Dominic Nolfi Looks Back and Sends a Special Message to the Fans
September 24th, 2011
By Pamela Singer, JBB Special Correspondent
Listen carefully, friends. That’s the collective sigh of Jersey Boys fans’ hearts as Dominic Nolfi gets ready to end his incredible seven-year ride with the show on September 25th. One of the most talented and versatile “Boys” to ever grace a stage, Dom has been electrifying audiences as Tommy DeVito for the past three years. Before taking on the enigmatic role of Tommy, Dom was a swing with the NY cast, playing seven different roles at one point or another. Quite a resume, wouldn’t you say?! As his alter ego Tommy tells us “You ask four different guys, you get four different versions.” True, but Dom, like Tommy, really was there from the beginning. I had the pleasure of talking with Dom recently, as he reflected on his amazing journey, and sent out a special message to the fans.
Pamela Singer: Great to see you, Dom. First of all, how are you feeling?
Dominic Nolfi: I’m feeling good, actually. This is really a very bittersweet time for me. Jersey Boys has been such a significant part of my life for the past seven years, personally and professionally. In addition to the thrill of doing the show, it’s been a launch pad for meeting new people and getting my name out there. The fans have been unbelievable, and such an important part of this whole experience. I’ve made incredible friendships with people in the show that will last a lifetime. Really, I’m just humbled and thankful to have been a part of all this.
PS: Can you talk a little about the times you’ve had with the show, from 2004 in La Jolla until now?
DN: Sure. I joined Jersey Boys in October 2004, after it had been running about a month in La Jolla. I’d auditioned for the role of Frankie (in front of Frankie Valli among others) in Los Angeles 5 months before, but hadn’t heard anything back. When my agent called and said I’d been hired as a swing, I was both excited and nervous.
PS: Were you familiar with the Four Seasons?
DN: I was with their music, but not with the back story. One of my Aunts listened to their records all the time, so I knew most of their songs.
PS: Had you seen the show before you were hired? What were your first impressions?
DN: No, I actually first saw it after I’d been hired, and was completely blown away by the abundance of talent in the cast, not to mention the book, music, staging, etc. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and supportive of me. My first reaction was that it was going to be a huge success. Of course, none of us could have predicted just how big a success!
PS: What role did you first play there?
DN: I was scheduled to go on as Bob first, as my friend Daniel {Reichard} had a day off. In the middle of learning that role, I went on as Frankie with very little notice!
PS: Talk about Baptism by fire!! Tell us a little bit about the show’s transition from La Jolla to NY.
PS: The show was extended several times in La Jolla, and played there from October 2004- February 2005. Everyone then went back to their regular lives, waiting until a theatre was secured in NY. We all felt positive about the show when it opened, although there was that backlash against “jukebox musicals” that hadn’t gone over well.
PS: Right, but then the whole world exploded in November 2005!
DN: Yes, but the original cast took nothing for granted, and were just really thankful and happy with everything that happened. That attitude carried over, and is still true.
PS: Did the show change much with the move from La Jolla to Broadway?
DN: Not really. It was great to begin with, and has stayed that way.
PS: Who did you make your Broadway debut as?
DN: I went on as Frankie a few days after we opened. Ironically, Tommy was the last part assigned to me, soon after the Tonys in 2006.
PS: Speaking of Mr. DeVito, have you met him?
DN: Yes, he’s someone I’m proud to call a friend. He’s come to see the show once or twice a year.
PS: That’s great. Dom, why do you think the show has been so popular and successful?
DN: The show is as popular as it is because people keep coming back. They really enjoy the show and what it means to them. The people who come back have watched us all grow, and I’m thankful that I’m in a show where that’s happened. It’s very special and very cool.
PS: It’s been very special and very cool for your many fans as well! What would you like to say to them?
DN: I want to thank from the bottom of my heart, all of you who’ve supported me, as well as the show, over the years. It’s been a pleasure getting to know each and every one of you. Your support and kindness have meant so much. Keep an eye out for some upcoming projects that Jarrod Spector and I have been working on!!
PS: Dom, you will be greatly missed, both on stage and off. Thanks for taking the time to talk, and best of luck in the future.
DN: Thanks, Pam.
Dominic- Thank you for the memories. All the best to you and I hope to see you perform again real soon. Keep us posted on your where about so that we can come see you.
Comment by RoseMary Algerio — September 24, 2011 @ 10:06 am
First Steve Gouveia, now Dominic Nolfi. Only Peter Gregus remains from the LaJolla cast. Those guys are human encyclopedias where Jersey Boys is concerned! I know that it’s normal for casts to change, and actors do move on to other exciting projects. But that doesn’t mean fans aren’t sad to see popular cast members leave.
Dominic, I’m glad I was able to come up from DC to see you last weekend, one last time. Thanks for all of the fun performances and for your time at the stage door. Best wishes to you!
Comment by Shelley — September 24, 2011 @ 12:20 pm
Dominic, wishing you all the best in your future show biz endeavors. The sky’s the limit! Thanks for making me smile and laugh all these years. You rock!
Comment by Gary — September 24, 2011 @ 12:50 pm
Dominic, So sorry I didn’t get to see you perform as Tommy one last time. You were always wonderful and so much fun at the stage door. My most treasured photo is the one you took of us on my birthday. Will miss that sweet voice and sweet smile. I am sure we will be seeing you in another show soon. I wish you and your family health and happiness. All the best!
