I enthusiasm for the "show" diminishing?
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Jersey Boys Enthusiasm Diminishing?
(80 posts)-
Posted 3 years ago #
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As vague as your question is, I think I know what you're saying.
If we're using the board itself to gage fan enthusiasm, the problem is the churn rate. I'm going to make some assumptions here, so hopefully no one gets offended:
* many people got interested in the show because of the OBC
* most of the OBC is gone (all 4 OBC seasons, of course)
* when economy sucks and when the dealbreaker is an actor or two, you understandably won't make as much of an effort to go again
* (people may not want to admit to the above 3, but I'm sure it's true in some cases)
* the most active non-NY online fanbase was in San Francisco, and the board was first set up when the run had reached its midpoint here
* Las Vegas doesn't have much of a fan base
* most of the Chicago chatter goes on on the Chicago Facebook group
* there are several FB groups and pages for various London actors -- does most of the activity get compartmentalized there?Obviously it's hard to measure what's happening when you don't have access to the actual metrics, but that's what I've seen change from being here since the beginning.
The most telling thing, IMO:
The show has been running in Melbourne for over a month and there have been NO posts from anyone who has yet seen the Melbourne production first-hand. And yet if you go to Wayakka and BWW's Australian board, you know there are people out there with interest in the show. Australia has a very small theatre community, but that shouldn't stop someone from registering and sharing their enthusiasm. After all, there have been comments on the blog itself, just not on the board.Something is keeping new people from posting here -- whether it's because it already feels like there's been a clique established (and I mean that in the most non-offensive way) and people don't want to rock the boat, I'm not sure. But I wouldn't put it past some newbies. There's also the feeling of commitment when one registers for a board as opposed to making a blog comment. Maybe people just want to say something and then go, rather than sticking around for a longer conversation.
Another theory: do they not even know this board exists? If that's the case, then what about more publicizing of the board on FB/Twitter/Moo Cards and whatnot? Many (if not most) of the regulars here came here because they were regular commenters on the blog, and this was a nice place to have a more ongoing discussion rather than just in blog posts -- but it seems to me the # of registrants has plateaued, not grown.
(Sorry, I work in online advocacy and fundraising so I think about this way too much sometimes. :))
Posted 3 years ago # -
I understand what Leanna says. I run the Chicago facebook group, and most chatter does go on there. It's actually kind of active over there. I will say that once Jarrod Spector left Chicago, there were some fans who said they weren't going to see it again because they didn't believe that the Frankie replacements could live up to the hype that Jarrod brought and sadly, some of them won't give guys like Dominic S. a chance even though think he's as good as Jarrod is. I have posted a lot of stuff from JBB over there almost as a push to get them to come over here, like all of the cast interviews you guys did back a few months ago and even some articles, but I think maybe one or two people actually joined.
Posted 3 years ago # -
I appreciate the information. I had just noticed that there were fewer and fewer posts regarding the show(s) as a whole but more for individual performers in other endeavors. I have seen this show with different cast members in all the parts and have enjoyed each one 100%. I believe this is one of the most well written, paced and performed show I have ever seen. It is nice to know that there are "splinter" sites for the shows. Well I can't wait till the end of October when I will see the show again in NYC.
Posted 3 years ago # -
I think the problem with that is there's only so much one can say about the show itself. That element of the production doesn't change -- the performers are what keep it new and notable. We've probably reached a plateau here. Just because people are discussing performers doesn't mean they don't care for the vehicle anymore. It's safe to assume everyone here at least LIKES the show and doesn't want to be a broken record. :)
Example: What's more interesting?
"I love chocolate" said over and over again on a chocolate-centric message board
vs.
"I had this great sundae over at that new place on Pete Avenue," "Have you had the chipotle chocolate from Trader Joe's?," and "I found out I'm allergic to chocolate and broke out in hives, but I still love it."Posted 3 years ago # -
Well I for one will say it again! JB is a fantastic show
everything from the music to the acting not to mention the
actual story. I will NEVER tire of seeing it and can't wait
to do so again!! If only money grew on trees!!!!!Posted 3 years ago # -
You and I agree sharonW. If I could I would be like Frances who has just hit her 70th viewing. I miss that adrenalin charge that hits from the first note to the last note. I love listening to the CD, but miss all the dialog. Thank goodness I know I will see it again in NYC. At 62 I have found you are never to old to be a show groupie, haha!
