Jersey Boys Blog

In the words of Nick Massi in JERSEY BOYS, “Sometimes it just clicks with people.” That’s one of the best ways to describe last Saturday night’s completely energized audience at JB Vegas’ 1,000th performance celebration!

JERSEY BOYS celebrated 1,000 performances in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 28 by partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas to host to the “Walk Like a Man” shoe drive. The original goal was to collect 1,000 pairs of children’s shoes, but close to 3,000 fans came down to show their support for this great cause! The original 1,000 tickets were gone by the first hour, but thanks to the generous Jersey Boys’ producers, everyone who brought a pair of shoes received a ticket to an upcoming performance.

It was a blast chatting with fellow fans in line as we were waiting for the shoe drive to begin! Many people said they have been waiting over two years for an opportunity to see JB and they were equally excited to donate shoes to kids! So, we were expecting a fun crowd at Saturday night’s show. As we were heading to our seats, we heard lots of chatter, including one lady who turned to her friend and said, “I can’t believe we’re finally here to see this show!”

The full house crowd, many of whom donated kids’ shoes to the Jersey Boys Vegas’ “Walk Like A Man” shoe drive earlier in the day, were ready for a night of fabulous entertainment! But honestly–I don’t think the first-timers in the audience knew how quickly they would be pulled in from the very beginning, connecting with not only the chart-topping hits that have been around for almost 50 years, but also with the Four Seasons’ rocky road of struggles, successes, heartbreak, and of course, the legendary group’s eventual triumph!

Although we expected the audience to be psyched up, the JBB Tech Half and I thought this crowd was one of the most excited, appreciative, and adoring audiences we’ve ever seen–with nonstop cheering, thunderous applauding, dancing, swaying, quietly singing along on occasion, absolutely howling during the comedic moments in the show, and yes, even “tearing up” on more than one occasion.

The entire JERSEY BOYS Vegas cast was absolutely magnificent on stage for their 1,000th show with so many show-stopping moments! Kudos to the entire cast for their electrifying performance on their big night!

Once again, Congratulations to the JB cast, crew, and creative team on their latest milestone!

On Broadway, JERSEY BOYS grossed $1,014,108 and had a 98.7% attendance rate for the week ending August 29, 2010. JB was one of only four shows last week that remained in the millionaire’s club. The 21 shows on the boards grossed $16,139,305, slipping just under 7% from the previous week.

Below are the Top 10 Grosses from BroadwayWorld.com for the week ending August 29, 2010.

1. Wicked $1,664,108
2. The Lion King $1,546,227
3. Jersey Boys $1,014,108
4. Billy Elliot: The Musical $1,006,495
5. Promises, Promises $985,433
6. Mary Poppins $920,251
7. Memphis $841,523
8. Mama Mia! $830,277
9. The Phantom of the Opera $774,626
10. The Addams Family $764,231

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

An amazing number of people came out to support JERSEY BOYS Vegas’ “Walk Like A Man” shoe drive today! It was fantastic to see every fan so excited to donate new shoes for kids of all ages who will be starting school next week! We had a blast talking to so many people about the cool shoes and about tonight’s show! Many first-timers will be in the audience tonight and they were beyond excited for this marvelous opportunity to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas and to celebrate JB Vegas’ 1,000th show!

Happy 1,000th performance to JERSEY BOYS Las Vegas!

To celebrate its 1,000th performance at the Palazzo, the award-wining hit musical Jersey Boys is hosting a Walk Like a Man shoe drive to commemorate the milestone. A new pair of shoes can be redeemed for one ticket to the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday in the theater lobby for that evening’s 6:30 performance. The donations benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.

Rick Faugno, Deven May, Jeff Leibow, Travis Cloer and Peter Saide celebrate Jersey Boys’ second anniversary on The Strip with a platinum record commemoration at the Palazzo on April 24, 2010. (Photo Credit: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com)

From Don Chareunsy at LasVegas Weekly.com: There is no such thing as free, especially in Las Vegas, but this deal comes as close as it gets to free here. To celebrate its 1,000th performance at the Palazzo, the award-wining hit musical Jersey Boys is hosting a Walk Like a Man shoe drive to commemorate the milestone.

A new pair of shoes can be redeemed for one ticket to the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday in the theater lobby for that evening’s 6:30 performance. The donations benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.

