The quest to achieve gay icon status in 70 minutes is Jessica Vosk's mission for her Joe's Pub solo debut, entitled You Asked For It. A veteran of three Broadway musicals and currently playing Fruma Sarah in the new revival of Fiddler on the Roof, Vosk takes audiences on a whirlwind night-on-the-town as she serenades The Public Theater's iconic venue with high belting anthems Monday, February 1 at 9:30pm. You Asked For It is written by Vosk & Robbie Rozelle with musical direction by Mary-Mitchell Campbell (Finding Neverland). Rozelle also directs.
I sat down with Jessica on an episode of The Set List Podcast where she talks all things belting. Jessica spent years working as an Associate Director at a Wall Street finance firm before taking on Broadway by storm. She's been featured in The Bridges of Madison County, Finding Neverland, and now she's tormenting dreams as, what she calls "Dead Elphaba", Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on The Roof. Vosk sings "I Had A Dream About You" By Maury Yeston live on Musical Theater Podcast - The Set List - click to subscribe on iTunes. She is accompanied by Seth Ward Pyatt.
How does it feel to be part of the history of Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway?
JV: It's an honor, really. I am constantly reminded through friends, and fans just how special this show is and has been throughout history. And if you think about it, there's a reason this show is so beloved. Because, no matter when or where it's done, it is absolutely relevant to current events and to what it means to have a family and work hard for what it is you want and stand up for what you believe in. It's become tradition. I am so happy that I can be a small part of it.
What characters or personalities did you research when you were creating your version of Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof?
JV: Well, first of all I'm in love with the fact that I get to play this badass, dead wife. I absolutely threw some Winnifred Sanderson (Hocus Pocus) in there. There are about three different drag queens in there too.
Your upcoming concert at Joe's Pub, Jessica Vosk: You Asked For It, is your "quest to achieve gay icon status in 70 minutes". Which gay icon would you like to magically turn yourself into for a night out on the town? (You can pick more than one to change into throughout the night)
JV:
1. Bette Midler for SURE (as Dolly Levi)
2. Liza Minnelli as her role in Arrested Development, because she slayed me.
3. Patti [LuPone] because she just gives no F*CKS
4. Barbra [Streisand] because I'd just walk around town belting and wearing amazing long fake nails and caressing everyone's face.
Photo by Michael Hull
What are your 5 top shower belting songs and why?
JV:
1. Chandelier because automatic warm up [Click to watch Jessica "warm up" with Sia's Chandelier]
2. ANYTHING BY SARA BAREILLES because she's my spirit animal
3. Titanium [By David Guetta featuring Sia] because I feel empowered.
4. True Love by Madonna because she's always been FIERCE with no apologies.
5. Don't You Remember by Adele because I have a microphone sponge (don't judge) and I can really feel my feelings while acting it out.
Jessica Vosk: You Asked For It plays Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette Street) February 1, 2016 at 9:30pm.) This all-new show is Jessica's quest to achieve gay icon status in 70 minutes. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at here.
The Set List - click to subscribe on iTunes is a comprehensive collection of the best cabaret performances in New York City, including the works of Musical Theater composers, classical favorites, and new musical readings. The Set List features live recordings of Off Broadway concerts as well as behind the scenes interviews and conversations with select artists. A new podcast dedicated to celebrating the roots of all young musicals and their creators. Follow The Set List Podcast on Twitter here.