Anyone rushing for the Sunday matinee or evening show?
-megs
Jersey Boys Bulletin Board » Jersey Boys Bulletin Board
Final Show in Toronto - Aug 22nd 2010
(17 posts)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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Well, I'll be RUSHING up to Toronto late Saturday night from Jersey, with my friend - the ubiquitous and legendary Howard as my late night snack buddy, my No-Doze, my GPS and...if his foot needs to be elevated, my back seat driver.
If the electricity of the final Chicago performance was any indication, I won't have ANY trouble being wide awake and on the edge of my front row seat (thank you, Frances for arranging that piece of real estate) when the curtain goes up Sunday evening.
I was so impressed when I saw the Toronto cast on the New Year's Eve extravaganza a year and a half ago. I knew I had to get there...sooner or later. It's turned out to be 'later,' but better later then never, when it comes to seeing the Toronto production...as I always say!
Posted 2 years ago # -
standing ovations throughout the show, applause at random intervals, autographs, tears and thong throwing. Byebye Jersey Boys, its been fun
http://twitter.com/shelbygilmore/statuses/21883503114THAT WAS THE BEST TOILET SCENE YET! I love me some Jersey Boys!!
http://twitter.com/jensmiith/statuses/21879468017Jersey Boys' final show in Toronto! Intermission now - the crowd is insane and I'm part of it ha ha.
http://twitter.com/celineolivia/statuses/21872715387Oh what a night! At the TO finale of Jersey Boys - awesome!
http://twitter.com/alirucks/statuses/21873467693The audience just lost their shit! Congrats cast of Jersey Boys Toronto on a phenomenal show and run!
http://twitter.com/elenajuatco/statuses/21878139139Posted 2 years ago # -
Words can't even begin to describe what occurred tonight in Toronto!
An amazing show with more electricity than I have ever felt before from the cast and the audience.
So fortunate to have been there!
-megs
xxPosted 2 years ago # -
I might have thought I sort of knew what to expect, but last night was more than I could have imagined--even with Chicago's final show under my belt. I'll be looking for words and will come back to comment later. It was worth every hour of lost sleep (and that's a lot of hours), every mile, every minute spent in planning. WOW!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Audrey....please share your experience soon!!
It must have been pure magic!!!!Posted 2 years ago # -
I agree with Megsalex 100%! No words can describe what the experience was like last night! The BEST JB show ever! It was purely INCREDIBLE! The energy from the audience and the cast/band was like I've never seen before! It was so amazing!
More to come from me soon! :)Posted 2 years ago # -
Frances....please, do share!!! I can feel the vibes from
you who were so lucky to embrace this final Toronto performance
of the most amazing show EVER!!!Can't wait to hear all about
it!!Posted 2 years ago # -
There was enough electricity in the theatre to send us all home with aftershocks! What a fabulous performance by each and every cast member. Sergio was sitting in the row ahead of me! I had a chance to speak with Aubrey Dan before the show to thank him (and everyone at Dancap) for bringing this spectacular show to Toronto. Another highlight of the evening was the opportunity to meet so many of you and share the experience. It was a pleasure - thank you to Audrey, Howard, Gary, Linda, Julia, and of course, Frances. I will never forget the joy that was Jersey Boys Toronto!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Glad it was so much fun! Anyone going to do a play-by-play? :)
Posted 2 years ago # -
I'll say more soon, (just got in from seeing the Boys in Concert--life is great!) but it's a two edged sword...if I'm able to convey how spectacular it was, then maybe more than just the Toronto fans will be depressed. Perhaps that didn't come out right, but if I was sitting home and discovered what I had missed, I would NOT be a happy camper. Whatever those of us who were there do say will not begin to do justice to the experience. It's tempting to give up, rather than spit out superlatives that fall short. (I know you're not looking for superlatives, Leanna, but our heads are floating in those at the moment. The play-by-play may have to wait till the euphoria disperses a bit.)
Wish I knew who took the video from the front right aisle during the finale--appeared to be a tv station. anyone know?
Posted 2 years ago # -
My sister saw the video piece on the news (she was at the show, but "was home by 11:00")! One of the local TV stations must have felt that covering the closing of such a major Canadian production was newsworthy. It sure was!! And Audrey, I agree - there are just no words to describe that evening!
Posted 2 years ago # -
Leanna, we're all still recuperating. More details to follow.
This was posted on the Dancap website:
Dancap Productions Inc. Clips of the finale were on Global TV - check out the video clip on DancapTV
DANCAP TV
http://www.dancapproductions.com/dancaptv/jerseyboys/jbfinalglobal.htmThis is from Broadwayworld/Toronto:
Photo Coverage: Bye, Bye, Baby - JERSEY BOYS Closes in Toronto 2010/08/25
toronto.broadwayworld.com
The Toronto Production of the Tony Award Winning Musical JERSEY BOYS closed last Sunday, August 22nd after a successful two year run. BWW brings you pictures from this very special evening.
http://toronto.broadwayworld.com/article/Photo_Coverage_Bye_Bye_Baby_JERSEY_BOYS_Closes_in_Toronto_20100825Posted 2 years ago # -
One week ago this evening…time stood still in Toronto. I’ve been quiet up till now and the others who were there…well…to steal a line from my new Toronto friend, Nicola, when you have a killer experience like this, you have to shoot the witnesses … this is a basic rule.
