I Do; Now Let's Dance!

Broadway is no stranger to couples shining onstage together and the current production of GOTTA DANCE! at Stage 42 is no exception. Jessica Lee Goldyn and Blake Zelesnikar recently chatted with me about their experiences being in the same show as a married pair, and it may be exactly the joy the world needs right now. 

In the heart of Manhattan, Riki Kane Larimer and American Dance Machine have brought together the epitome of dance: phenomenal performers with the trailblazing creators of the most notable choreographic numbers. A non-stop high-energy show that highlights “the beauty of seeing the progression of choreography on Broadway”, according to Zelesnikar. After all, that is exactly what American Dance Machine is known for. Following a sold-out run at the York Theatre, GOTTA DANCE! has officially transferred to the off-Broadway venue mere months later. The aforementioned couple remained with the show, keeping one another and their dance moves vibrant. 

When I asked them who their inspirations were while they were working among living legends such as Stephen Schwarz, Donna McKechnie, Baayork Lee, Robert La Fosse, Randy Skinner and more; Jess offered the names of Ms. McKechnie herself as well as Gwen Verdon, Debbie Allen, and Ann Reinking; quoting how the women that she looks up to do the work of keeping the intention of their partners and creatives alive long after working with them. 

“I connect with wanting to be a part of the production in every way, not just when she is standing on zero with the spotlight on her.” Jess shared in regards to Gwen Verdon. “One thing [Donna McKechnie] has taught me is that she is always learning. The fact that she is the epitome of Cassie and watches someone else and learns from it and grows from it is something I hope to capture in myself as a teacher.”

Blake offered the adorable answer of being inspired by “Miss Jessica Lee Goldyn herself…The way [Jess] performs, the work she has done, and the weight she has put into everything she does has taught me a lot.” The adoration was exactly as adorable as it sounds. 

However, the York Theatre engagement was not the first time that Jess and Blake have worked together, or with the material for that matter. Prior to appearing in GOTTA DANCE!, they created the company The Source NYC and performed in the A Chorus Line: 50th Anniversary together. In fact, they met while sharing the stage dancing! Blake partners with Sara Esty onstage to perform “Mr. Monotony”, revisiting the piece that he originally performed in Jerome Robbin’s Broadway regionally in 2018. Jessica also is revisiting the number “City Lights”, this time starring in the piece after performing it previously with American Dance Machine.

Their pièce de résistance, however, is their collaboration in the recreation of “The Music and the Mirror”, playing Cassie and Zach respectively. Set onstage by the marvelous Donna McKechnie (the original Cassie in the 1975 production), the scene features a quarrel and reconnection between two former lovers. This is the first time Goldyn has gotten to play off of her husband in a piece that she has become nearly synonymous with. 

“Getting to do the fiftieth together is such a gift that I’ll be grateful for forever.” Goldyn remarks. “Getting to work with Donna-there is no better person. She is the person. She is Cassie. To get to pass on… how she and Michael created, all of it- she’s given us everything we need in the room with her.”

“This opportunity for me is a huge treat” Zelesnikar concurs. “I’m trying to soak in any second we get with Donna. I get to be Zach for Jessica Goldyn as Cassie, which is amazing in itself. I am in good hands.”

“It’s very special for him to be the voice I am talking to because he is my person. He is the love of my life. We like to joke the love of my lives, in every life it is going to Blake, he is going to be that person for me. I believe what makes that scene so heartbreaking is that feeling of- these two people are really tied together. You know, that muse- that Bob and Gwen, or Michael and Donna- you feel that love that ties them together for life... Underneath it all is that love. With all the Zachs I’ve worked with along the way to feel that I have landed in this place with Blake, and really incorporate that feeling of love, is a gift for me.” 

In terms of a dream show to perform together, they would love to dive back into Chicago on Broadway, the show that first brought them together while performing it regionally. Jess said how she could see them playing off one another as Roxie Hart and Fred Casely, or even envision Blake taking on the suave role of Billy Flynn. “It feels like just a matter of time,” Jess shared, noting “we have both been in for it”. They also would enjoy the partner work of doing Contact together, a snippet of which we see Blake perform in their current production. “There’s no better partner in the world than him.”

Both referenced their days being more enjoyable while spent in unison, whether at work or home. In terms of routine, Blake takes the morning household obligations being an earlier riser, whereas Jess is the night owl and handles the end of day duties. Their favorite time together, however, is just strolling with their pup, Lolly. The nighttime wanderings are their opportunity to “let go of all the stuff from the theatre and become one as a family again”.  They also support each other in the sense that they are “one another’s eternal readers” collaborating on scripts, songs, choreography and more. Also, with Blake reminding Jess self-care is the bath or ice pack at the end of a long day of dance, given he is the younger half of their marriage.

In every sentiment they shared, it is so apparent that this couple is more than the standard husband-wife pair. The outpour of joy, humor, comfort, respect and dedication is truly unparalleled by anyone I’ve ever met. They are beyond your “cutesy” couple goals; Jessica Lee Goldyn and Blake Zelesnikar are what every performer dreams of finding in a happily ever after. Seeing them onstage in this current knock-out production is an opportunity of a lifetime.

GOTTA DANCE! is currently running at Stage 42, produced by the radiant Riki Kane Larimer in association with American Dance Machine. Nikki Feirt Atkins and four-time Tony Award-nominated Randy Skinner are co-directing the production. It officially opens Tuesday, March 31st. Tickets can be purchased through the Telecharge website or in-person at the box office. This is definitely a show not to be missed!

Photographs Courtesy of: Chirstopher Duggan, Jessica Lee Goldyn, Susan Stripling and Jenny Anderson