Billy Elliot’s Gregory Jbara Plans an Explosively Romantic Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and Broadway.com reached out to some of the most romantic people we know—Broadway stars—to get the scoop on heart-melting gifts, swoon-worthy tunes and more.

GREGORY JBARA (Dad in Billy Elliot)

What Broadway show tune makes you swoon and why?
"All The Things You Are" by Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II from Very Warm For May. When performed in the original stage version with a full chorus, there is nothing more sublime. I first experienced it as an audience member at Boston's Symphony Hall with the Pops, a full chorus and an amazing cast of Broadway stars with conductor John McGlinn. I later was privileged to play Kenny in a concert version at Weill Recital Hall (also with McGlinn), and my knees went weak every night. "I Think I Got You Beat" from Shrek, by Jeanine Tesori, best captures the essence of the romance between my wife Julie and me. When we saw the show with the boys, I can remember looking at my wife as the song ended and we both had tears in our eyes not only from laughing but also deeply identifying with that courtship.

What are the ingredients for a perfect Valentine's Day?
Just to be with my family. I will be flying home on Valentine's Day to be with them in L.A. My wife will also be flying home from a work-related seminar in San Francisco. I'll be arriving in time to pick up the boys from school. The three of us are in the process of cooking up a surprise for their mother which must be accomplished in the few hours before she arrives home later that day. Here's hoping we don't blow the house up...or burn it down.

Keep checking back for more Valentine’s Day ideas from your favorite stars.