Bham’s own Jordan Fisher returns to starring role on Broadway

One of Birmingham’s own is returning to center stage on Broadway. Jordan Fisher will be back in the spotlight for his starring role in Dear Evan Hansen. Keep reading to learn more. 

Talent bred in Bham

Jordan & the cast of Dear Evan Hansen are reopening their smash hit on December 11th. Jordan, who was raised in Trussville, announced the show’s return on Good Morning America. The cast’s subsequent performance was riveting. I’ll have to admit: it almost made me buy a ticket for the opening night. 

Since the beginning, Jordan Fisher’s had an exciting career. His showstopping talent started in Birmingham.

Smith honed his craft at Red Mountain Theatre, which he calls “my Julliard.” At Red Mountain, Jordan was a part of the pre-college conservatory program. He spent six years in the intensive program. 

Surprisingly, things weren’t always easy for Jordan in the acting world. 

“Jordan is so unique that he was almost difficult to cast. For someone who really is going to be a star, you don’t know where they fit because they’re so unlike everyone else.”

Keith Cromwell, Executive Director of Red Mountain Theatre

Jordan continues to support Red Mountain Theatre. He contributes to the theatre’s financial aid programs, which helped him get his start. When he’s back in town, Jordan often pops in to say hello to Red Mountain Students. Imagine being a ten-year-old and seeing your hometown hero! 

Early on, Smith landed his first starring role in South Pacific at the Virginia Samford Theatre. It was only the beginning. 

“At that time, he was a very bright and shining star, and we knew that he was going to the top someday.”

Cathy Gilmore, Executive Director of the Virginia Samford Theatre

Jordan moved to LA in 2011 to pursue his acting career. Since then, he’s landed roles in The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Liv and Maddie, Grease Live, Hamilton and more. Evan Hansen is his biggest role to date, but I’m sure there’s much more in store for Jordan. 

Birmingham on the national stage

Jordan Fisher isn’t the only Bham native who’s returning to Broadway this winter. Nick Burroughs, a graduate of the Virginia Samford Theatre’s youth programs, is coming back to Broadway in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.

Additionally, Audrey Cardwell is a promising talent. She started out at Red Mountain Theatre, and has toured nationally in productions like Falsettos and Anything Goes. She’s currently in negotiations for an opportunity on Broadway. 

Moreover, it’s clear that Birmingham’s musical theater scene is something special. The directors of Birmingham’s two largest theaters agreed. 

“Between the Virginia Samford Theatre and The Red Mountain Theatre, we have a very, very strong youth program that helps develop this young talent.” 

Cathy Gilmore, the Executive Director of the Virginia Samford Theatre. 

Red Mountain Theatre just constructed a new campus in the heart of downtown. Hopefully, it will allow Red Mountain to nurture even more young talent.

“A city of our size that has a community willing to come behind a $25 million arts campus that’s consuming a block of downtown real estate is special. We are a place, perhaps an unlikely place, with outstanding support and talent. ” 

Keith Cromwell, executive director of Red Mountain Theatre

Furthermore, the reopening of Dear Evan Hansen is more than a celebration of Broadway’s return–it shows how Birmingham’s thriving theater scene impacts the arts nationally. 

Have you seen Jordan Fisher in a musical or movie lately? Tag @bhamnow to get in the spotlight!