Brilliant Actor, Singer, and Comedian Jason Alexander opened Utah Valley University’s New Noorda Performing Arts Center in Orem with An Evening with Jason Alexander

By Ben Watson

Fans coming Monday night to see Jason Alexander at UVU’s new Noorda Performing Arts Center in Orem based solely on his George Costanza character from TV’s Seinfeld, were likely pleasantly surprised at the broad talent displayed by this versatile, Tony award-winning Broadway star. Backed by the lush UVU Symphony Orchestra and Alexander’s long time music director, Todd Schroder, on piano, Alexander took the audience on a journey through his very theatrical life. The new 502-seat proscenium theater, one of seven performance venues in the NPAC, was the perfect showcase for this essentially one-man show full of stories, songs, advice, and self-deprecating humor.

Beginning with a Robert Preston-style rendition of “Trouble” from The Music Manas a tribute to his older sister, who sparked Alexander’s love for Broadway music, the show quickly moved to a medley of rock standards from Billy Joel’s Movin’ Out. Opposite vocalist Carrie Schroder, Alexander demonstrated his easy mastery of rich harmony and hard edged rock. Rolling right into songs from the ill-fated Sondheim musical Merrily We Roll Along, Pippin, and The Rink. His voice was clear and strong, and held fast against the vibrant Orchestra. A touching tribute to his father, and recently late mother was next, with heartfelt stories to accompany the song, “Anytime”.

Alexander was at his best while showing off his adept skills with the audience. Enlisting the help of 7 guests, he worked and cajoled and produced great laughs with the classic “Ring Them Bells”, which had the house in stitches. Never short on inspirational wisdom, Alexander shared his take on the Arts: “Religion is faith, politics is philosophy, and math and science are tools, but it is the Arts that give us humanity, and if we lose humanity, then nothing else matters”.

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To close out the show, Alexander joked that after his TV fame he went back to Broadway and was sure he could get any role he wanted. Sadly, he was turned down many times, but he had compiled the roles into a medley he called the “Inappropriate medley” and asked the audience to tell him if he was right or wrong. Alexander then hilariously sang the songs, with accompanying props, from Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Hamilton, Evita, Annie, Cats, and Man of La Mancha.

Alexander brought a sparkle and talent to the newly opened Noorda that all enjoyed, from the littlest kids to the oldest persons. His energy, enthusiasm, and compassionate wisdom created an evening we’ll never forget.

An Evening with Jason Alexander played for one night only on March 25, 2019, as part of UVU’s Week of Dreams event. The Week of Dreams continues through March 30^th.
UVU School of The Arts Facebook Page
Noorda Performing Arts Center
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UVU Week of Dreams
An Evening with Jason Alexander Facebook Event

Photos by Jay Drowns, UVU Marketing