Posted 3 years ago # -
phillygalg....you couldn't have said it any better!!!
I too, am one of those groupies and sooo proud of it!!!Posted 3 years ago # -
too late at night to get into this now, but a worthwhile topic for a day very soon.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Audrey, waddayamean "too late"? It is after midnight, so perhaps you're Cinderella and I'm Prince Charming with the glass slipper??
All kidding aside, do you guys remember when Marshall Brickman "jokingly" told us to "get a life" on "Theatre Talk"? Well, we all have lives, along with families and careers, and most of us have successful ones at that (or we couldn't afford the tickets). Eventually, we all get off our wonderful ride, some of us for a longer time than others, to focus on the everyday issues in life. And some depart permanently, depending on circumstances.
I do think many of us have become closer to certain actors, and are now supporting them in other projects. I have now seen "Next to Normal" five times, and when an out-of-town friend visits, am as likely to take him or her to N2N as to "Jersey Boys", since it's much easier and often cheaper to get tickets, and I know we'll be treated well at the stage door (not only by Bobby, but by Alice as well!) My friend Priscilla and I are also flying to San Diego to see Christian in his show in two weeks and to LA in October to see him in "Parade." We also try to support Chris Jones whenever we can, and when Jennifer Naimo does her next show, you can rest assured we'll be there.
Unfortunately, too, the "law of diminshing returns" might enter into it, although with "Jersey Boys", the returns INCREASED for the first ten or twenty times I saw it, since I did get to know the OBC so well, and looked so forward to spotting more nuances in the show and the stage door greetings. Although the current casts may be just as talented, we may not want to put forth the effort to develop relationships with them again, just to have them leave at some point.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Howard - I know what you mean. I see that on this blog so much. I guess I am lucky that the Four Seasons story itself is so deep in my heart. Like I said I look forward to the whole package every time I see it and I love the stage door - not because I want to get close to certain actors - but because I want to let them know how much I appreciate all their talent and thank them for giving my heart a jolt. So - I am still am so excited that I will be seeing the show again and hopefully again, no matter where, no matter when.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Good point about diminishing returns, Howard. The show has plenty of fans, but not everyone WANTS to see the show 4 or 5 times -- 2 or 3 is enough, or the magic is gone. To be completely honest, the latter is actually how I felt the first few times seeing the SF/Chicago/Zephyr cast in San Francisco, so I took a break and came back and all was well again. :)
Another point: It's overstayed its welcome in some places (SF... and soon Chicago?) and maybe people there just don't care to post about it anymore. (And I think for many people there's a natural resistance to what's popular, so they're either just not seeing it or not seeing it a second time.)
I also noticed something with the Les Miz fandom, having gotten my feet wet with THAT group back around 1996. A lot of people were high school or college, and once they graduated, their involvement waned as well. Nothing against the show; it was just that it faded away along with that stage of their life. This may be the same case with the younger set of Jersey Boys fans.
However, this still doesn't address the churn rate problem: how do we get new people to come here to replace (although that's not exactly the word I'm looking for) those who aren't posting much or at all anymore?
Posted 3 years ago # -
Well, I have this to say. I saw the show up in Toronto just a couple of weeks ago and I still got goosebumps at both shows so this boy's interest is definitely not waning! I'm somewhere in the low 40's (42 or 43 shows respectively) and I ain't been licked yet so bring it on!
Posted 3 years ago # -
A few words from one of the "newbie" members (4 months) - my thanks to all the "veterans" of this forum - you have made the JB experience so much richer for me. All the info, insights, reviews, etc. are very much appreciated. You have educated me so that I have become a better informed audience member for ALL shows - I do more research now on creative teams, casts, musicians, etc. Most of you have formed strong bonds with cast members and/or with each other and have been generous in sharing those experiences with the rest of us. I don't do Stage Door or Facebook or Twitter (I am, afterall, a grandmother and I have to act like one - or so my children tell me!) so what could I possibly have to offer that is fresh and interesting to other members? Jersey Boys is a wonderful show and Toronto has a fabulous cast - so I keep returning to the theatre to be swept away to enjoy the nostalgia, the music, the choreography, the staging, the talented actors and the sheer joy it brings to all. Thanks, everyone.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Happy to have you here. But don't diminish your worth!
