A Day in the Life of Peter Gregus
September 12th, 2007Peter Gregus is a man of many talents! In addition to his scene-stealing work as Bob Crewe, Gregus juggles several other small roles and serves as Jersey Boys’ dance and fight captain. Broadway.com asked the Bronx-born actor to describe his typical day before and after he arrives at the August Wilson Theatre! Here’s a sneak peek at Peter’s day:
When I was researching the role of Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys, I discovered that the Four Seasons often called him the 5th Season. Not only did he write and produce most of their hits, he helped orchestrate the songs and also sang backup. Oddly enough, in playing this role, I find I have taken on those same characteristics in my own life. I not only play Bob Crewe but four other speaking roles, and I have to dance hip-hop in the opening sequence. Add to that my duties as dance and fight captain, and I’ve got quite a full plate. It makes for a very busy week! Here’s a typical day in the life of the 5th Season:
8pm to 10:30pm: Double duty. Since I’m in the show and also dance captain, I have to use both sides of my brain. Luckily, I’m not in most of the production numbers, so I can take notes from the wings or by watching the monitors backstage. Other times I’m right in the mix of the performance, so I have little scratch pads all over backstage to jot things down after I come off. This cast is pretty good at maintaining themselves. But, like all humans, we get into our habits. At almost the two-year mark, I just have to say, “Remember that note I gave you about the…” and they usually go, “Oh, yeah, I’m sorry, I’ll fix it.” And most times they do. I do have a word of advice to current/future dance captains: If actors are off their mark and you want to get them back on, just tell them they’re out of their light. They’ll get back into place in a New York minute.
Visit Broadway.com to read more about Peter’s action-packed day!
Peter there is no one like you. You do such a good job as Bob Crewe and the others that you play. I just saw Sacramento show and it didn’t seem the same with you not playing Bob Crewe. I have met you at the stage door and you are such an upbeat person, and everyone loves you. I love how much you love your dog, I also am obsessed with my dog. It is great to have animals in your life. Your day sounds very hectic but you pull it off so well.
Comment by gail drouillard — September 12, 2007 @ 7:55 am
I loved your interview. I thought you were great in Jersey Boys.Your also are a dog lover,thats nice.A dog is good company to come home to. They’re never critics.
Comment by THEA — September 12, 2007 @ 9:52 am
Peter- I loved this “Day in the life of…” piece. I can’t imagine you giving corrections in anything, but the best way. Speaking of that ‘lighting as motivator’, though… the two times I saw the show this summer, Daniel/ Bob Gaudio did not seem to be in the spotlight for his final lines, while the other ‘boys’ were. I have wanted to inquire about this and then I see you mentioning this topic right here.
You are so friendly… when my husband and I came to Rockers last summer, you motioned us in the door. My husband commented that you must have remembered me. I said, “I wish… he treats everyone like friends.”
This outline of a typical day was so very interesting…
Comment by Audrey — September 16, 2007 @ 11:09 pm
I had no idea a dance captain would have that much responsibilty. You’re a busy man, Peter, but it sounds like you really love it all. And you are not only a great Bob Crewe, my friend Craig Laurie (Bob Crewe in Chicago) tells me you’re a great mentor as well.
Comment by Howard Tucker — September 16, 2007 @ 11:24 pm
Hi there!
I missed you during the 03 October NYC JB’s performance; my 5th time I have to admit! You are hysterical & I am looking forward to your return. Yes, I’ll be returning to NYC for a 6th performance on 06 Nov, the second anniversary of JB’s I believe? Please be there Peter…you’re Simply the Best!
NJL in Texas!
Comment by NewJerseyLasagna — October 14, 2007 @ 1:45 pm