there. I went into the world of Finance first. But eventually found it again when I was 30 years old. But I always knew this was for me.
Tell me the process in transforming into Elphaba which you played for 2 years?
I started on tour in 2017 after I left Fiddler on Roof on Broadway. However, I hadn’t seen Wicked since it opened in 2003. When the makeup happens for the first time (its only takes about a ½ hour…but it’s a very intricate process) you do feel different afterwards. You are very aware on stage that you are the only one painted and look different, and it forms the role and the emotional arc of how you feel.
Other than Elphaba, what has been your favorite role so far?
I recently got to star in “Chess” and play Florence which was created by the writers of Abba. It’s not cheery but it’s a rock opera, and the music is some of the most incredible I ever got to sing. Florence holds up the hole show, and it was a fantastic experience.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but want to)?
Someday when I reach the age appropriateness of it, I would love a chance to play Mama Rose in Gypsy. On the docket for me next is Beaches, which is coming to Broadway, and I am going to play the Bette Midler role.
In 2021 you sold-out Carnegie Hall, tell me about that experience?
On top of it just being an incredible experience to headline Carnegie Hall, it happened during the pandemic when the theaters were thinking about opening again. That’s when I got the green light, and it was very surreal to me. I always wanted to start a solo career, but I never thought it would begin at Carnegie Hall. I don’t remember the evening at all, but I know it happened and I was there. The only thing I do remember is my encore singing a Judy Garland Song. It jumpstarted the life I have now.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Jersey, scrappy and empathetic.
What do you do for fun?
I love to hike and cook. I have a dog that is my child so anything relating to him I love. I also love to garden.
What should our readers expect from your show at the Parker?
I’m joining John McDaniel (musical director for Rosie Odonnel show) and you can expect a lot of stories of how I got to Broadway and Carnegie Hall. Also included are the roles I played, and the finance world. The show will cover everything, and has tons of audience participation…I come out to the audience quite a few times. In addition, I always do a meet and greet after my performance.
For more information on Jessica, you can follow her at: Instagram.com/Jessicavosk or at her website: Jessicavosk.com.
To purchase tickets to Jessica’s performance at The Parker on Sunday, Jan 21, go to Parkerplayhouse.com.