(I am, afterall, a grandmother and I have to act like one - or so my children tell me!)
Tell them this: http://mashable.com/2009/07/07/facebook-users-older/
Posted 3 years ago # -
I am loving this thread. I have to include myself in the group of one of those who does not post here as much as before, and it is not because I love the show any less. I have to admit(sheepishly)that I am pretty much addicted to Facebook and spend most of my free time over there. I have only seen JB 7 times (5 NYC, 1 Chicago, 1 National Tour) but it will always be one of my favorite shows. I guess I'm a bit like Howard in that I was very fond of the OBC, and now when I venture to NYC, I am more likely to choose a new show than see JB again. Like I said, I don't love the show (or you posters) any less. I do return from time to time to check out what's going on here. I hope the group continues to grow and continues to spread Jersey Boys love.
Posted 3 years ago # -
I'm gathering my thoughts on this topic. Maybe tomorrow I'll get it together. Like I said...a worthwhile topic, (but still a little late at night).
Howard...you Prince Charming?? Don't diminish your worth either.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Leanna - "2 or 3 is enough, or the magic is gone". You speak for yourself..and the other disgruntled fans. I have seen it 13 times (14 this October) and love every minute of it and come out supercharged. I am thrilled that there are many, many of us who are so 'hooked' on certain casts or cast members that we won't go see it again. I do think the problem here is that more and more people are moving to other sites. I do see some great comments out on Facebook. I just need to get a little more "Facebook" and other sites enlightened.
Posted 3 years ago # -
I meant - so many, many of us who are NOT so "hooked" on certain casts or cast members that we won't go see it again. Oh well, whatever! If the high school down the street was doing "Jersey Boys" I would go to see it. And again, I thank the powers that be for this show for giving us the wonderful talent in all the casts.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Leanna - "2 or 3 is enough, or the magic is gone". You speak for yourself..and the other disgruntled fans.
Eh, what? Come November I'll have seen the show over 40 times. I'm just saying different people have different levels of saturation, which generally has nothing to do with disgruntledness.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Wow 40 times...sorry I did not know. You do not sound like you are someone who would or has seen the show that often. At 62 I am hoping that the magic of this show will never be gone from me anytime soon..and it the show ends I sure hope the movie is to follow.
Posted 3 years ago # -
To help keep the enthusiasm infused, it might be helpful to have an accessible list of generalized topics that would resonate with anyone visiting the JB Forum. If people don’t know that certain topics have been brought up, they don’t know to search for them (and some newbies may not think to search anyway).
