Talent Profile

Talent Biography

Dubbed “the Victor Borge of Rock and Roll” who was “born inside a piano,” the 3x BroadwayWorld Award Winner Jefferson McDonald has been featured in the New York Times and Boston Globe. As seen at the world famous Comedy Store, Jefferson blends a unique brand of comedy and dazzling musicianship to his new concert series, featuring the hits of Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash and other legends. McDonald has received critical acclaim for his interpretation of Jerry Lee Lewis in thirteen productions of the Tony Award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet. His interpretation of Lewis has been described as “an unparalleled performance that defies description” (Jef Ellis, Broadway world) and “one of the most shockingly brilliant performances I’ve seen anywhere by anyone” (The Frenetic Peripatetic).

The award-winning actor has garnered praise for his classical, blues and Rock ‘N’ Roll interpretations, recently receiving the City Beat of Cincinnati Award for Best Musical Actor. The Times Union says that “McDonald explodes off the stage as Jerry Lee Lewis.” “Great Balls of Fire” is an unrelenting sequence of hits from the golden era of Rock ‘N’ Roll, as Jefferson and his band smash through some of the greatest hits of all time, hits that defined an era and continue to stand the test of time.

Show Description

2 x 45 minute shows plus additional material for variety show. Charts/band only. Jefferson can go solo or with his band.

Show 1: “Jefferson McDonald’s Great Balls of Fire”

(9 songs arranged for rhythm and horns. Song selections include Blue Suede Shoes, Great Balls of Fire, Flip Flop and Fly, What’d I Say, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin On, That’s Alright Mama and more!)

Show 2: “Jefferson McDonald’s The Birth of Rock and Roll”

(9 songs arranged for rhythm and horns. Song selections include Johnny B. Goode, See Ya Later Alligator, Good Golly Miss Molly, Shake Rattle and Roll, Folsom Prison Blues, See See Rider, Susie Q and more!)

Show 3: Variety show: 10-20 minutes of additional material at Cruise Director’s/Entertainment Director’s discretion.