“Being in a position to give back to the people who support you is a wonderful gift. The fact that the Las Vegas community has embraced us to the extent of 1,000 performances makes this charity event even sweeter,” Jeff Leibow, who portrays Nick Massi, told Vegas DeLuxe. “Helping the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas collect 1,000 pairs of shoes will make a difference for so many children in the Las Vegas community, and it will make our 1,000th performance unforgettable.”

A maximum of two pairs of shoes per person is allowed, and as many as 1,000 tickets will be distributed to fans who participate in the shoe drive. The complimentary tickets are valid only for the 6:30 p.m. performance Saturday.

“It’s an honor to help the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas. Las Vegas is a great city and has been so incredible to me both in Jersey Boys and as a solo artist,” said Travis Cloer, who portrays Frankie Valli. “These kids are going to make Vegas even better in the future, and it’s the least we can do to help them stay a step ahead.”

After the drive, the Jersey Boys cast will deliver the shoes to the children of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas. The organization’s mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible residents. More than 13,000 youths ages 5 to 18 are served in eight facilities throughout the Las Vegas Valley.

“Donating to a great cause and a free ticket to Jersey Boys? What could be better than that?” said Rick Faugno, who splits the vocally challenging role of Valli with Cloer.

So, who will be there for this great benefit and for the JB Vegas 1,000th show celebration tomorrow?

Photo by: Joan Marcus

Joseph Leo Bwarie recently spoke to AustinOnStage.com’s Olin Meadows about becoming the icon Frankie Valli, the intensity of the show, and keeping the show fresh after three years of performing six shows a week. Here’s a sneak peek to the in-depth interview:

OM: What is it like being in a show as huge as Jersey Boys?

JLB: Well, this is a different show with a different kind of role, but I think I am still the same person. The best part of being in a show like Jersey Boys is the amazing production quality - it is like no other show on earth. This show has one of the highest quality levels I have ever been a part of.

But even after doing this show and getting kind of spoiled, I would be thrilled to be able to go back to California and work in a black box theatre with folding chairs - because the real reason I do this is because of the passion I have for entertaining people. Above all the glitz and fame of Jersey Boys, I truly love this art form. I have made it my life, it is my craft, and love each day in the theatre.

OM: What is it like being Frankie Valli?

JLB: First of all, I am not Frankie - I know that. I am still Joseph Leo Bwarie, and my family calls me Joey. I portray Frankie Valli - it is my job, not who I am. I can only try to live up to the legend that is Frankie Valli. It is enough pressure playing him on the stage.

It is fun having a job where I get to pretend to be Frankie Valli. I try to stay as grounded as I can - I mean, Frankie Valli is an international sensation. It is an honor and privilege to be able to play Frankie Valli.

It is definitely a dream role. In fact, never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be playing Frankie Valli.

OM: How has being in Jersey Boys changed your life?

JLB: Jersey Boys is such a “buzz word” that it is unbelievable. People will see me on the street or in Whole Foods after a show, and they will be like “Hey Frankie”! And I often have to introduce myself and say I am not Frankie Valli, but I do portray him in the show.

But you know, I really love doing theatre - and I love being in this show, even after three years of playing Frankie Valli, six nights a week. I still don’t ever get sick of singing “Sherry Baby.” My friends back home in California think I have lost it; they all want me to come back and play with them.

I had lots of amazing opportunities before Jersey Boys. In fact, I worked with one of the greatest theatre companies, the Troubadour Theatre Company, and that experience was equally as rewarding as touring with this show - because for me it is all about the art and the emotion you create.

For the full interview, visit AustinOnStage.com.

Reviewer Olin Meadows gives the Austin production of JERSEY BOYS an “unprecedented 6 out 5 stars.” Here’s a preview:

Writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice create a relatable retelling of the story of the iconic singing group, The Four Seasons - and the legend that came out of those four very different men. All of the men who recreate the original Four Seasons are truly talented and make you feel that you are right in the middle of all the jokes, lies, arguments and romances of four Italian guys from Jersey - who for better or worse went on to make it big.

Singer and actor Joseph Leo Bwarie - or Joe, as he likes to be called - is a charming and believable Frankie Valli, with the voice of an angel equal to the original. Matt Bailey - playing Tommy Devito, the unfortunately villain of the story - has great stage presence. And even though you want to dislike, him you simply can’t.