BLOG/ FORUM
JB Blog: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=17&page&replies=121
New to Forum: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=88&page&replies=46
Discovering the JB Blog: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=514&page&replies=38
JB Bulletin Bd/ Forum: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=2&page&replies=305
JB World: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=381&page&replies=38FANS
First time you saw JB: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=23&page&replies=135
How many times: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=123&page&replies=195
Who seen the most: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=216&page&replies=66
http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=148&page&replies=15
JB Fandom: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=215&page&replies=711
Where do you live?: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=80&page&replies=93
http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=713&page&replies=37
Where & when are you seeing JB: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=66&page&replies=198
Loving the show: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=702&page&replies=11
JB Addiction: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=538&page&replies=25
JB Dreams: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=56&page&replies=104Stage door: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=147&page&replies=24
Backstage tours: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=55&page&replies=57
JB Experiences: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=5&page=2&replies=277#post-183SHOW:
JB Flubs: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=22&page&replies=100
Subtle things in JB: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=67&page&replies=190
Audience Participation: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=1360&page&replies=10
The splits: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=38&page&replies=39
Ces-soirees-la: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=928&page&replies=9
Instruments: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=58&page&replies=28
Songs that should be in JB: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=179&page&replies=12
Fav JB Song: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=537&page&replies=15
Script: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=47&page&replies=139
http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=386&page&replies=3
JB Quotes: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=798&page&replies=17
Production questions: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=143&page&replies=10
http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=14&page&replies=7
JB Lighter Moments: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=258&page&replies=38
Unusual Show experiences: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=301&page&replies=21\
JB & Age Groups: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=46&page&replies=25ORIGINAL FOUR SEASONS
GILG website: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=283&page&replies=22
JB Bus tour: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=570&page&replies=38
True story?: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=1145&page&replies=8Bob Gaudio: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=971&page&replies=3
Frankie Valli: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/search.php?q=Valli
Tommy DeVito: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=1333&page&replies=1
Joe Long: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=339&page&replies=7
Nick Massi website: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=1011&page&replies=4CREATIVE TEAM/ CAST
McAnuff radio interview: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=893&page&replies=1
Elice & Brickman: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=733&page&replies=20
http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=867&page&replies=23
http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=707&page&replies=46
Sergio Trujillo: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=840&page&replies=2
Producers: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=1088&page&replies=4
Frankie Camp: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=507&page&replies=7
Cast look-a-likes: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=516&page&replies=51
Video clips: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=37&page&replies=21MISCELLANEOUS
JB Book: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=126&page&replies=63
JB Gift ideas: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=310&page&replies=9
JB store: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=595&page&replies=9
JB Podcast: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=1183&page&replies=3
JB CD: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=431&page&replies=38
JB ringtones: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=20&page&replies=35
JB Radio: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=634&page&replies=19
JB Study Guide: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=903&page&replies=9
Myspace: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=145&page&replies=20
JB Movie: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=13&page&replies=126
http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=763&page&replies=47
Random Sightings: http://jerseyboysblog.com/forums/topic.php?id=779&page&replies=11I’ve done my JB extra credit for the semester…this was no small project (but hey…I got to exercise editorial oversight). Feel free to add others, of course. A couple times I included a topic because it had potential, not because of the discussion there so far. I tried to keep the list manageable *#!^?!
I’ll still be back with my thoughts on this general thread topic.Posted 3 years ago # -
Audrey: Heehee!
Posted 3 years ago # -
This is terrific, Audrey; thanks. So you have indeed been working after midnight! I didn't know what was happening to you after midnight...I was thinking you were filming a sequel to "Gremlins", where those nice loveable beings transform after midnight!!
Re your thoughts on the general topic, Audrey....I'm looking for something spectacular after this two-day wait. You remind me of the guy in the bank commercial waiting for the approval on his loan....."aaaaaaany day now." Hopefully, you'll get the comments in before we get the national health plan (LOL)!!!
Posted 3 years ago # -
That's incredible work Audrey. Bravo!!
Posted 3 years ago # -
There are a lot of fans of the show, but the majority of them might not feel the need to talk about it on the internet.
I post here periodicly and the only reason I don't do it more is because the site keeps forgetting my password and I have to reset it when I want to log in. Also, I am not a huge fan of the format of the board. There is not a lot of orginazation which would confuse people who are new to message boards.
In case you're wondering I am a Chicago based fan.
Posted 3 years ago # -
JB enthusiasm can be observed in at least two different ways when it comes to patrons – 1) the ongoing fan support, those who share the love of the show with others as they move through their day. (I recall the time I was on with some customer service rep and learned they were in a soon-to-be tour stop city; well forget my customer service issue-I wanted to make sure they bought JB tickets.) AND 2) the ever purchasing general public. The JB marketers should have a plan to keep BOTH thriving for maximum success—together, they are an eco-system.
When it was just the original Broadway Cast, everyone's affection was magnified by other fans who felt exactly the same. The cast was so appreciative of (and responsible for, IMO!) the show's initial success. They worked hard during that Tony season, doing repeated early morning shows while still ALL four Seasons were onstage eight shows every week.
