A 20-year-old Nashville native who recently completed his sophomore year at Belmont University has been cast in a new musical produced by Brian Kelley of country superstar duo Florida Georgia Line. May We All: A New Country Musical has its world premiere at Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) June 7-July 17. Musical Theater major Josh Jordan will play the role of PJ, a resident of the town of Harmony – which is a real town in Tennessee!
Josh says it feels “very surreal and rewarding” to be cast in his first professional show – but he almost missed the opportunity. “I had just auditioned with SETC, a theater convention for actors and performers to get summer work.” He was also in rehearsals for Godspell at Belmont (playing the role of Jesus) the same weekend as the auditions. “I was really worried about going to the audition and then being late to our run-through and tiring out my voice.” His vocal coach (Erica Aubrey) encouraged him to audition for May We All, and suggested he sing the Keith Urban song, John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16. “I was like, ‘Is that an actual song name?!’”
Josh and a group of fellow Belmont students all drove together for the early morning audition. “I walked into the room, and it looked like the Last Supper!” There were a dozen people at the table, including BK (Brian Kelley) of Florida Georgia Line. “Seeing all those people was nerve-racking, but also seeing all the smiling faces that were excited to see what I could bring to the show was very heartwarming and comforting.”
Josh went through four rounds of callbacks, which included vocal and dance auditions. About a week after the last callback, Josh was at work when he got the email offering him the role of PJ. “Of course, I freaked out! I had been optimistic, but never imagined that, as a sophomore in college, I would have been granted an opportunity like this.”
Note: Watch the video at the bottom of the page to hear the show’s director (Shelley Butler) and choreographer (William Carlos Angulo) comment on Josh’s audition.
As a kid, Josh was interested in singing, songwriting, and dance, and he enjoyed going to his sister’s dance recitals. He sang in the Nashville Children's Choir at Belmont, and says he knew when he was ten years old that he wanted to attend that college. There was a time when Josh thought he might want to study law. He also considered following in his dad’s footsteps and working as a videographer and photographer.
But after immersing himself in theater and show choir at McGavock High School, he knew he had found his calling. “I got totally wrapped up in the whole performing arts, telling stories, becoming a character and singing and dancing.”
In his role as one of the townspeople in May We All, Josh will be singing and dancing as part of the chorus, as well as moving pieces of the set to help with scene transitions. “We are the ones that come in and we’re chatting things up with other characters, moving tables, setting up the bar, etc.” He is also a swing performer for one of the lead roles (Dustin).
His favorite scene in the show features the new original song, Back to My Boots, which was written by Tyler Hubbard (from FGL), Corey Crowder, Sarah Buxton, and Carley Pearce. Josh describes it as “high energy, amazing choreography, community-centric and joyful." The musical will include 24 country hits from Florida Georgia Line, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, and many more.
One of the unique and exciting aspects of the show is the rotating lineup of guest artists who will take turns playing the role of Bailey Stone. Some of the stars slated to perform include show producer Brian Kelley, Danielle Bradbery, Canaan Smith, Lindsay Ell, LOCASH, Lainey Wilson, Breland, RaeLynn, Michael Ray, and Caleb Lee Hutchinson.
“The fact that we are even doing a country musical in Nashville featuring these Nashville country artists and Nashville locals in the cast is unbelievable and a blessing to all of us, especially to those of us who have roots here. To see our city shine in so many different genres and arenas, and now musical theater is one of them.“
Josh is grateful for his family’s support as well as the training and mentoring he has received over the years. “There are many people who have come together to help push me to be a better person and performer, and I don’t think I would be here without them.” Josh also says his faith plays an important role in his life. “I am always trusting in the Lord’s plan for me. I feel blessed to be in this position and to be given the opportunity not only to perform, but to grow and learn from people who have been doing the thing that I want to do in the industry and lighting the path for me to follow.”
Tickets for May We All are available at TPAC or by phone at 615-782-4040 or in person at the TPAC Box Office
Follow @JoshtheJordan on Instagram and TikTok
Listen to his new single Knotted Strings on Spotify or your favorite digital platform
FUN FACTS AND TRIVIA
The first high school show Josh was cast in was Shrek, the Musical
Instruments Josh plays: Guitar, piano, drums
Musical Influences and favorites: Coin, Bad Sons, John Mayer, James Bay,
Daniel Caesar, Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton
FAVORITES
Musical: Wicked (his dream role is to play Fiyero)
Coffee shop: The Loading Dock
Restaurant: Amerigo
May We All Director Shelley Butler and Choreographer William Carlos Angulo comment on Josh’s audition in the video below.