Howard and I hit the road, Jersey-style, late Saturday night…ultimate destination Jersey Boys Toronto. We had an ambitious goal to make it to dinner at 5:30 Sunday; hundreds and hundreds of miles and many, many rest stops (and a few Dunkin Donuts) later, we walked into the restaurant at EXACTLY 5:30! We were joining the fan of the evening, Frances, as well as LindaS, Gary, Janis, Julia and Nicola, who arrived with bouquets in hand for the guys—so nice, Nicola. At a table nearby were Angela, her mom, Sylvia, Sandra and a friend. And at a table three feet away from Angela’s were cast members, some of whom I didn’t immediately recognize since I’m embarrassed to say I wasn’t well educated about the company, (but I am now!). The recognizable Jeff Madden was there, visiting with the cast, who were eating.
I’d say the theater was on a plaza. It had an open, sprawling feel, considering it was in a city. The restaurant was more or less part of that plaza, so it was an obvious gathering spot for anyone whose destination was the theater. I have to say I felt an immediate connection with the Toronto fans; strange how this works with most JB fans…what are we - all from some past life village community…happy to be reunited??
After dinner, we moseyed over to the Theater-three minutes away. The lobby was large (did I already use the word sprawling?) These folks can make Texas look diminutive; in fact as we approached the city, I said the same thing about the spacious positioning of huge apartment buildings.
One can imagine the electricity in the place. And, there’s nothing like being up front (‘everybody wants to be up front’), but as Janis noted, there’s value to sitting back, just far enough to see all those dancing feet. (We were in front row CC http://www.tocentre.com/index.cfm?pagePath=Main_Stage_Interactive_Seating_Chart&id=16461) Just as the show was about to start, I remembered the booster seats at the August Wilson and rather than crane my neck for the glorious 2.5 hours, I decided to run and check if they were offered here. Well, in true Texas style (or should I more accurately say - Toronto style), these things were INCREDIBLY thick. Nothing like the hotel soap. Being so close to the stage, I didn’t think I could possibly block the person behind me, since we were all looking almost straight up, but these were easily 7-8 inches thick and there was no ‘give’ when sat on. I reluctantly used it when those behind me gave the ok. (I have no idea where one could use them except in that first row or maybe a back row.)
I’m always curious how many people are seeing the show for the first time during a final performance. I’m guessing it was close to 75% returnees, although there’s no way to estimate, of course—I could be off by 50% or more! (maybe they could take a survey as people enter some time. Not that it’s important but there’s been a lot of research on less important matters.) I sold my extra ticket to someone in Chicago who was seeing it for the first time on Jan 10 and as it turned out the gentleman next to me in Toronto was, not only seeing JB for the first time, but was seeing his first musical/ play. This was a professional drummer, which made that even harder to imagine since he worked in the field of performing arts. He was a friend of the show’s drummer and had flown in that morning. (sorry Pat, I lost your email) Such a nice guy…and on virtually no sleep after a late Sat wedding.
The audience was on the edge of their seat from the onset, needless to say. There was a loud, enthusiastic and warm reception as the actors made their first appearances on stage. You know, a final performance can be an excuse to be with actors/ actresses you’ve come to love and admire and an excuse for the cast to be with loyal and devoted fans, but this performance was all-out; no comfortably riding the momentum of two years, no resting on laurels or enjoying the kum ba yah of the moment. They put EVERYthing into this; nothing was left on the dressing room floor, so to speak. I had never seen them before so I had no point of reference, but it was my impression that they were imbued with superhuman qualities that evening. Their movements made me think of The Six Million Dollar Man. Collectively, they breathed as much life into each character as I’ve ever seen on a JB stage. It was almost like I had blinders removed that I didn’t know I was wearing. There was a new dimension—‘high definition.’
Their physical acting had such a kick to every move—maybe it was because I was up front or… maybe they WERE going all out, just like it appeared. As I said on facebook, for some reason I was prepared for great acting and singing; Jeff seems to have a outward persona of a nice, mild mannered guy (kind of like the real Frankie), but gosh…give these four guys some room and great music and their dance moves light up a stage; they set that ‘dance floor’ on fire! (Now, I wish I could have seen all the Toronto cast members not on stage that particular evening, i.e., alternates.)
