“Original Sound” is award-winning actor and director Greg Jbara’s new film. Learn all about the movie, and Greg’s superstar career
Listen to the podcast on Inkandescent Radio
Give me the beat: Inside "Original Sound"
About Greg Jbara's new film, Original Sound: A story about the rhythm of ambition, collaboration, and the price of authenticity. Driven by the pulse and rhythm of Brooklyn and Queens, beat maker Danny Solis may have found his big break when his track was pilfered by pop star Ryan Reed. To keep him quiet, Ryan's manager brokers a deal. How does that play out? Don't miss this film!
May 2026: We are thrilled to feature award-winning Broadway and film actor Greg Jbara, who is making his directorial debut this spring! He is also featured on our Elaine’s Literary Salon show, and in his podcast/video interview with host Jeffrey James Higgins tells us all about the movie, his rise from Michigan boy to celebrity, and why his family is the most important part of his life. Don’t miss it!
About Original Sound: A story about the rhythm of ambition, collaboration, and the price of authenticity.
Driven by the pulse and rhythm of Brooklyn and Queens, beat maker Danny Solis may have found his big break when his track is pilfered by pop star Ryan Reed. To keep Danny quiet, Ryan’s manager brokers a deal in which Ryan and Danny will collaborate on a few songs. Their work together introduces Danny to Manhattan’s music scene and leads Ryan to pivot her career. Despite disappointment and betrayal, Danny perseveres, finding solace and strength within his original sound.
Get your tickets and check out the cool merch: originalsoundfilm.com
Meet Award-winning Actor and Director Greg Jbara: Born and raised in suburban Detroit, Gregory Jbara transferred from the University of Michigan School of Music musical theatre program to complete his BFA in acting at the Juilliard School.
Original Sound, directed by Greg Jbara
Jbara won the 2009 Tony®, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical originating the role of “Jackie Elliot” in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot. He also starred on Broadway as “Billy Flynn” in the Tony Award winning revival of Chicago. He originated the role of “Andre Thibault” in the Broadway musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, also starring John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, Sherie Rene Scott, Joanna Gleason, and Sara Gettelfinger.
Other Broadway musical roles originated by Jbara are: “Squash Bernstein” in Victor/Victoria, starring Julie Andrews, and that of dimwitted catcher “Sohovik” in the Damn Yankees revival starring Bebe Neuwirth, Victor Garber, and Jerry Lewis.
Jbara received the BackStageWest Garland 2000 Award for his performance in the West Coast Premiere of George Furth‘s Precious Sons with Nora Dunn.
Stage credits include: “Mr. Bunder” in the West Coast premiere of Michael John LaChiusa‘s Little Fish at the Blank Theatre, “Vinnie” in the Geffen Playhouse Premiere of Neil Simon‘s Felix & Oscar; “Ike/Bess Truman” in the West Coast Premiere of LaChiusa’s First Lady Suite; “Clark Gable” in The Blank Theatre Company’s Living Room Series presentation of Mark Saltzman‘s new play, Mr. Shaw Goes To Hollywood; “Chick Clark” in Wonderful Town for City Center Encores; the Broadway revival of Born Yesterday with Edward Asner andMadeline Kahn; Serious Money with Alec Baldwin and Kate Nelligan; Privates On Parade with Jim Dale and Simon Jones; Forever Plaid, Das Barbecu, and Have I Got A Girl For You!.
Greg Jbara, with fellow SAG Award-winning actors, on the set of Oppenheimer
Film and TV credits include: The Pied Piper and The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. Jbara is the voice of the animatronic radio newscaster in Epcot Center’s Spaceship Earth. Disney animated feature credits include “Bruiser/Thug Chorus” in Tangled, featured chorus in Enchanted and “Willie 3/Chorus” in Home On The Range. He also sang Randy Newman‘s, “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” from Toy Story for U.S. Olympic Ice Skater, Michelle Kwan‘s 75 Years Of Disney Music/TV Special.
Jbara appeared as “Kenny” in the Carnegie Hall concert version of Very Warm For May with Jon Lovitz for conductor/director John McGlinn.
Recordings include: the Broadway cast recordings of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Victor/Victoria and Damn Yankees!; Little Fish on Ghostlight Records; First Lady Suite on PS Classics; Brigadoon and Annie Get Your Gun on EMI; A Broadway Christmas, Unsung Musicals II, Unsung Berlin, Peter Pan, and Drat The Cat! on Varese/Sarabande; Enchanted, Tangled and Home On The Range for Disney. Jbara was the narrator for Ripley’s Believe it Or Not on TBS, and his voice is featured on the Best Of Ripley’s DVD release. He resides with his wife Julie and their sons Zachary and Aidan in Los Angeles. Learn more: gregoryjbara.com
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com
Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events: ElainesLiterarySalon.com. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.
Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA
About Elaine’s Restaurant: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.
