Eric Gutman’s Tribute to Michael Ingersoll
July 17th, 2007As of today, Michael Ingersoll will be playing Nick Massi in the San Francisco/Chicago Jersey Boys tour and Steve Gouveia will be joining the national tour in this role. On his Tour This blog, Eric Gutman has posted a touching tribute to his colleague and good friend Michael. Here’s a preview of Eric’s message:
…And though I have done the show over 200 times, I found myself crying again. Crying when Frankie gets the phone call in Act Two. Crying during the curtain call when Chris turned to Michael and simply pointed indicating their final bow together and crying when Nick Massi plainly says “I want to go home.” Art truly imitated life today at the Ahmanson Theatre and I know I speak on behalf of all the cast, crew and musicians when I say, ‘Get home safely dear friend.’
Gosh, Eric, I wanted to cry after I read this; beautifully said.
I got to know Michael a bit last month in LA and have seen him perform twice, and he is indeed a class act. Despite being exhausted after a Thursday night show, he took the time to pose for a picture with my friends and me.
Hope to see you in Chicago, Michael.
Comment by Howard Tucker — July 17, 2007 @ 10:27 am
I read Eric’s Blog and am sure that everyone that knows Michael and has seen him perform would totally agree with him.
We had the same situation in SF when we said goodbye to Steve Gouveia on Sunday night at the 7:30 pm show. The show was emotionally charged for those that knew Steve was leaving, up to the time Jarrod Spector announced the departure of Steve to LA between confessionals, but Jeremy (Tommy) made light of the situation and joked “What about the December, 1963 reprise….. Let’s Dance”! Steve is a class act, played the announcement of his departure off great, we’re glad to have gotten to know him, and we thank him for accommodating us at Macy’s and Curran’s stage door.
Michael, on the other hand, is coming back! Last time we saw him was during the Easter Bonnet benefit for BC/EFA, right before he left for LA. It’s great that Jersey Boys has Michael, J. Robert and Steve, plus their understudies, honoring Nick Massi with their performances.
Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — July 17, 2007 @ 12:52 pm
L.A.’s loss is S.F.’s gain! Michael is the only version of Nick Massi I’ve seen–and I’ve seen him 4 times–so far. (I’ve got tickets for two more shows before they move on to Chicago.) What a tremendous talent! Great voice, incredible acting, perfect timing–he does it all so well and makes it look so easy, so natural. Thanks, Mike. You probably have no idea how much your performances are enjoyed–I’d see the show every day if it were at all possible. Keep up the great work and thanks for making so many great memories for me and my family.
Comment by JK1960 — August 17, 2007 @ 8:19 am