Jordan Barrow
Jordan Barrow is about as up-and-coming as they come. A performance of halting depth and house-downing energy, he has appeared in The Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park production of The Tempest as well as the Paper Mill Playhouse production of The Miracle Worker. This season, he is honing his skills at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto where he plays piano prodigy Themba in Garth Drabinsky‘s much-anticipated, Broadway-bound production of Sousatzka. We are so happy Jordan Barrow traveled all the way from Canada to take a moment with us On the Couch!
What do you consider to be your best asset?
I’m a social chameleon and can get along with all types of people and find something to relate with them over. I’ve always been able to go with the flow and I sometimes take that for granted.
What was your proudest moment?
Getting into the University of Michigan for musical theatre was a really special day for me. They actually call you to let you know you have been accepted and I was on my way home from another college audition with my dad and he got to witness the phone call with me. That night I performed at an event for my high school and my best friend announced to the entire school that I had gotten in and it really set in that my life was about to change. Attending that school has direct correlation to me getting cast in SOUSATZKA and I owe so much to those four years of my life I spent in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
What is your favorite drink?
Tea, hot or cold, and preferably peach flavored. However, if it’s not a show day, I’ll be looking into finding a dark and stormy.
What is your favorite food?
The Jersey boy in me loves a good pizza. Nothing beats the extra large slices from the Jersey Shore.
What is your favorite condiment?
I recently developed a love for Ranch dressing. I finally get all the fuss about it.
What is your current obsession?
“This Is Us.” I’m a television fanatic and I haven’t fallen this quickly in love with a show since “Broad City.”
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
“Reality” television. I can’t believe some of the shows I watch and continue to tune into.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I am living out of one of my dreams in creating a role from the ground up having been involved in the reading and workshop phases of SOUSATZKA. Every time I think about what is actually happening in my life right now I can’t help but feel fulfilled and accomplished.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
I am not a shopper, which is a blessing, but I definitely spend too much money on late night snacking.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Not to sound like a broken record but my television consumption is through the roof. I watch far too much, but there’s just so much good out there right now.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
The fact that the weather is so out of whack right now. The ups and downs we have right now are truly a performer’s nightmare.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
I inherited honesty from my mother. When she feels it, she says it, and while it is sometimes not what you agree with, you best believe she is telling her truth. I inherited my talkativeness from my father. I always joke about winning “Most Talkative” as my high school end of senior year superlative. I didn’t launch one campaign to win that award. I rest my case.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My talkativeness. I have done much better now I think, but when I was growing up all my report cards said that I spoke far too much in class. I used to get my seat moved for talking too much in school, and then my teachers would realize it didn’t matter where I sat, I was going to be chatty.
What in the world most thrills you?
Roller coasters/Thrill rides. I have plans to venture to a number of theme parks once this first round of SOUSATZKA ends. I also have dreams of sky diving at some point soon.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Rewarding bad/wild/crazy/inappropriate behavior with fame and endorsements. “Cash me ousside…” need I say more?
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on
the job?
I worked at an upscale indoor cycling studio in New York and the stories are endless, but I once accidentally fell onto and over one of our lobby plants. In the moment it was hilarious, but realizing we had security cameras to rewatch it was where my team found our true joy.
What is your favorite place in the world?
LONDON. I studied abroad there and would hop on a plane this very second if I could.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
A smart sense of humor.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
I became a dog person in recent years and I’m real happy about it.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
All of my best friends show up at my Toronto apartment and we spend the day at a theme park.
What is your personal motto?
Look forward and never side to side. I didn’t always live by this, but once I stopped worrying about other people’s journeys, I was suddenly able to find myself.