MEET jordan koulos
1. For anyone wanting to attend Side By Side With Sondheim, how would you describe the show in three words?
Poignant, Unpredictable and Resonant
2. You’ve performed in big productions like & Juliet and Grease. How does this more intimate concert-style show compare?
The hardest part about performing the beloved popular songs of ‘& Juliet’ and ‘Grease!’ was to not get caught up in how great and important these songs are to popular culture and that they serve a different purpose in a musical context. It’s nice in this concert style show to really bathe (to a point) in the beauty of Sondheim’s catalogue; amplified by our wonderful band.
3. What excites you most about performing the music of Stephen Sondheim?
Any musician appreciates the musicality of Sondheim and it’s very hard not to nerd out every two seconds during rehearsal, especially with the beautiful arrangements of our Musical Director, Michael Keen. There is always excitement, but an expectation to meet and to do his work justice.
4. Do you have a favourite Sondheim song in the show, or one that’s particularly
challenging to perform?
‘Finishing the Hat’ has always been a song that I’ve been intimidated by, but realising that my apprehension to tackle it, is what the song and the show ‘Sunday in the Park with George’ is about. Stepping back from criticising ourselves and what we haven’t done to look at what we have achieved. The simple lyric, “Look I made a hat” is my favourite. But I’m also super excited to show you our version of ‘Johanna’.
5. You recently performed in Kiss Me, Kate with Neglected Musicals what was that
experience like, and what did you learn from it?
Well we definitely had more than 1 days rehearsal for this show! But it was a great experience to really trust my instincts as a performer, being open to play and embrace the natural mistakes we make in the rehearsal room, except in front of audience which makes it more fun.
6. As a proud first-generation Greek-Australian performer, has your cultural
background influenced your approach to performing or storytelling on stage?
Obviously, we usually recognise the influence of Greek theatre and the chorus. But growing up dancing and singing in Greek, I particularly admire lyricism in Greek music and the natural passion that it brings out of me. Also Greek dancing is known to be very powerful and energetic which I always apply when performing in an ensemble.
7. You studied Music Theatre at Victorian College of the Arts what’s one lesson from
training that you still use in every show?
I was lucky enough to be under the tutelage of one of Sondheim’s biggest fans Tyran Parke. And I have directly applied his sound advice to always trust the writer, lyricist, and composer. Sondheim in this case. Every lyric, melody, dynamic and rhythm is intentional and serves as the blueprint for us performers.
8. What’s something about Sondheim’s writing that performers discover once they
start rehearsing his work?
The discoveries are truly endless. There were countless ‘ohs’ of realisation throughout the cast during rehearsal just admiring his genius. And I’ve had fun exploring these songs out of their normal context.
9. What’s been a standout rehearsal moment so far while working on Side By Side
With Sondheim?
I would love the audience to appreciate that the work you see on stage is a testament to the hard work, dedication and precision of our creative team. Working with Alex Watson, Michael Keen and Sophora Cliff is always a stand out for me.
10. Finally if you could steal one song from the Side By Side With Sondheim setlist to
perform in every concert for the rest of your career, which would it be?
‘Losing my Mind’ has always been one of my personal favourites to perform. But if I could also steal our wonderful band, ‘Being Alive’ would have to be it.