It was asked in another thread "How many times have you seen Jersey Boys?" So let's just give this question it's own thread.
As of 9/30/07, I've seen it 21 times total, all in San Francisco. 7 times with the Sherry Cast, 14 times with the SF/Chicago cast. But when the Vegas cast come to SF next month, that number is going to just get bigger.
I saw 3 SF and one NYC. See my note in the SF/Chicago La Salle Cast section.
How did you like the Sherry cast compared to SF? On youtube Chris Jones does not look or sound too much like the Frankie. I am so amazed at JLY and JS likeness in height and voice.
Did you get a discount for seeing it so many times.
Thanks Mike for putting this on its own thread. Like I have mentioned before, I have seen the Sherry cast in SF twice, and then twice in Sacramento. However, by the time JB came to Sacramento, the Sherry cast was changed -- Erik Bates played Nick Massi and Rick Faugno played Valli. I really liked Eric Bergen, CKL, Devin May and Mike Ingersoll as compared to the group I saw in Ssacramento. Since I have not seen OBC, I can't compare them at all. I'm hoping to get tickets for the week of October 22nd when I am in NYC. I have tickets for SF on 12/8. It amazes me that someone could get tickets to see the show 21 times or 50 plus times in NYC. Even though Chris Jones doesn't look like Valli, I thought he did a great job when I saw him.
Just a few more than Mike. ;)
I have yet to see a Frankie who actually looks like Frankie. The latter is kind of funny-looking...in a cute way...
Saying which cast I like better is one of the hardest questions for me to answer because I like each one for different reasons. And the way the actors interpert the roles they play also differ from each other. So I can't really answer that.
I wish I got a discount for seeing it so many times. They should have a frequent viewer card. Something along the lines of see the show 10 times get the 11th free. And then you'd get it stamped at the box office every time you saw the show. I'm sure everyone on this board feels me on that idea, but especially the SF rush line regulars. But no, I've just been very lucky with rush in SF. Out of all the times I've seen it, I only had to buy a regular ticket once, and that was for the first time I saw the show and had no idea they were having rush.
Mike - so you have not seen OBC ?
Mike - so you have not seen OBC ?
Live on stage, unfortunately no. Only through clips posted on youtube.
"I wish I got a discount for seeing it so many times. They should have a frequent viewer card."
I dunno, sometimes the opportunity for certain conversations held on the pavement in the Tenderloin is almost a bonus in itself. ;-)
I dunno, sometimes the opportunity for certain conversations held on the pavement in the Tenderloin is almost a bonus in itself. ;-)
Oh too true. Well that will all be happening again come Nov 20th.
Personally, I have seen the show 14 times. As best as I can recall:
1) NYC - Dominic Nolfi
2) NYC - JLY
3) NYC - JLY
4) NYC - Michael Longoria
5) NYC - Matt Scott
6) NYC - JLY
7) NYC - JLY
8) NYC - Michael Longoria
10) NYC - JLY
11) NYC - Travis Cloer
12) LAX - Chris Jones
13) LAX - Rick Faugno
14) NYC - JLY
Each actor brings a different take on Frankie. I am not going to pit one against the other. I am happy to know that this show will go on and on and there will be countless Frankies. Long may his legacy wave!
12 times and counting.......
1) La Jolla - David Norona
2) NYC - JLY
3) NYC - JLY
4) SFO - JS
5) SFO - JS
6) LAX - CKJ
7) LAX - CKJ
8) NYC - JLY
9) SFO - JS
10)NYC - JLY
11)NYC - JLY
12)NYC - JLY
Future Dates
13)NYC - 10/19
14)NYC - 11/2
15)Orange County - 11/16
Charly, by the time we meet we'll be at the same number 13! Like a pair of...whatdaya call it...Chinese twins.
