Get ready for an inspiring story that will leave you in awe! Jordan Litz, the talented performer from Wicked, has achieved the seemingly impossible. With a mere six months of training, he conquered the New York City Marathon on November 2nd, and then, in a remarkable display of endurance, he immediately jumped into two back-to-back performances as Fiyero on Broadway. This incredible feat has captured the attention of the nation, with Litz appearing on The Today Show and even getting a mention on Saturday Night Live. But here's where it gets controversial...
Litz's motivation was not just about personal achievement; it was a mission to raise funds for Broadway Cares. With his first-ever marathon completed in an impressive 3:40:53, he then rushed to the Gershwin Theatre for a matinee and evening performance, proving that he is a true superhero both on and off the stage.
In an exclusive interview with Playbill, Litz opened up about his experience, his supportive wife Julie, and how training for the marathon rekindled his passion for swimming, an Olympic-level sport he once excelled in.
The Journey to the Finish Line
Litz shared that this was his inaugural marathon experience, having never run a full 26.2 miles before, not even in training. He explained how he connected with Broadway Cares about six months prior, and from there, his training journey began. Balancing eight Broadway shows a week, a two-year-old daughter, and a commute from Jersey to the city every day, Litz's training schedule was far from conventional. Most of his runs were done during the hottest part of the day in the summer, when the temperature soared to 95 degrees, as his work schedule didn't allow for early morning runs like most runners. Despite the challenges, Litz found a unique way to combine his passions for Broadway and pushing his physical limits, and the result was an extraordinary achievement.
The Support System
Litz's wife, Julie, played a pivotal role in his success. She supported him throughout his training and cheered him on, allowing Litz to focus on his goals. With their second child due in December, Julie is now preparing for her own marathon, and Litz is gearing up to take on more responsibilities at home. Litz humorously acknowledges the challenges of expanding the family, saying, "Zero to one is an absolute gut punch, but one to two is manageable, and anything over two just adds to the chaos."
The Psychological Fuel
As Litz approached the final four miles of the marathon, his hamstring locked up, and he considered walking off the course. But then, the support of his fans and the encouragement of his fellow performers kicked in. Litz had asked people to yell "Fiyero!" from the musical number "No Good Deed" as he ran, and hearing this battle cry from the crowd gave him the energy to push through. Additionally, a joke made on SNL about Litz's marathon and subsequent shows added a layer of pressure that motivated him to finish strong.
The Post-Marathon Rush
After the marathon, Litz had to navigate the post-race procedures and make his way to the theater. New York Road Runners accommodated his unique situation, allowing him to bypass the usual exit and head straight to Central Park West. He met up with his wife and daughter at Columbus Circle, took a quick photo, and then walked to the Gershwin Theatre, where his dresser, Stephen Lieboff, had prepared a hero's welcome with snacks, banners, and even a finish line tape in the dressing room.
Performing Through Pain
Litz's body was undoubtedly exhausted, but his show must go on. He quickly showered and fueled up on bananas and Gatorade, the only things he could stomach before the show. His dresser, Stephen, was a true superhero, ensuring Litz had everything he needed. Despite the physical toll, Litz relied on his muscle memory and the support of the cast to deliver a powerful performance.
The Cast's Support
The cast of Wicked showed their appreciation for Litz's achievement during the curtain call. Natasha Yvette Williams, who plays Morrible, made a sweet announcement about Litz's marathon feat, and Brad Oscar also acknowledged his incredible day. The support from the cast and the audience was a dream come true for Litz.
A Remarkable Achievement
Litz's story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. His choice to push his physical limits while also excelling artistically on Broadway has inspired awe and admiration. It's a reminder that sometimes, we need to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the extraordinary.
So, what do you think? Is Litz's achievement a testament to the power of human potential, or is it a risky endeavor that could have backfired? Share your thoughts in the comments!
