August 19, 2007

Broadway.com’s Fresh Look at Jersey Boys!

August 19th, 2007

Broadway.com is presenting a fresh look at 2007 megahits, including Jersey Boys! This feature includes interviews with Bob Gaudio, Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard, J. Robert Spencer, and John Lloyd Young, in addition to a photo gallery, a video, and fun facts about the show and The Four Seasons.

Here’s a sneak peek at the interviews with Bob Gaudio and the Boys:

Bob Gaudio: On Jersey Boys’ Macho Appeal
I’ve never seen a reaction like this from guys who would normally rather go see a hockey game while their wives go to a Broadway show. It’s the opposite with this—I’ve seen [instances] where it looks like the guy is dragging his wife into the theater!

Christian Hoff: Which Four Seasons song is the most fun to perform?
“Big Girls Don’t Cry.” When someone treats you like John Payne smacking Rhonda Fleming across the mouth, turn the other cheek. Turn that “B-Western” into a “Million Dollar Movie.”

Daniel Reichard: What is your favorite line of dialogue in the show?
I like Bob Crewe’s response to Frankie’s line about changing his name. (“No. It’s Valli now. Frankie Valli. With an I.”) Crewe says, “And why not?” It rarely gets a laugh because it goes by so fast, but those boys Marshall [Brickman] and Rick [Elice] are so clever!

Bobby Spencer: What’s the most memorable thing a member of the Four Seasons ever said to you?
All of them had great, inspirational things to say, from Bob Gaudio laughing with us during rehearsals and recordings, to Frankie Valli giving me vocal lessons in San Diego, to Tommy DeVito playing my guitar and then autographing it, to Nick’s family saying, “Thanks for bringing my uncle back to life for a couple of hours” and “You did my brother justice!” But the most memorable was a comment from the man responsible for getting the Four Seasons together in the first place, Mr. Joe Pesci. It was opening night. We were backstage after the huge standing ovation. Joey introduced me to Robert De Niro, then hugged me and whispered in my ear, “You were f-ing great, Bobby!”

John Lloyd Young: What quality do you admire most about your character?
Frankie won’t take shit from anybody, and he NEVER. GIVES. UP.

12 Comments »

  1. I love that our Jersey Boys are getting some attention. It’s been a little busy with all the Tours and all. I’m glad for all the other states, just let’s not forget where it started. Great questions great answers. Speaking of other states, I hope Erich Bergen is up and about soon.

    Comment by THEA — August 19, 2007 @ 4:03 pm

  2. Do please click on the link to read the entire article. It’s wonderful, with a nice picture show. Love the one where Frankie and Bob reenact the famous handshake! And Beverley, thanks for giving me a “heads up” on this yesterday.

    Comment by Howard Tucker — August 19, 2007 @ 5:22 pm

  3. I read the article and it is wonderful. I have a lot of catching up to do, having been away and now moving. I can’t wait to read your article, Howard! You are the BEST! IE

    Comment by irene eizen — August 19, 2007 @ 9:01 pm

  4. I just saw the show on Broadway for the 12th time, and it is as fresh and fun as ever. For me, Broadway is the ultimate – it all started here. The touring companies are great and bringing the story to the country, but the guys in NYC put JB on the map. I would love to see more items about the original cast.

    Comment by L — August 20, 2007 @ 5:15 am

  5. What a nice article and so nice to hear about the OBC again! Seems the tours have been receiving all the coverage lately, and that’s great, but let’s not forget where it ALL started. Love reading about our Jersey Boys……..but seems to me that those Jersey Girls are a huge part of the success of this show too, how about some JB Girls coverage?

    Comment by Wanda — August 20, 2007 @ 7:59 am

  6. Amazing page! The interviews were fantastic and I’m happy that Broadway.com is revisiting the OBC. I still wish for more coverage on the tours and the OBC. I simply can’t get enough Jersey Boys!

    Comment by Lauren — August 20, 2007 @ 10:22 am

  7. Oh also, LOVE the video montage they have on there!!! It makes me very, VERY excited to hopefully see the OBC next month!

    Comment by Lauren — August 20, 2007 @ 10:34 am

  8. Wanda (#5), I think the “Journey to Jersey Boys” show last Monday did a lot to increase the profiles of the Jersey Girls and I agree, they are a huge part of the success of the show. Although I’ve seen the show 9X in NYC and attend many of the cabaret performances, except for Jennifer, I hadn’t met any of the JB girls before last Monday.

    Comment by Howard Tucker — August 20, 2007 @ 12:42 pm

  9. I totally agree with Bob Gaudio’s take on the percentage of males that love watching Jersey Boys. I do drag my wife and kids to go watch it at the Curran in SF….. The play, plus “Jersey Beat”, the many cast teasers and original Four Seasons videos/concerts on my DVR definitely do keep the spirit of the group alive!

    As I start to come down from the “high” we experienced from meeting Irene Eizen and family during the “East Meets West”/”East Meets East” (Irene & Buz are neighbors of Jarrod Spectors’ parents!) show, it seems like we’re just wanting more now because of the new casts, announcement of the World Tour and appearances at venues across the US.

    I’ve learned quite a lot more about the OBC in a short time from speaking with Irene and also via e-mail/snailmail with John Lloyd Young and cast. They are great actors as well as ultimate professionals onstage!

    The Broadway.com interviews are something we needed to get more current feedback from the OBC about the play. Now, only if they can get a collective interview with all three groups of “Jersey Girls”!

    Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — August 20, 2007 @ 2:42 pm

  10. Wanda, you are so right! I have been a big OBC cast fan from day one…(well actually, day eleven…I first saw them November 17, 2005)..and while I do admire the talent and charisma of the “boys”, the girls can command a stage just as well. I flew to NY just to see the “Journey to the Jersey Boys” and found the show thoroughly entertaining. I won’r say I was surprised because it is evident in their limited stage time in JB, that these ladies are more thann capable of powerful vocal performances. Heather began with a song that brought tears to my eyes…Erica has such a sultry voice & a true talent with the violin…Sarah has the clear, lilting voice of a songbird… and Jennifer takes a stage like no other! If “Gypsy” is ever revived again on Broadway, watch out because that role is made for her! Travis Cloer rounded out the show and proved his mettle, too. The small intimate cabaret & variety of songs was the perfect showcase for these actresses and actor. I just hope they perform it again so others can see it

    Comment by LuluThompson — August 24, 2007 @ 9:08 pm

  11. I second your comments, Lulu, and see we’re both fans of “Gypsy”. Yeah, Mama Rose is tailor-made for Jennifer, but how about Daniel Reichard (with that great voice) as Tulsa, Peter Gregus as Herbie, Sara Schmidt as Gypsy herself (can just picture her singing “Little Lamb” with that sweet voice) and Christian Hoff (with all the facial expressions) as Mr. Goldstone?

    Comment by Howard Tucker — August 26, 2007 @ 1:21 pm

  12. Howard, I see you’ve added another possible career after CPA and journalism…that of Broadway casting director! You rounded out the cast of “Gypsy” Jersey style!

    Comment by LuluThompson — August 30, 2007 @ 8:54 pm

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