Matthew Morrison performed at Ruth Eckerd Hall in February. Photo courtesy of Izzy Wild Merl ’28
Before taking the stage at Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Murray Theatre on Feb. 5, Matthew Morrison spoke about a first-year Eckerd College theatre student to whom he dedicated the evening’s performance.
Orie Zadok of Portland, Oregon, had excitedly enrolled in a theatre workshop led by Morrison in the fall, but was unable to attend because he had been hospitalized. So, Morrison visited him in the hospital.
Morrison said he hoped the dedication could serve as encouragement for Orie, who was diagnosed with cancer last semester and is currently undergoing treatment. “I wanted my performance to be a beacon of hope,” Morrison said.
Morisson also discussed efforts to see whether Orie might be able to attend the performance. “The goal was for him to be ready for the show,” he said. Although Orie was unable to attend, Morrison said meeting him beforehand was meaningful. “Meeting him was an impactful moment,” he said. “He reminded me of myself.”
The dedication reflected the themes at the center of Morrison’s solo show, Show Up, which emphasizes presence, vulnerability and connection. In an interview with him before the show, Morrison described a shift in how he is approaching these live performances, focusing on intentional engagement with audiences.
The performance featured songs from Broadway shows and a special dedication.
The performance took place in a smaller theatre setting, creating an intimate environment that allowed for direct interaction. The close proximity kept the audience engaged throughout the show, with Morrison occasionally responding to comments and reactions in real time.
Morrison’s tour is one of several projects he is currently pursuing.
“I used to get offstage feeling like I hit all the notes and did all the moves,” Morrison said. “And I’d go back to the dressing room and feel this emptiness.”
That experience prompted Morrison to reconsider the purpose of performing.
“This time around, it was important for me to curate the show in a way that being raw and vulnerable opens a doorway for the audience to feel something,” he said. “Now this show feels like an act of service.”
During the performance, Morrison revisited his Broadway beginnings, sharing stories about his early career and performing “Without Love” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from “Hairspray” as he reflected on learning and his first breakout role as a young actor.
For Morrison, the measure of a successful performance has changed. “It’s not about impressing people,” he said. It’s about connection.” He added that the most meaningful feedback comes when audience members describe how moments from the show resonated with their own lives.
Speaking to students considering theatre, Morrison acknowledged the field’s competitiveness but emphasized the transferable skills it develops. “It’s a job that requires all of you while you’re doing it,” he said.
As Morrison balances touring, upcoming Broadway commitments, being a father and husband, Show Up remains grounded in a straightforward principle. “Half the game,” he said, “is just being present.”