Comment by Lynne Menefee — September 24, 2011 @ 2:02 pm
Dom, one of the highlights of this great “Jersey Boys” ride for me was in Fall, 2007, when you were still a swing and I had the wonderful honor and privilege of interviewing you for the first time on the Jersey Boys Blog.
http://jerseyboysblog.com/jbb-exclusive-interview-with-dominic-nolfi/2013
We had a serious chat, but also a lot of fun, highlighted by John Leone making a quick exit from your dressing room, after you joked that as the dance captain, you were training me to be the new Frankie.
Your dad also “urged” me to ask you when you were “going to marry” your beautiful Sonia, which you have since done, and you’ve both been blessed with your precious daughter.
Pamela, you’ve done a great job of updating us with Dom’s subsequent success as Tommy over the past three plus years, and his wonderfully down-to-earth way of dealing with it. In a very competitive industry, Dom has remained true to himself and his beliefs.
Dom was also wise enough to realize that, talented as he is, that was only a part of his contribution to “Jersey Boys.” I, for one, will never forget his humanity and the way he treated me, my friends, and my family at the stage door each and every time we saw him. He was greatly loved by the entire cast and crew.
Dom, you have a great future ahead and you’ll do just fine. It’s the rest of us I’m worried about. Thank you so much.
Comment by Howard — September 24, 2011 @ 10:22 pm
Oh Howard… $poken like a true accountant !!!!
Best of luck to Dominic and all the JB family we have met over the years
Comment by fran — September 25, 2011 @ 8:26 am
As Dominic Nolfi ends his fantastic seven-year run with Jersey Boys, I think back to December 2004–the first time the JBB Tech Half & I saw JB at La Jolla Playhouse!
Opening the Playbill, a slip of paper popped out stating, “In tonight’s performance, the role of Frankie Valli will be played by Dominic Nolfi.” That night, Dominic truly was the kid who sang like an angel up on that stage on that magical night! Thanks to Dominic and his castmates, that evening will be one of my most memorable–ever–as I turned to the future Tech Half and predicted this show to win the Tony Award for Best Musical when (not if) it comes to Broadway!
Seeing Dominic in the role of “Frankie” on our second time to Broadway (July 2006), he wow’ed the house again! In the fall of 2008, we were thrilled to see Dominic take over the role of “Tommy DeVito”! As Tommy, Dominic ROCKED our world as the guy in charge, who ran the group!
Not only on-stage, but offstage, Dominic has been amazing to fans! We thank him for his marvelous interviews and support of Jersey Boys Blog, and are looking forward to following his future career.
All the best to you, Dominic!
Comment by Susie — September 25, 2011 @ 11:34 am
Dom,
It has always been a Joy! being in your company. And adding to the success of Jersey Boys. You are so very talented. As we’ve all been blessed,as a part of your journey.
This brings you many Best Wishes that are warm and most sincere for continuing Success throughout each coming year…..
Blessings Always,
http://www.nickmassiart.com
WorkHard/Dream/BeKind
Comment by Patti Massi-Candeliere — September 25, 2011 @ 2:12 pm
WOW! What a run!!
Dominic Nolfi was playing Tommy DeVito the very first time I saw “Jersey Boys” and he was superb. So glad to see all the success that has come his way over the years with the show. If I were not on vacation today I would be in NYC for this afternoon’s show.
All the very best to you Dominic.
David
Comment by DavidB — September 25, 2011 @ 2:57 pm
Thanks for giving me one of my favorite “Tommys”. Loved your performance and look forward to seeing you in one of your future endeavors. Hey, why not come on the second tour…hmmmm. No, on well, I can wish can’t I.
Comment by Gladys — September 26, 2011 @ 5:01 am
What a great article about a really great person.
Dom, I remember talking to you back in November 2007 during the stagehand strike. You were so gracious and kind. I found out you were from the Bay Area, where I’m from too. It was a pleasure to see your career progress and take on the role of Tommy. I’ve seen you perform many times and look forward to your next endeaveor.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Linda/Tiggerbelle
Comment by Linda/Tiggerbelle — September 28, 2011 @ 11:50 am
Dominic,
I want to say I was fortunate enough to see your last performance as Tommy and what a performance. You will always be THE Tommy to me. Thank you for always taking time after the show to stop and speak with all your fans. You will be missed. I hope to see you again soon as you are such a talented performer. Good luck
Comment by susan — October 1, 2011 @ 9:05 am
Thank you Dominic for all of your perfection in playing the role of Tommy. I first saw you in 2010, and today (10-02-11) I went to the performance and learned at that time that you were no longer in the show. I have been to the show 9 times now. I am happy to say I was there last Saturday, September 24, 2011, front row center! I will continue to go to Jersey Boys, but you were my favorite and your tremendous talent will be missed! Thank you for taking the time to talk to your fans after the shows. Very classy. Good luck in the future! I hope to see you again. Keep smiling!
Comment by Elizabeth Swanson — October 2, 2011 @ 7:02 pm
Dom ~
I was planning on seeing Jersey Boys on Broadway for the fourth time this holiday season. However, since you are no longer in the show, I’ve changed my mind.
Best Wishes ~
Antonia
Comment by Antonia — October 28, 2011 @ 1:14 pm
Enjoyed seeing JB twice! Most memorable – thank you for taking time to talk with my 19 yr. old daughter and pose for a picture with her this summer outside the stage door, after the evening performance. She is an aspiring dancer/actress. You gave her great advice…”stay in school and don’t turn down any parts, no matter how small.” Thank you and all the best:)
Comment by Kate — November 28, 2011 @ 11:25 pm
Dom, I too was planning to see the show with you as Nick in August. I guess I will pass. I will catch the Jersey Boys tour in my town in March 2013. You are a great talent. I hope I can catch you in a show in the near future.
Comment by Toni — July 8, 2012 @ 8:41 am