Fantastic Fan Kathy Johnstone Celebrates 100th Jersey Boys Show!
March 28th, 2010(Photos by Linda SooHoo)
On Sunday evening, March 21, JERSEY BOYS Fantastic Fan celebrated seeing JERSEY BOYS for the 100th time! We chatted with Kathy about what she loves about the show and what keeps bringing her back!
JBB: So, Kathy—this is a big milestone—your 100th time seeing JERSEY BOYS! Congratulations! But, let’s go back to the first time you saw the show. When did you see it and what was your reaction after seeing Jersey Boys for the very first time?
KJ: The first time I saw Jersey Boys was in San Francisco. My sister had gotten tickets for her birthday and I got to go—YAY for me (lol)!
The national tour was playing and when I walked out of the theatre, I was listening to people and seeing how happy they were. It was magical. I told my sister, ‘I have to see this again.’
I then took my kids, grandkids (they loved it!), friends, relatives, anyone I could grab. I had not a clue that it would lead to 100 shows.
JBB: What keeps bringing you back?
KJ: I love the music, the story just grabs me. As many times as I have heard the story, it’s like I haven’t heard it before. I NEVER get tired of it. Seeing the different actors put their spin on it is also interesting.
JBB: In what cities have you seen Jersey Boys thus far?
KJ: I’ve seen Jersey Boys in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Broadway, Sacramento, and of course, Vegas.
JBB: You must have some amazing memories over the past 100 shows! What are some of your most memorable experiences?
KJ: Wow, okay—100 shows, I don’t think I can beat that! Along the way, I have met Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, Rick Elice, Des McAnuff—I mean really, what can I do to beat that? Oh, and I went to the Vegas opening!
I have also met some pretty amazing people and have become good friends with them. That is the best!
And my friends think I’m crazy for having seen it just 25 times! I’ve been a fan of the show since it opened in La Jolla and just can’t seem to get enough of it. Making another trip to Vegas in May for another 3 shows.
Comment by Brenda E. — March 28, 2010 @ 9:35 am
Congratulations Kathy! You’re the definitive trailblazer…but look out: Frances from Toronto is right on your tail. Now you have to step up your game! haha. Like you, I never get tired of the show and I just love seeing new actors in the roles we have come to know and love. Pam and I always get a good laugh quoting lines from the show. In many cases, they are so appropriate! It’s great to see you as the new “fantastic fan” and I’m wishing 100 more fun shows for you. XO
Comment by Gary — March 28, 2010 @ 10:52 am
A SONG FOR KATHY J(to the tune of ‘American Pie’)
Long, long, time ago
I can still remember back when Kathy hadn’t seen JB
Whenever she would get the chance
She’d spin her 45′s and dance
And shake it like a schoolgirl in her teens
Then came along two clever fellas
Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Lunch with Frank and Bobby
Gave Kathy her new hobby
Add Des and Ron and Sergio
They all said, “Hey – let’s put on a show!”
The rest is hist’ry, this we know -
Just go
Ask Kathy J
So hey, hey, Miss Kathy J
You have numbered at a hundred but there’s more on the way
Those Jersey Boys, they’ve still got something to say
To ya, listenin’ every day, Kathy J
Congratulations, Kathy!!
(coming soon to my blog near you!)
Comment by stubbleyou — March 28, 2010 @ 11:18 am
Congratulations Kathy! It looks like you had an amazing day!
Comment by Krystal — March 28, 2010 @ 12:51 pm
Congrats, Kathy, on this very impressive milestone. I feel honored to have seen a few of the shows with you along the way, and what great memories they were! Sure you will keep going and continue to be a Jersey Boys trailblazer! Love, Pam
Comment by Pamela — March 28, 2010 @ 3:43 pm
Kathy, Congratulations on #100. It was a great day. I was so happy I was there to share the day with you.
Comment by Linda/Tiggerbelle — March 28, 2010 @ 4:11 pm
Hmmm, 100, huh? That’s quite an impressive tiara and sash there Ms. Johnstone. I’ve been to a few of those 100 shows with you and in fact remember our very first one together as we waited in the rush line at The Curran and prayed the strange guy in line in front of us would leave with his shopping bag. He did and the rest is history!! Congratulations and onwards to #200 and a lot more Jersey Boys memories.
Comment by Linda — March 28, 2010 @ 8:09 pm
Congrats, Kathy! Great pics too!
Comment by Nancy — March 28, 2010 @ 10:04 pm
Yay!! Congrats Kathy J.!!
Comment by Charly — March 29, 2010 @ 9:01 am
Wow! Cor! 100 Shows! Kathy saw the Sherry Company aka National Tour primarily while they were in LA, Sacto, Orange County, as well as launching in San Francisco. Glad to hear that she got to see the show again in Chicago and Broadway! I agree with her on seeing different actors putting their own spin in the roles. Congrats on 100 shows Superfan Kathy J.!
Comment by Chiara — March 30, 2010 @ 1:07 am
This is a great milestone, Kathy, and a great time for you to look back on the last four plus years. I’d venture to say that your “Jersey Boys” memories are among the best of your life! I’d also suggest that if you could relive this wonderful experience, you’d do it again in a minute, and wouldn’t change a thing! Forget about speed….we have a world record for longevity here!! Congratulations, Kathy.
Comment by Howard — April 2, 2010 @ 5:05 pm
Congratulations Kathy! Will be watching my 41st show on May 21st for my birthday in Las Vegas. Will be nice to reconnect with Deven Mey, Travis Cloer and Rick Faugno after that show, and hope to have pics with the cast afterwards!
Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — April 3, 2010 @ 6:47 pm