CSUN’s The Soraya came alive once more with the unmistakable energy, talent and power of Broadway star Jeremy Jordan on April 11. Jordan, who is most well known for his performances as Jack Kelly in Disney’s “Newsies” and Jay Gatsby in Broadway’s “The Great Gatsby,” delivered an intimate, yet electrifying show.

With only a handful of empty chairs left over, Jordan commanded the room with ease. He and his band delivered a carefully crafted mix of Broadway favorites, ballads and unexpected yet sensational medleys that showcased not only his vocal range but his natural charisma as a storyteller.

Jordan never faltered in getting the audience’s attention. He moved between sets seamlessly, bringing the audience to their feet twice by the end of the show, which he concluded with a riveting rendition of “Santa Fe,” a song from Disney’s “Newsies.” Jordan, who played the lead role of Jack Kelly in 2012, earned Tony and Grammy nominations for his breakout performance, making the song the highlight of his show.

Jordan’s authentic performance and personality were what made the night a testament to his work and his fans. Between songs, he continued to interact with the audience, sharing stories from his career and personal life. He even gave a sneak peek of his most recent triumph as Bobby Darin in “Just in Time” on Broadway.

Jordan spoke about his six-year-old daughter, Clara, who has recently started attending his performances. To the artist, his daughter is one of the most important audience members he can have. After 15 years of being active on Broadway, Jordan said Clara is his biggest inspiration and his biggest fan. Jordan followers shouldn’t be too surprised to see a father-daughter duo on stage in a couple of years.

These moments added a layer of truthfulness and integrity that took the concert beyond just a normal showcase of his talent. He connected with his audience, letting them become part of the show rather than just listening to it.

The Soraya was the perfect venue for Jordan’s performance. The stage allowed his voice to shine, keeping the audience enthralled even in the quiet moments and making it all the more impactful. The setting made attendees feel closer to the singer, making the performance more personal.