From Oz to Glasgow: Jeff Goldblum’s Unforgettable Night of Music and Magic at the Theatre Royal

Before the show even starts, Jeff Goldblum’s unmistakable voice booms through the speakers, setting the tone for the entire evening: a friendly, relaxed, and enjoyable soirée. He introduces the opening act, Muireann Bradley, a 19-year-old folk guitar prodigy who manages to fill the stage with her presence, which is no easy feat considering the act who’s going to follow her. It takes guts and talent to do that, and she seems to have both in spades.

Bradley delighted the audience with a mix of her original material and classic folk ballads. It is extraordinary to hear someone so young sing songs about a well-lived life, and managing to make them sound so genuine, but it looks easy for Muireann, whose skills on the guitar are only second to her raspy voice.

Jeff’s charming self comes on stage for a 15-minute monologue before being joined by The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. He plays games and interacts with the audience, with a confidence that only comes with that many years of experience, and an authentic love for his craft. The first song on the setlist is a playful little gift to the audience: an impromptu track dedicated to their Glasgow debut at the Theatre Royal, full of amusing little nods to Scottish stereotypes and Jeff’s career. 

Their music is not just good classic jazz, or improvised masterful performances, the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra plays in a way that makes their music accessible to the whole audience. It is clear that this show was not designed only for the sophisticated jazz aficionados, or to show off their obvious technical prowess, they play for the enjoyment of the entire crowd. They sparkle in pop culture references meant to make everyone feel involved, for example, their own version of Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’, and of ‘Tattoo’ by Swedish singer and Eurovision sensation Loreen.

For these, the orchestra was joined on stage by the young Broadway sensation Khailah Johnson, fresh off her role as Judith in & Juliet, who owned the stage as a classic jazz siren in a timeless red dress and powerful voice. 

We were treated to a mix of upbeat original songs and classic American Jazz, with singing performances by Jeff himself (with his touching version of ‘Over the Rainbow’ by Harold Arlen), Khailah Johnson, or Plas Johnson’s completely instrumental ‘Grease Patrol’.

This show wouldn’t have been half the incredible experience it was without the artists who joined Goldblum. He uses the stage to do something that few renowned artists do: introduce talented artists to a wider audience they wouldn’t normally have access to.

His effortlessly funny and lovable self makes the audience struggle to say goodbye at the end of the evening which concluded with a quick jab at his iconic role in Jurassic Park and a beautiful rendition of the ‘Defying Gravity’ chorus once again sung by Johnson (another nod to Goldblum’s outstanding career and his recent role as the Wizard of Oz in the movie adaptation of Wicked).

All in all, this is an unforgettable experience that can only be summarised with ‘My God, what a show!’. If you are new to jazz, or feel like this genre is not for you, Goldblum’s hilarious, feel-good, and impeccable show is what might change your mind.

---

Jeff Goldblum – Piano and vocals

Khailah Johnson – Vocals 

Alex Frank – Bass, musical director, and conductor

Scott Gilman – Tenor and Baritone Sax

Joe Bagg – Organ / Hammond organ

Graham Dechter – Guitar