Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Jay Armstrong Johnson: Hell To Pay


Your wretched little lives
Have all been cursed
'Cause of all the witches working
I'm the worst!

Winifred Sanderson


I first noticed actor and singer Jay Armstrong Johnson during the promotional phase of the 2014 revival of On The Town. I first featured Jay after his performance on the 2015 Tony Awards. (Tony Standout) Although On The Town brought Jay much deserved attention, he has been on stage for years for various well known musicals including; Newsies, Hair, Catch Me If You Can and A Chorus Line.


Being one of Broadway's most talented, and hottest performers, led Jay to last years Broadway Bares: Strip U, opening the show with the number above.  Thanks to DavidAsset for the video above.


For those who don't follow Broadway, or Broadway actor, Jay also parlayed he stage success to television with a regular role on ABC's Quantico. But I'm not featuring Jay this Halloween because of Quantico, nor for another reason to post a few shirtless shots. Although both good reasons, today it's because of Jay's turn as Winifred Sanderson and I Put A Spell On You.


Like so many of you, Halloween means a repeat viewing of Hocus Pocus. I have featured (HERE:) the 1993 film several times on FH, usually around the end of October. The cast isn't getting any younger, so no time to waste getting that re-make made!!! Earlier this year, Jay and company staged a lavish production of the shows signature song at Feinstein's/54 Below along with a great video documenting the production.


As creator and producer of the project, Jay pulled out all the stops with Costume (DW Withrow) and Wig Design (Katie Beatty), make-up (Maggie Sackman/Nicolette Gold) and a complete orchestra, conducted by Rodney Bush. Photographer Michael Kushner documented the entire and event as well as portraits of Jay along with is fellow Sanderson sisters, Allison Robinson *(Sarah) and Amanda William.s (Mary) Check out the video below, and if you're going to be in NYC on the 31st, check out Jay's Instagram for details on his 'no so scary' Halloween bash!

Remaining images from Michael Kushner, The Dressing Room Project




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