Dan Sullivan was the only one of the four I met at the stage door. I felt like Linda S and I were acting out the bit where Pesci pushes Bob over to the piano; only in our little scene Linda was Pesci and Dan the piano. Linda whispered something like…c’mon, you’re gonna regret it if you don’t go over’ and I think she was right—again. Like Howard commented on the Blog…as perfect as Dan was in the antagonist role (and I do mean PERFECT), he was that exceptionally personable at the stage door. Some actors greet you warmly, etc…and then some (maybe 4 that I’ve met through JB, although I’m sure each of us has our own unique experience) make you feel instantly like family. I’ve tried to analyze how that’s possible, but without success.
Dan also looked like he could have been Tommy DeVito’s son a bit, which drew me in, even more to his portrayal. I’m telling you this cast was thoroughly exceptional!! I saw significantly unique things in some of the roles that I had never seen before—including but definitely not limited to… Mary’s and Joe Pesci’s roles. I was excited to see that Quinn, who was endearing, distinctive and utterly energetic as Bob, is joining the Tour cast as it soon hits the oldies town of Philadelphia. He’s going to have fans from yet another part of the planet. Michael Lomenda, the resident Ringo, rounded out the fab four with a thoroughly authentic Nick.
As many before me have said (on facebook, etc), the finale was a matchless experience. The center of my left hand was bruised purple afterwards. Very different from the Chicago experience, because the applause in January was shortened by the appearance on stage of JB book writers, Rick and Marshall. I was specifically noting the applause volume last Sunday and by my measure, there was ABSOLUTELY NO reduction from the time the four guys ran off, through the band finishing with the drummer’s dramatic final beat, through the lights being turned down, through what seemed like an attempt to turn more lights down; no one budged and the applause continued at that same decibel. Usually someone in an audience breaks the ‘no move’ stance, but not here. The audience had hit a zone and wasn’t going to be denied the re-emergence of the four guys; it was obvious the guys had not expected to come back out, but surely they weren’t surprised at the stubborn insistence, either. (This time, the final two, who missed their flowers after the big finale, got them in hand.)
I’ve tried to analyze this whole JB experience. I was never much of a Broadway patron, except to take my daughter to classics like Beauty and the Beast. I was never a fan of any musical group. I had virtually no entertainment budget; rarely even going to the movies. This has been an intriguing ride and I continue to step outside and observe it rather curiously, as much as I blissfully wallow in it.
I was glad to have a chance to chat with Shaun Wright/ Bob Crewe a few minutes afterwards in the lobby. He got to see what most people I spoke with that day saw … my Old Neighborhood Bus Tour album! I confess…I do like to share the old neighborhood, although contrary to what Howard may say, I did not try to engage the border patrol on the subject. By the way, it was HOWARD who pulled out all the JB paraphernalia when asked if we had purchased anything, while in the country. Everyone remembers it the way they need to.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Up until I read Audrey's post, I was beating myself up for not finding a way to Toronto for their final show (I attended a wedding that Saturday evening)...but now I feel like I was there! Okay, I'll take that back because it is obvious from Audrey, Linda, Howard and others that truly "you really had to be there to experience it." But I do appreciate the wonderful posts and links with photos for those of us who could not be there. I hope I get the opportunity to see some of these wonderful performers in some acting venue. It is always nice to hear of cast members who appreciate their fans...I feel that has been a hallmark of most every JB cast. I like the comment noting the familiarlity JB fans have...many of us in our "past village life community" have become friends and that has been such a joy in my life.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Audrey, thanks for the detailed review of the show.
There should be photos up later this week.
One point that Audrey left out was how the gentleman next to her had a gift for whistling. At the very end, he was whistling away very enthusiastically. I don't think Audrey's hearing will ever be quite the same again.
There was entrance applause for all the actors, a big standing ovation after "Sherry" and an even bigger one after "Walk Like A Man". I looked at the faces of the actors and could see they were overwhelmed.
I also saw the matinee that afternoon. It was Adrian Marchuk's last show. He got a fabulous ovation after CTMEOY. I met him at the stage door and he was very gracious. And CUTE!!!!
It was a great JB day.
Posted 2 years ago # -
What's that you say, Linda??
Just kidding...I can still hear...at least when it comes to the written word.
Yeah, (warning, script alert) my ears are still ringing from that $h*t.
His vociferous support for the cast at the end was a tough ethical dilemma for me, because I sure wanted to be part of an audience at full volume; covering my ears might have put my fan club membership on probation, BUT I also know how pricey hearing aids can be.Lulu, after Linda's post I was beating myself up for missing the matinée, so there's no winning; life will be good if only...
Last night I had a dream that there were 6 of us unable to get into the final Toronto performance. The six, (divided into 3 sets) had bought their tickets through Starbucks and when we arrived, were told they weren't valid. I remember one of my concerns was that there would be, heaven forbid, empty seats! (but then again there was a hint in the dream that the tickets had been double sold, so that helped)
Posted 2 years ago #
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