Exclusive: Joel Harper-Jackson on being cast in ‘Sinatra The Musical’
The West End’s leading man speaks exclusively to LondonTheatre.co.uk about landing the role of a lifetime playing world-famous singer Frank Sinatra.
Joel Harper-Jackson has been announced as the lead in Sinatra The Musical, which begins performances at the Aldwych Theatre in the West End this June.
Harper-Jackson made a name for himself in 2022, when he leapfrogged from understudy to a lead role after replacing Taron Egerton as M in Cock opposite Jonathan Bailey. His other stage credits include the UK tours of Kinky Boots and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, as well as his professional debut as a swing in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical.
Speaking exclusively to LondonTheatre.co.uk, Harper-Jackson says it will be a full-circle moment returning to the theatre where he made his debut. “I was a swing back in Beautiful 11 years ago. It’s going to be so nice to go back playing the leading man.”
Sinatra The Musical will chart the life and career of the world-famous singer, from stepping onto the stage of New York’s Paramount Theatre, through his torrid affair with movie goddess Ava Gardner (who will be played by Ana Villafañe), to one of the greatest comebacks in show business. Phoebe Panaretos will star as Frank’s first wife, Nancy Sinatra.
Harper-Jackson believes Sinatra's life is the perfect subject for a musical because “everyone knows him — there’s only one Frank Sinatra”.
He continues, “Sinatra moved among all disciplines. He was a musical artist, he did musical films, and he’s got a story. I didn’t quite comprehend how much he had done, even down to his influence on politics. He’s lived a life, and no other artist has stayed at the top for as long as he did. The difficult part is choosing what to put in the show!”
The research has already begun, says Harper-Jackson, as he makes his way through documentaries, films, and 1,100-plus songs recorded by Sinatra.
“There are a plethora of things I can call upon. I’ve watched all of his documentaries, I’m making my way through every single one of his films — and boy there are a lot. That’s my process — I research, and research, and research, as much as I can. By the time we’re in rehearsals, I can let all that go because I have a good strong foundation of who he is,” he says.
Harper-Jackson reveals that he was joined in the audition room by Tina Sinatra (daughter of Frank), which was “daunting”. But as he started singing “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, he began to walk towards the audition panel. “I don’t know why,” he says, “walk towards your fear, I guess?”
It was Harper-Jackson’s grandfather who first introduced him to Sinatra, and he recognises he has “big shoes to fill”.
“It’s a demanding part, he’s never off stage, he goes through all manner of things in the show — highs and extreme lows,” Harper-Jackson explains. “It’s a showcase, and as big of a challenge as it is, I don’t feel daunted, I feel so ready and right where I need to be.”
Of Sinatra’s huge catalogue of songs, Harper-Jackson says that “I’m Gonna Live Till I Die” is his favourite: “For me, listening to it, it’s as though someone has been so low for so long, and then something happens which makes them realise we’re only here once, and there’s this sense of urgency in truly living.”
There’s no doubt that Harper-Jackson is truly living as he takes on his next big stage role in the West End this June.
Book Sinatra The Musical tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk
Photo credit: the leads in Sinatra The Musical. (Photo by Alexis Chabala, Seamus Ryan)
Frequently asked questions
What is Sinatra The Musical about?
Step into the world of Frank Sinatra’s life and music in Sinatra The Musical, a new West End production starring Joel Harper-Jackson as Ol’ Blue Eyes.
What's the age recommendation for Sinatra The Musical?
The recommended age for Sinatra The Musical is Ages 13+. Children under 5 cannot be admitted. .
Where is Sinatra The Musical playing?
Sinatra The Musical is playing at Aldwych Theatre. The theatre is located at 49 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4DF.
How long is Sinatra The Musical?
The running time of Sinatra The Musical is 2hr 45min. Incl. 1 Interval.
How do you book tickets for Sinatra The Musical?
Book tickets for Sinatra The Musical on London Theatre.
How much do tickets cost for Sinatra The Musical?
Tickets for Sinatra The Musical start at £28.
Who wrote Sinatra The Musical?
This production features a book by Joe DiPietro.
What songs are in Sinatra The Musical?
This production includes many original songs from Frank Sinatra, including “Fly Me to the Moon,” “One For My Baby,” and “Come Fly with Me.”
Who directed Sinatra The Musical?
Kathleen Marshall is the director.
Is Sinatra The Musical appropriate for kids?
Sinatra The Musical is most recommended for those ages 13 and over. Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre, as this production contains swearing, mild violence, smoking, and brief nudity.
Is Sinatra The Musical good?
Sinatra The Musical is a fantastic show. It brings audiences deep into the life of Frank Sinatra, detailing how show business worked in that era, and what Sinatra was going through professionally and interpersonally. With Joel Harper-Jackson in the title role, this production offers a rare view of the singer’s early fame.
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