The Evolution of Cheyenne Jackson

It’s not every Valentine’s Day one gets to spend with Cheyenne Jackson, but I was lucky to escape Boston and be in Fort Lauderdale when he appeared in concert with Seth Rudetsky at the Parker Playhouse.  Over the years, I’ve seen Cheyenne many times – in Aida, All Shook Up, and Xanadu on Broadway; Altar Boyz off-Broadway; and It’s a Bird….It’s a Plane….It’s Superman in Los Angeles.  Each time, I left frustrated.  Obviously he’s gorgeous.  He has a marvelous singing voice.  One can’t quibble about his acting ability.  But, inexplicably, the sum didn’t equal the parts; he never seemed to have “it”.

But lately, my opinion of him has changed.  He gave a wonderfully nuanced performance in the film The Green.  He showed his comedic chops on 30 Rock.  And, most importantly, he really connected with audiences in concert.  I noticed this last summer during his run at the Provincetown Art House.  Perhaps it was that he was being himself rather than playing a character.  Or perhaps he’s simply grown as an artist over the past decade.  But the difference is extraordinary.  In the past, we’ve run into each other socially but, given my criticism (to say nothing of my endlessly directing people to BillyMasters.com to see his infamous jerk-off video), I suspect I’m not his favorite person.  But never let it be said that Billy Masters doesn’t have balls of steel – perhaps all the firmer due to the wearisome winter in Boston.  After last week’s concert, I found myself being ushered over to Cheyenne and Seth for a photo-op.  Seth greeted me with a kiss, I complimented Cheyenne, shook his hand, and we posed for the photo – with Jackson looking at me quizzically.  Another bullet dodged.

By the way, Cheyenne has a new single out.  “Find The Best of Me” is available on iTunes and the proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation for AIDS Research.  He better be careful or I’m gonna turn into a fan!

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