1. NYC, JLY
2. NYC, JLY/Dominic (JLY was sick and left the performance)
3. NYC, Dominic
4. NYC, JLY
5. NYC, JLY
6. NYC, Michael
7. NYC, JLY
8. NYC, JLY
9. NYC, Michael
10. NYC, JLY
11. NYC, JLY
12. NYC, JLY
13. 10/21 - hopefully JLY, CH, DR & RJS :~)
Oy, peer pressure, I need to do a list now. ;)
I may have missed a few, but the Frankies are right, even if the quantities might not be.
* CKJ
* CKJ
* CKJ
* CKJ
* CKJ
* CKJ
* CKJ
* Jarrod Spector
* Jarrod Spector
* Jarrod Spector
* Jarrod Spector
* Steven Goldsmith
* Jarrod Spector
* JMD
* JMD
* CKJ
* JMD
* Steven Goldsmith
* John Michael Coppolla
* Jarrod Spector
* JMD
* JLY
5 times in NYC all with JLY. At least 10 in SF with CKJ and Jarrod. I have lost count!! I plan to see CKJ next weekend in San Diego!! Yeah!!
I like the blend Gary! Thanks for the guidance.
1) SF - Jarrod Spector
2) SF - Jarrod Spector
3) SF - Jarrod Spector
4) Sac. - CKJ
5) SF - JMD
6) SF - Jarrod Spector
7) SF - JMD
Hoping to see JLY next weekend in NYC!
Well if everyone is going to list who they saw as Frankie I'll play along.
1-7 Chris Jones
8 John Michael Dias
9-11 Jarrod Spector
12-13 Steven Goldsmith
14 Jarrod Spector
15-17 John Michael Dias
18 John Michael Coppols
19 Steven Goldsmith
20 Jarrod Spector
21 John Michael Dias
Hi Charly, I appears that you are one of the rare members to have actually seen Frankie #1 (David Norona). How was he as Frankie? I have seen only short video clips of him, but I would really like to hear an insider's view.
Courtney, what was it like to see 2 Frankies in one show? That has to be kind of weird. I know that when Erich Bergen fell through the trap door, Eric Gutman had to take over the role of Tommy and he said it was very difficult to convince the audience because they had already taken the first half of the "journey" with Erich. Was Dom able to win over the audience the night you were there?
Last Sunday Oct. 11th made my 22nd time I have seen Jersey Boys since it opened in New York November 2005. I live in New York so I have seen all JB shows here.
Here is my list of Frankies:
1.JLY
2.JLY
3.JLY
4.JLY
5.JLY
6.JLY
7.JLY
8.JLY
9.Dominic Nolfi
10.JLY
11.JLY
12 JLY
13.JLY
14.JLY
15.JLY
16.Michael Longoria
17.JLY
18.Travis Cloer
19.JLY
21.JLY
22.JLY
Saw them 7 various times with Chris Jones, Jarrod Spector (alternate), Jarrod Spector (principal) and John Michael Dias all at the Curran and from mid orchestra, loge and front mezz seats. Will try to get either cancellation or SRO tickets on October 21st at the August Wilson before meeting the OBC at the Time Square Marriott during the BC/EFA event.
Let me start by saying I had 2nd row center seats that night and I was SO excited. Seriously, I think I had perma-smile all day (it was a Friday and I'd gotten the tickets right after the box office opened at 10).
Dominic came back after the impromptu intermission -- right before the church scene. It was so odd. When JLY entered on the catwalk and starting singing I noticed he didn't sound quite up-to-par, but I figured it would work itself out. Then, as the cross came down it was almost like the voice of God came on over the speakers: "Ladies and Gentlemen, due to the sudden illness of John Lloyd Young we will being taking a brief 10 minute intermission and when we return the role of Frankie Valli will be played by Dominic Nolfi."
I will be honest about it...I cried when they got to Sherry and the rest of the "break-out" songs. I don't know if it was because Dominic was thrown into the part on such short notice, but it was like he couldn't quite hit the high notes in the songs or something and chemistry in the show was, understandably, a little off.
