This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with producer, director, choreographer, entertainer, playwright and songwriter Eric Jordan Young, who takes the stage in “In This Moment” at the Space in Las Vegas (with renowned pianist Philip Fortenberry) March 13 at 6 p.m. (and also streamed live). In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Young talks about his first performances in Las Vegas in the 90’s; why he chose to stay in Las Vegas as a artist; his admiration of Sammy Davis Jr. (which explains his signature piece in every show); why he likes to collaborate with others in creating shows; how he coped with a difficult year and saw it as an opportunity to decide what was important as a performer; his unique relationship with Philip Fortenberry that translates on stage; and his belief that it’s important to be vulnerable on stage, and that to receive love from the audience, you have to give love.
Young’s work include Broadway (Ragtime ‘98/’09, Chicago, Seussical, Look Of Love), Off-Broadway, Regional (NYSF, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Alliance Theater), National Tour (Chicago, Ragtime, Dreamgirls), and commercial credits.
Las Vegas performances include Cocktail Cabaret (Caesars Palace), Rock Of Ages (Venetian/Rio), Shakin’ - Vegas Remixed with a Twist (Planet Hollywood), Chicago (Mandalay Bay), Starlight Express (Las Vegas Hilton) and Vegas! The Show.
Young has performed with several symphonies throughout the country including the Atlanta Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. His solo album, Once In A Lifetime, was produced by his company EnJoY! Productions and his one-man musical, “Sammy & Me” was the winner of the ArtVoice and Salt Awards.
Leave a Reply