There must have been an inevitable feeling of show ownership. Building a show is like having a baby – ‘they’ take a lot of work and there is a bonding BECAUSE of that. (The professionals stepping into the show now have a level of ownership, no doubt, but it CAN’T be like that first B-way season, when the world was just discovering JB. Just like it can't be the same for cast members taking up the gauntlet at a location with original members leaving.) The OBC soon discovered that they were the leading edge of a phenomenon.
After a while though, as more casts were added and performers turned over, it was like an intimate family gathering morphing into a bunch of folks that you know are related, but can’t remember how. On a practical level, that affected the incessant chatter here on the Forum, naturally.
Cast members now signing contracts realize what they're in for, professionally speaking. There’s no scrambling to make the show a success. (They have their own pressures stepping into something with a huge, existing core and wanting to put their own stamp on it.) All the performers work hard to do their very best, but…for those of us old enough…think about the difference between the early seasons of Saturday Night Live vs. the later years. It was always full of talent, but there was a difference between that cutting edge "going for it" and the later drive to KEEP the quality high. The ones who are responsible for tweaking the consciousness and creating a context of excitement around the production are the producers. Taking a chapter from my new age days…the show’s aura would benefit from a shot of enthusiasm and THAT comes from the top.
Although the producers may be confident that they are continually taking the necessary risks to keep this show alive & well, I wonder if those current risks are the only ones needed. Isn’t that how things go…you truly believe you’re taking care of business and then one day, you wake up and see that you missed a critical piece of the puzzle? I can see there are ideas left on the marketing room floor sadly. It took great risk to bring this show to fruition and I hope that the bold risk-taking doesn’t obscurely slip away. Great ticket sales or even the pursuit of that can be seductive and distracting. JB marketing should be looking 10 years down the road NOW, like Bob Gaudio would. :-)
There has to be belief in the product - first and foremost; the profits show up as a result. If this show doesn’t become the longest running Broadway show (another 18 years needed), I believe it will NOT be because it wasn’t possible. Let’s hope the creators operate ‘outside the box’ as when they were the visionaries who brought Jersey Boys into existence.
More thought on this topic as time permits...it's after midnight and Howard knows what happens at this hour.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Wow - never thought a simple thought would cause all of this. It is very simple for me. I love the SHOW. I think it is the most well written and staged show I have seen in my years of theater going (I am up to 155 different shows now). I just believe this is the reason that ALL of the productions and all of the casts deserve acolades and not be discounted because they are not the OBC. I would like fans to give the other productions a chance as they are all first class. Audrey thanks for all of the site information although if the Fans aren't coming to the site, well what can we do. My friend and I spent yesterday at lunch remembering dialog that we love from the show and wishing we could hear it again. I intend to see the show as often as I can, anywhere that I can, with whatever wonderful cast is in the production.
Posted 3 years ago # -
Wow---your comments were indeed worth the wait, Audrey. Thanks. Ya know, you're right, the guys were on the Today Show a whole bunch of times (the most memorable IMHO being when Bobby was flirting with Ann Curry, and Christian needed to get him back on target, tied with Katie's last day with Christian's rhyme for "colonoscopy") and even on Regis and Kelly (where JLY's voice cracked ever so slightly on "Rag Doll"). Remember the time Katie "caught" JLY hedging on his age with "late 20's" and called the group to task, announcing she was 50?! Great memories!
Besides, they were featured on the Thanksgiving specials, on New Year's Rockin' Eve, and on David Letterman. Yeah, the marketing was superb.
You're right too...the OBC was so appreciative and so gracious, and really never in a hurry to scurry out the stage door, and got to know our names and even a bit about our lives, and that, more than anything, made us return over and over again.
I do agree, Audrey...the producers really need to help our Susie and Dale keep the marketing of "Jersey Boys" alive and well!! The Blog Half and Tech Half can only so much...the producers need to meet them HALF way!!
Posted 3 years ago # -
All of the casts have been more than gracious and happy to meet the fans at the stage door including the cast I got to meet at the stage door in NYC last December. Saying anything less is an insult to all of them.
We all have to remember (although you folks always remind us) that this blog was started by and belongs to the original OBC group. Sorry I made such a big deal about the show and the other casts.Posted 3 years ago #
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