Brian Justin Crum – The gay singer’s road to success, from ‘America’s Got Talent’ to ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

The vocal powerhouse who first came to international attention on “America’s Got Talent” in 2016, Brian Justin Crum is fresh from a life-changing experience in the Hollywood Bowl production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” alongside Cynthia Erivo, Adam Lambert, Phillipa Soo, Josh Gad, and Raul Esparza. Up next, he’ll headline “Broadway Night” for Marin Jazz at the Lark Theater in Larkspur on Thursday, August 28.

Since age 17, the San Diego native racked up regional and Broadway credits in shows including “Wicked,” “Altar Boyz,” “Grease,” “Next to Normal,” “Tarzan,” “The Addams Family” and in Queen’s rock theatrical “We Will Rock You,” singing with the original Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor. 

In a recent phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter, Crum shared insights on his recent mega-gig, on becoming TV’s overnight sensation, and on how theatre made him a better singer.

Adam Sandel: Let’s start with “Jesus Christ Superstar.” How did you get that gig?
Brian Justin Crum: My agent submitted me, and I’d worked with the director Sergio Trujillo and musical director Stephen Oremus years ago. I sent in an audition tape for a different role, and then I was told that I was their first choice for the role of Annas.

The cast was a who’s who of Broadway superstars. Which of the performers did you already know, and which were new to you?
I’ve known Adam Lambert since I was 14. We grew up together in San Diego and we had the same voice teacher. Everyone else was new to me. I stepped away from doing theatre about ten years ago, so it was nice to work with theatre people again. I was especially excited to meet Cynthia Erivo and Phillipa Soo, and I’ve always admired Raul Esparza and Josh Gad.

What was the rehearsal process like?
It was very quick. We had about 12 days to learn all the music, the staging, and the choreography.  Even though it was a concert version, it was fully staged. People would get pulled out of the rehearsal room to get a wig fitting. It was very hectic and ‘all hands on deck.’

What was the most memorable thing about doing the performances?
 The fact that it was the highest caliber of performing artists today working together on the same stage, in this venue, at this time. It was a really full experience. I can’t believe that we pulled it off.

Which memory of the experience do you expect will stick with you the most?
 Our sitzprobe, the first time that the cast sings with the full orchestra. We were at Walt Disney Hall with a 40-piece orchestra on stage with us. Hearing Cynthia sing “Gethsemane” for the first time, sitting on the floor, was a religious experience, no pun intended.

What impact has your acting background had on your musical performances?
I’ve been performing since I was five years old, and I was always such a vocal technician. Then I realized, especially doing “Next to Normal” on Broadway, that the acting lane is much more important. Cynthia doesn’t do so much technically, she’s always doing the story. It’s all about what emotion you’re feeling, and what you want the audience to be feeling.

What specific memories from “America’s Got Talent” stand out the most for you?
“America’s Got Talent” changed my life and I’ll be forever grateful for it. But reality TV is its own beast. What you see on TV is quite different from the experience. But I’ll never forget the deadening silence when I finished singing [Radiohead’s] “Creep.” I thought I fucked it up, that’s why they’re quiet. And then they lost their minds.

Have you watched those recordings of your performances?
I’ve seen them but it’s not something I really want to revisit. After “Creep,” the show wanted me to keep repeating that kind of song even though I wanted to do other kinds of songs.

How do you think your life might be different today if you hadn’t been on that show?
Where I lean in now is on the cabaret shows like I’ll be doing the Bay Area. “America’s Got Talent” introduced me to millions of people, which is invaluable. But I’ve always been able to create new projects, identities, and lanes. Each one of them is a stepping stone to a new journey.

You’ve performed in huge venues, but also in small venues in gay-friendly spots like Provincetown, Palm Springs, and Puerto Vallarta. Do you adjust your performances for more intimate settings?
I really don’t. I do what I do wherever I go. It’s always about the storytelling, for 300 people or 18,000 people. I don’t adjust much for the size of the room. I just do what I do and go for it.

What will you be doing for “Broadway Night” at the Lark Theater?
“Jesus Christ Superstar” was my first venture back into musical theatre after a decade, and I’m realizing that this is where I shine the most. I’m excited to be leaning into my core and mission in life, working hard and bringing everything to it. Even when I’m singing pop music, I bring the theatre approach to it.

What’s next for you after this show?
I’ll be heading back to Provincetown, then I’ll be developing a few new projects that I’m spearheading. In this time, if you want to do anything, you have to do it yourself.

‘Broadway Night’ with Brian Justin Crum and Daniela Innocenti Beem, The Lark Theater, 549 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur. $70-$80, August 28, 7:30pm
https://www.marinjazz.com
https://www.brianjustincrum.com
https://www.instagram.com/brianjustincrum/