At just 11 years old, Joshua Turchin is already an accomplished singer, songwriter and musician. He is also a BroadwayWorld award-winning actor who has twice toured with the Broadway National Tour of A Christmas Story: The Musical. Joshua recently released the video for his original single “What’s a Jew to Do on Christmas?” Keeping in the spirit of the holidays, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Betty Cares and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Watch the video and read our interview below!
What inspired you to write the song “What’s a Jew to Do on Christmas?”
My personal experiences inspired me to write “What’s a Jew to Do on Christmas?”. I love Christmas time. There is something so special about the way that everything seems positive, and everyone seems happier and festive. As a Jew, I don’t celebrate it and I wanted to remind people who don’t celebrate it that we can still enjoy the day because it’s special for so many people. I feel like it’s a really important time for everyone to come together and respect each other, regardless of what he or she believes in. I wanted my song to be fun, catchy and unifying!
As a Jew, what was the most challenging part of performing in A Christmas Story: The Musical?
Outside of the show, it was a little different to be one of the only people who celebrated Chanukah on the road. However, it was a lot of fun to celebrate Christmas on stage for over 100 shows with some really amazing and talented friends!
What’s your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday has to be Chanukah!
Do you have a favorite memory or funny behind-the-scenes story from a show?
My favorite memory was in A Christmas Story last year when I had to do an emergency role switch. Our Schwartz unfortunately became very sick on opening night. The show had already begun and the Resident Director came and grabbed me and told me that I was going on as Schwartz. Although I knew the show very well, I had never rehearsed the blocking or lines as Schwartz. I went on minutes later and had the time of my life making sure that the audience had no idea that anything happened!
If you could be stuck in an elevator with any Broadway star, who would it be?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH!!!!!!!!!
Dream role?
Evan Hansen
When I’m not performing, you can usually find me…
…writing my musical, which I hope to start workshopping next year!
What’s your favorite Broadway show?
Once!
Favorite Emoji?
? upside down smiley face!
“What’s a Jew to Do on Christmas?” will be available for digital download this holiday season on iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, among other stations and distribution channels. The video is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQOlfCkv5qc
Turchin composed the music, wrote the lyrics and created the arrangements for the instruments. He also plays the piano, drums, acoustic guitar and bells on the track.
Featuring:
Joshua Turchin: Vocals, Drums, Acoustic Guitar, Bells, Piano
Madeleine Pace: (Broadway’s ONCE): Backup Vocals
Shaina Turchin: Backup Vocals
Tomas Doncker: (Internationally renowned guitarist and recording artist): Electric and acoustic guitar
About Joshua Turchin
Joshua Turchin is an already accomplished 11-year-old BroadwayWorld award-winning actor, singer, dancer and musician based in New York City. Turchin recently played Noah Gellman in the acclaimed Tantrum Theater production of Caroline or Change, and twice toured the US with the Broadway National Tour of A Christmas Story the Musical, for which he received a 2016 Broadway World Phoenix Award for Best Actor in a Musical (Randy Parker / Professional). He was also part of theSchool of Rock Broadway Promo Team, and has performed as Sam I Am in the Green Eggs and Hamadeus opera with The Cleveland Orchestra. Joshua can be heard on the Moonshine and Mistletoe cast recording, and Hell is for Real cast recording. He is a recurring voice on iHeartRadio and his voice can be heard on several animated shows, including the upcoming animated series Gyuri and Friends (Gyuri) and the English Egg series.
Website: http://www.joshuaturchin.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/joshuaturchin
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/joshuaturchin
About Betty Cares
Betty Cares is a not-for-profit that is dedicated to supporting caregivers who help the sick, injured and developmentally challenged, especially children, while raising awareness of the importance of self-care and well-being while taking care of others. Visit www.bettycares.org