Can the enduring and global success of Postmodern Jukebox be testament to audiences finding an evening of joy and escape from the chaotic complexity of modern life?
With nearly 2 million Facebook fans, 450 million YouTube views and hundreds of sold out shows on six continents, there is obviously some magic in the attraction of an entertaining stage show entitled Postmodern Jukebox.
To be sure, there are a variety of potential explanations, all subjective, but its creators believe it is a yearning for the simplicity of yesteryear; a simple retro escape from today’s troubled times that evokes heartfelt emotion from its audience.
According to the show’s creator Scott Bradlee, “the audience takes a journey with us.” Postmodern Jukebox has risen from its humble start in 2009 to a top marquee act around the world. Like days of old, Bradlee said the show uses vintage “craftsmanship” to induce a return to a style more typical precision of the roaring 20’s.
“We want them to escape reality and join us for the most sensational 1920s party this side of The Great Gatsby. We want them to experience what it was like to be at the New Years’ Eve show that Sinatra would have hosted in the 1940s. We want them to feel the excitement of hearing the greats of Motown live and up close. Our goal is to give our audi ences their favorite show again and again and still have it feel like the very first time,” said Bradlee.
Following a sold-out European Tour, Postmodern Jukebox opens their U.S. Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 Tour at Segerstrom Center June 15.
“We work on pairing the right talent with the right material to create an amazing experience for the audience,” says Bradlee. “The sensational show is meant to prepare the world for a new decade,” says Bradlee.
For Olivia Kuper Harris, it is perhaps the right role at the right time in her career. Lured from the Lone Star state with an abundance of acting and vocal talent, this experienced jazz singer revels both in the elegance of the show and her ability to improvise on stage.
Harris is a great example of the “right talent” that Bradlee recruits to perform the Postmodern Jukebox. His goal is to fill the stage with emerging talent able to transport audiences back to an era where “vintage” reigned supreme, yet with retro-laced modern tunes.
“PMJ was perfect for me,” says Harris, noting that even though she is a relatively new addition to PMJ, she has been a jazz singer for most of her life. After receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University, she moved to L.A. to build an entertainment career.
Harris has also received notice for her acting ability, called by the New York Times a “real star” for her role in “The Playroom,” currently streaming on Netflix.
There’s no question, however, that the roots of jazz flows through her veins, and she relishes her role on stage with Aubrey Logan and the talented PMJ cast. “No show is ever the same,” she says, as the performers often improvise their vintage performances of modern classics.
According to selected reviews, Harris has drawn cheers for her scatting on Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” and, says another, “of everyone who performed, her intonation sounded closest to the Mid-Atlantic accent heard in old movies, lending authenticity to her “vintage” covers of modern songs.”
“Singing is the way I express myself,” she says. Post Haste Media describes her voice as “alternative pop with a splash of jazz blended with a bit of neo-soul, blended together by a voice that can plead, seduce, energize and amuse.”
Audiences even “sing along with us,” said Harris, adding that PMJ sometimes feels like a “rock concert. It’s definitely a throwback moment,” she said, adding that fans love the vintage dress and style.
“Every show is vintage and always unique,” admits Harris, however one thing is certain. Audiences are pulled into the once in a lifetime experience, acknowledging fans say “they’ve never seen anything like it.”
For June 15 tickets, call ticket services at (714) 556-2787 or visit www.scfta.org. VIP packages are available.
