Claybourne Elder

Claybourne Elder: I WANT TO BE BAD is a one-man concert and comedy show from the Utah native and Broadway star that entertains, draws you in, and ultimately pulls at the heartstrings. His burnished vocals, gentle manner, and sharp humor combine to create a distinctive experience that will feel close to home for Broadway fans living in the Saratoga and Capitol District rather than Manhattan.  Claybourne's show has been reviewed as artistically fulfilling, emotionally uplifting and often very funny.  

Claybourne Elder currently plays John Adams on HBO’s hit series THE GILDED AGE and was most recently seen on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning revival of COMPANY starring Patti LuPone. He is a Grammy, Screen Actors Guild Award, Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel nominee and is known for his performances on Broadway in BONNIE AND CLYDE, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, TORCH SONG, and SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM at the Hollywood Bowl.

He began his career originating the role of Hollis in Sondheim’s ROAD SHOW; he also originated the role of Ollie in Tennessee William’s ONE ARM. Other credits include: DO I HEAR A WALTZ at City Center, ALLEGRO at Classic Stage, TWO BY TWO (starring Jason Alexander), VENICE at The Public Theatre, Georgio in PASSION, Tony in WEST SIDE STORY, Joe in ANGELS IN AMERICA, Curly in OKLAHOMA, Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince in INTO THE WOODS, and Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. He also played Pete O’Malley in the CW’s THE CARRIE DIARIES. This solo show has played to sold out crowds across the country and in London. Recently he launched an initiative called City of Strangers to provide free tickets to Broadway shows for people who might not have the means. They have given away over 3,000 tickets and have gained unexpected attention nationally being featured on This American Life, CBS This Morning and The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The Broadway star (who confirms that when he was still part of the church he was Elder Elder) obviously means “evil” in terms more religious rather than criminal.  And his latest cabaret show is a celebration of cutting ties with his past, his seemingly charmed present life as a working actor on stage and screen.

After that auspicious production, Elder has kept a connection with Sondheim, performing in productions of Sunday in the Park with George and Passion and culminating in his memorable performance in last season’s gender-reversed Company as Andy, the clothing-optional flight attendant.   Not sure if the gracious and enthusiastic audience at Joe’s Pub were Claybourne Elder converts from that show alone, or if any were like me, following him since Road Show to lesser known but still impressive turns in Classic Stage Company’s rare revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Allegro and as Clyde’s brother in the Broadway premiere of Bonnie and Clyde.  

The evening plans to be a blend of personal, heartfelt stories and songs with funny insights from the unique life of a young, closeted Mormon who transforms into the accomplished performer standing before us now.

The evening promises to be one you will not forget.