A Marriage On and Off Stage

Steve and Eydie, George and Gracie, Lucy and Desi, all marriages based on complementary talents expressed in careers.

Enter local Atlanta newlyweds, Jordan Sam Rich and Danielle Vivcharenko, who are singing, dancing and acting their way to the City Springs stage in the upcoming production of “Les Misérables.” Rich plays Grantaire, the nihilistic, hard-drinking student, while Vivcharenko is part of the ensemble and understudies Madame Thénardier.

The acting couple met at Florida State University/Asolo Repertory Theatre’s MFA Acting Program. The story began in 2021, when they were among just 12 students in the same graduate acting cohort.

“We were friends during our entire first year and began dating later that summer. Jordan is a huge homebody, so I was the one always pushing to hang out outside of class,” said Vivcharenko. Rich remembers the courtship somewhat differently with a little more romance. “Danielle was insistent on a date, begging me to take her to this awesome speakeasy I found, but I definitely made the first move, a proper kiss in her martini earrings.”

The two quickly discovered that their artistic partnership was as strong as their personal one. They worked as scene partners and developed “a real admiration for each other’s talents. I could not have made it through the program without her,” Rich added. For Jordan, a native Atlantan who attended North Springs Charter High School, City Springs has become home base. He related, “City Springs has become my creative home in. Not only have they allowed me to act and teach, they have also introduced me to some of my best friends and favorite professional colleagues. Getting to share that with Danielle is a dream come true.”

Their mutual admiration made it down the aisle. The couple married June 4 at Temple Sinai, in the Lehrman Rabbinic Garden, officiated by Rabbi Natan Trief, as the first couple to be married in the garden in the front of the building.

Professionally, both are triple threats. Rich acts, sings, directs and teaches, with credits that include Broadway readings, national tours and extensive regional theatre. He has appeared at Asolo Repertory Theatre and City Springs and worked at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center as an assistant director. Rich’s credits include National Tour (“Pete the Cat”); Asolo Repertory Theatre (“Intimate Apparel,” “Inherit the Wind,” “Hood,” “Eureka Day,” “Our Town,” and “Fountain”); City Springs Theatre Company (“Ragtime,” “Beautiful,” “The Music Man,” “Jersey Boys,” “Come From Away”); Actor’s Express (“Marie Antionette”); and Santa Rosa Rep (“Little Shop,” “South Pacific” and “Emma”). Vivcharenko describes herself as an “actor, singer and dancer, with a particular love of musical theatre.” She also choreographs and teaches acting at Orbit Arts Academy.

She explained, “My first love will always be musical theatre, but I always joke that I’m an actor who just happens to sing and can do a double pirouette.”

Their connection to “Les Misérables” harkens back to when Rich saw the touring production at the Fox Theater in 2016.

“I was hooked instantly,” he said. Vivcharenko began even earlier. “I begged my mom for the DVD of the 2010 concert version from Barnes and Noble when I was 11 and became obsessed.”

In terms of “Les Mis,” Rich sees his character Grantaire as an opportunity to bring both humor and humanity to the complicated character.

“I do my best with every role I dig into to bring refreshing honesty and joyous play. Even in tragedy there are blessings. How lucky are we to immerse ourselves in real stakes and walk away unscathed; that’s what I love about the theatre. Plus, we get to offer change,” he related.

Vivcharenko is also enthusiastic about her roles. “I love playing the villain, the comic relief and the promise of bringing a sense of play.”

The production also marks her City Springs debut, something she labels “very exciting.”

Regarding faith and home life, “We believe that being Jewish means practicing mitzvot,” Rich said. Vivcharenko added, “We enjoy Shabbat services and dinner. I bake challah and even made our wedding cake!”

“Les Misérables” will run at City Springs Theatre Company’s Byers Theatre from Sept 11 to Sept. 27.