Frankie might have sung “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” but Steve Gouveia is one actor you can’t take your eyes off as he sits back and plays the shy and passive Nick Massi. But in the end, you realize that it is Bob Gaudio - played by Ryan Jesse - who makes this story a hit. Frankie might have sung the hits, but it was Bob who wrote them all, and Mr. Jesse keeps this show moving along with his great voice and believable portrayal of the man who did not want to be in the spotlight.

So if you can’t help but sing along whenever you hear “Who Loves You,” then “Walk Like a Man” right into the Bass Concert Hall at the University of Texas, and catch this once-in-a-lifetime show while it is still here. I give this show and unprecedented 6 out of 5 Stars. Jersey Boys is off the charts, just like all the unforgettable songs the Four Seasons and Frankie Valli have given us!

Visit AustinOnStage.com for the full rave review.

Todd Razor reports that the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines posted big numbers with its run of “Jersey Boys,” and the nonprofit organization’s leader said even more money spilled over into the economy of the broader community.

The touring Broadway musical, which ended its three-week run in Des Moines last month, portrays the life and times of the Four Seasons, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band composed of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi.

According to Jeff Chelesvig, the Civic Center’s president and CEO, the 58,234 tickets that his venue sold for “Jersey Boys” is substantial for a mid-tier market such as Des Moines.

“It is kind of outstanding that we sold tickets in so many states,” Chelesvig said, referring to buyers from 42 states and Washington, D.C. In Iowa, people from 97 of 99 counties purchased tickets to see one or more of the show’s 24 performances.

Not that all ticket purchasers traveled here.

“Let’s face it,” Chelesvig said. “I’m sure that for the Midwestern states, people that were purchasing were probably the ones that were going to use the tickets. In a lot of the other states, I’m guessing, those were people who bought tickets for somebody (else) to come and see the show.”

But the bigger story, Chelesvig said, is that the positive economic impact of “Jersey Boys” didn’t stop at the box office.

And it spread when the curtain closed.

Visit BusinessRecord.com fo the full story.

On August 26, 1978, Frankie Valli hit Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with “Grease,” the theme song from the blockbuster movie. This hit, written by Barry Gibb, remained atop the chart for two consecutive weeks.

Photo Credit: Kelly Cameron

From BroadwayWorld.com: After a successful two-year run (a record-breaker at the Toronto Centre for the Arts), the Dancap helmed Toronto production of the Tony Award-winning musical JERSEY BOYS said Bye, Bye, Baby for the last time on Sunday, August 22nd, 2010.

Christopher Gray of The Oxford Times had a phenomenal time at JERSEY BOYS London’s 100th show. Here’s a preview to his fabulous review:

Oh, what a night! — or rather afternoon, since this is when I saw The Jersey Boys at a Sunday matinee at which was celebrated this marvellous musical’s 1,000th performance.

A big hit already then? Yes, and deservedly so.

This is not a show in the Mamma Mia! mode, which recycles an impressive back catalogue of songs into a story with absolutely no link with the musicians.

Instead we are offered, as in Buddy — perhaps its only rival, in my view — a compelling account of the creative impulses that resulted in the hits. In short, the story of the band.

As portrayed by Stephen Ashfield, Gaudio emerges as the chief creative strength of the band, responsible with lyricist Bob Crewe (Simon Adkins) for a series of great songs that have stood the test of time. These included Rag Doll, Let’s Hang On, Walk Like a Man, Who Loves You? and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, all of which are impeccably performed here.

Crucial to the winning sound, of course, was the astonishing voice, complete with powerful soaring falsetto, of lead singer Frankie Valli. Anyone convinced that “no one sounds like Valli” had better head for the Prince Edward Theatre and allow the brilliant Ryan Molloy to disabuse them of the theory.

Visit The Oxford Times website for Gray’s full review.

On Broadway, JERSEY BOYS grossed $1,020,157 and had a 98.2% attendance rate for the week ending August 22, 2010. The 23 shows on the boards grossed $18,148,278, dropping almost 3.5% from the previous week.

Below are the Top 10 Grosses from BroadwayWorld.com for the week ending August 22, 2010.