I was so disappointed by the whole experience because I was so looking forward to it all day, that I never warmed up to him. Unfortunately, I think a lot of the audience felt the same way, especially because it was after JLY had won the Tony. I know he did the best he could and you could tell by his bow at the end how humble he was about the performance, he seems like a real class act.
In an attempt to give Dominic a fair shot I went back the next morning for SRO tickets for the Saturday matinee, but (hoping JLY would be back) that I just had a bad attitude toward Dominic. For that, I am sorry because I've heard many great things about his other performances. It's just that I saw JLY first he's the best "Frankie" in my mind.
As you can tell by the fact that I've seen the show 9 more times since then, this experience did not deter me in any way.
I agree Courtney. I think your first Frankie will always be your best Frankie. It just happens. Not that any other Frankie isn't good, it's just that your original Frankie is your best. I don't even know if JLY could beat Jarrod in my mind. We'll see...
I was going to say that same thing, my parents saw Michael Longoria first and I'm sure he'll always be their "Frankie."
1. JLY
2. Michael
3. Travis
All, obviously, in NYC. #4 is next Sunday. Can't wait.
People always have a soft spot for their first cast, but I grew far more attached to the Chicago cast than I thought I would -- and although he was my first, Chris Jones isn't my favorite, though he's definitely up there. ;)
Courtney, thank you for your detailed account of that experience. You are quite the story-teller! I really appreciate your candor. I didn't realize that Dom replaced JLY so early in the show. Could you just imagine the excitement (and the terror!) of being thrust into a role so quickly? I really have such an appreciation for the swings and understudies of a show. I had no idea what they need to learn and how often they need to rehearse for a part they may never even play! Then....poof! You have 3 minutes to prepare and make the audience not only believe you, but win them over!
You will note that JLY has stated that he does a 30 minute vocal warm-up and a 30 minute cool-down for each performance. Dom didn't have that pre-show opportunity, so that's why he may have had difficulty hitting the high notes. When I saw him (he was my first Frankie) he was in top form and didn't miss a beat. I have met him twice and found him endearing. I have a hunch that he is going to be a big name in the theatre industry. He's incredibly versatile and I just know he will go on to direct and produce. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he ends up as an industry mogul. In the meantime, he remains (like a good boy scout) prepared at all times and waiting in the wings because....THE SHOW MUST GO ON!
Hi, my JB friends,
Gary, I met you dad this morning. Great guy! I can see it now - another JB addict. That's a good thing!
Okay, I have seen the show 25 times in NYC, once in SF - upcoming in Tampa and back to SF. Have tickets for the 21st (although I think my daughter will take one) and one of our JB friends is getting the other. I have tickets for Nov 4, 18 and 21.
I have seen JLY as Frankie most of the time - he is the best! I saw Jarrod who is fantastic - f----ing amazing AND is from my old neighborhood in Pennsylvania. His family belongs to the same synagogue we do and just found out that my sister-in-law is friends with the Spectors. The STARS are in alignment. I saw Mike Longoria in the role a couple of time, Travis Cloer, Matt Scott - all good! IE
Wow, it sounds like I have some catching up to do -- four times is just not enough for me.
I'm new here, but have enjoyed reading this forum. Mike, thanks for starting this thread. I feel in good company here! I have seen the show 9 times, nearly all with husband and son, pretty evenly split between the Sherry cast and the Chicago cast, all in SF. The only Frankies I have seen are CKJ and Jarrod, and I love them both for different aspects of their performances. My husband went to NY recently for a business trip and I "made" him go to see the OBC (he loved it, of course!!).
I agree with JBFan and Courtney. The first time I saw Jersey Boys was this summer. Rick Faugno performed as Frankie Valli at the Ahmanson and he was just fabulous. My original Frankie is still the best Frankie for me - I guess it just happens that way for some people.
Gary...are you seeing JB in Tampa and, if so, what is the date?
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