1. Wicked $1,688,034
2. The Lion King $1,632,627
3. The Addams Family $1,125,749
4. Mary Poppins $1,052,470
5. Billy Elliot: The Musical $1,039,995
6. Jersey Boys $1,020,157
7. Promises, Promises $966,150
8. Mama Mia! $886,815
9. The Phantom of the Opera $857,575
10. Memphis $854,846

PlayBlog reports that the Grammy Award-winning JERSEY BOYS Original Broadway Cast Recording remained at #2 on the Billboard Top Cast Album chart for the week of August 21, 2010. The RIAA Certified Platinum recording has been on the chart for 240 consecutive weeks!

During JERSEY BOYS Vegas’ second anniversary celebration, Alex Belfield interviewed superstars Bob Gaudio and Frankie Valli.

As we all know, JERSEY BOYS Toronto will end its phenomenal run tomorrow, August 22, 2010 at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. At its closing, the Dora Award-winning, critically acclaimed megahit was seen by over one million customers in Toronto!

Toronto has always been one of my favorite places in the world, but our visit to JERSEY BOYS TO in late May of this year was a visit like no other, thanks to the cast, the crew, and three phenomenal times seeing the show! As the show takes its final bow on Sunday, we wanted to send our appreciation to publicist Amy Orfanakos of Flip Publicity for arranging amazing tickets for our visit and the fabulous JBB EXCLUSIVE interviews throughout the run; the extraordinarily talented cast and crew for putting on such a spectacular show; and Dancap founder and president Aubrey Dan for his warm welcome at the stage door!

So many JB TO memories! The stars were definitely in alignment–meeting our fellow fans Frances Fong-Lee, Gary Neuberg, and Nicola Hengst–who made the experience even more exciting; the multitalented performances each and every night, including the up close & personal experience in RUSH seats during our final evening; so many welcomes from the cast at the stage door, including ALL FOUR leading dashing JERSEY BOYS (Michael Lomenda, Jeff Madden, Dan Sullivan, and Quinn VanAntwerp) coming to meet us and posing for photos at once (Is that style or what?); and Friday night’s behind the scenes adventure with Dan and Quinn as our most marvelous tour guides!

We wish this fabulous cast, the fantastic band, the hard-working crew, the creative team, and everyone associated with JB TO all the best in their future endeavors and thank you ALL for some of the most memorable on-stage and off-stage experiences for Jersey Boys Blog!

We would love for Jersey Boys Blog readers to share your JERSEY BOYS Toronto memories! Anything you’d like to share–your experiences at the theatre, the performances, your well wishes to the cast and crew, etc. Please leave your comments below–we’d love to hear from you!

Jersey Boys has been a smash hit musical ever since it opened on Broadway in 2006. Critically acclaimed and warmly received by the public, the show now has productions running in many different cities, including a very successful and wonderfully talented Canadian Cast. The Toronto Production comes to a close this Sunday August 22nd, 2010 after two years at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. In honor of the show’s closing BWW is taking a look back at some of the unique and fun events the Toronto Production has done during its run, and also sat down to talk with Dancap President Aubrey Dan about saying goodbye to the show, and about what comes next:

Q: After 2 Years in Toronto, how do you plan on saying goodbye to Jersey Boys?

Aubrey Dan: Well, for the public we have been saying goodbye for awhile now. Our advertisements for the last little while have been thanking the public for their support and for coming out to see the show. And as a formal goodbye we will have a goodbye tombstone created for the Toronto Production.

For the cast and company we plan on having a great party! That’s the best way to say goodbye really, we will all have a fun celebration as a way of saying thank you.

Visit BroadwayWorld.com for the full interview:

On Broadway, JERSEY BOYS grossed $1,012,390 and had a 96.1% attendance rate for the week ending August 15, 2010. The 24 shows on the boards grossed $19,217,416, dropping slightly under 2% from the previous week.

Below are the Top 10 Grosses from BroadwayWorld.com for the week ending August 15, 2010.

1. Wicked $1,733,834
2. The Lion King $1,643,356
3. The Addams Family $1,155,492
4. Mary Poppins $1,146,186
5. Billy Elliot: The Musical $1,108,430
6. Promises, Promises $1,093,510
7. Jersey Boys $1,012,390
8. The Phantom of the Opera $937,062
9. Mama Mia! $923,650
10. Memphis $908,819