It’s Dominic Scaglione, Jr. Day–Video & Photo Flashbacks! Share Your Favorite Memories & Well-Wishes!
January 26th, 2014
Dominic Scaglione, Jr. (Photo Credit: Joan Marcus)
Truth is, “I’m tearing up” and asking, “Why does everybody leave?”–both wonderful lines from Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice–as we begin our tribute to Dominic Scaglione, Jr., as he ends his phenomenal run as “Frankie Valli” in JERSEY BOYS after nearly six amazing years in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Broadway.
It’s a “Sunday Kind of Love” in “the old neighborhood” right now, as the JBB Tech Half and I think back to the first time we had the privilege of seeing Dominic in the Frankie role in our old neighborhood, yes, on Dale’s birthday, back in August, 2008 at the Palazzo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. We had already heard from JB fans that the new young guy who played the late show “Frankie” twice each week was really great, but we never expected such an unforgettable, ‘OMG, this kid is the REAL deal’ kind of experience on that 100-degree evening in the desert! The Tech Half said it best, in his post-birthday extravaganza JB Blog post: “I thought he had a very powerful, clear voice and hit every note perfectly. He shows a wide range of emotions in his scenes, having fun with the group’s rise to success, and his voice actually started to crack a little with his acceptance into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”
The Tech Half and I knew early in Act One on that first evening seeing Dominic that JB Vegas was just the beginning for him! Nobody had to tell me he was from New Jersey–his performance was so authentic, so visceral…okay, I’m tearing up again…
Summers in Vegas, you get a string of days that are so blistering hot (a dry heat, mind you) that you can hardly walk like a man outside of your home. Then, out of the blue, there’s that one JERSEY BOYS Las Vegas show that is so memorable that you thank God, and remember it forever! That was our life, all of a sudden, seeing Dominic Scaglione, Jr. on stage for that first time!
Meeting Dominic post-show and congratulating him on his absolutely fantastic Vegas performance was such a treat! He was so appreciative and took the time to really chat with us, even though it was so late in the evening (even for us Vegas night owls!) and many of Dominic’s relatives from Jersey were waiting to celebrate with him. Of course, that wasn’t our last time seeing Dominic in Vegas–his performance continued to ROCK our worlds through August and September!
Although we were hoping for Dominic’s stay to be just a little bit longer, we were not surprised when he was called up to be the two-show Frankie on Broadway! Turns out, a bunch of us were in town for his first weekend, as many original cast members were having their farewell performances that Sunday in late September. Seeing Dominic’s moving performance on that Saturday matinee was priceless (as musical genius Bob Gaudio was sitting just one row over from me)! Dom’s warm welcome to us and all of his other fans at the stage door was so genuine!
Then, of course, Dom was on his way to Chicago, as the six-show Frankie, opening to rave reviews! It took us a little while to get there, but it was worth the wait, with the entire JB Chicago company rocking our world, and again, Scags being so welcoming to us at the stage door and during the backstage tour, and during his candid JBB Exclusive Interview!
After a hugely successful run in Chicago, of course, Scags was back on Broadway, as the two-show Frankie, and was kind enough to always stay in touch via Facebook & Twitter! His “Frankie” performance continued to floor us, as he grew even more into the role and seeing the chemistry between him and his castmates. In our JBB EXCLUSIVE Interview with Scags and Quinn VanAntwerp, it was phenomenal to witness how the two men supported each other, both on and off stage.
We were over the moon when the press release announced that Dominic was going to be the six-show Frankie on Broadway during the summer of 2013!
As Dominic takes his final bow in the Frankie Valli role this afternoon at the August Wilson Theatre in JERSEY BOYS, we think back to his stunning and flawless vocals, and emotional roller coaster ride as a young, eager vocalist, to the loyal older pop star who continued to chase the music, trying to get home.
Thank you, Dominic for your constant generosity, graciousness and kindness to your large fan base and for your constant support of Jersey Boys Blog!
I’m not kidding when I say that Scags truly has a heart of gold. When I tweeted him well-wishes on ending his JB run, just the other day, check out what he tweeted back: “This has been an amazing journey and you guys have been there every step of the way!! Ride!”
To quote one more JB line with a slight modification, “Scags, this is your time!” We wish you all the best as you say goodbye to JERSEY BOYS and are looking forward to seeing where your amazing talents take you in the future! Salud!
We would love for Jersey Boys Blog readers to share your Dominic Scaglione, Jr. memories and your well-wishes!
May success follow you on all of your journeys, Dom…..my eyes will always adore you!!! HUGS!
Comment by sharon — January 26, 2014 @ 3:37 pm
Thanks for doing Dominic Scaglione, Jr. Day! As your written and visual postings here show, Dominic has been the epitome of ubiquitous. So hard to imagine that these years could fly by like this. Dominic brought an authenticity to the role that, for many fans, stands unchallenged in the history of the show. And for those from the old neighborhood (not the one in Vegas
), he made us proud when his medley performance was the finale at the NJ Hall of Fame Ceremonies the year Frankie was inducted.
The only thing that has me perplexed is how he manages to make so many feel that THEY have a uniquely special relationship with him. That’s a gift. I seem to recollect him stepping away from friends and coming halfway across the room at the 5th anniversary party to say hello to me. It was that kind of moment when you want to look behind you to see who he is REALLY walking toward, because surely it’s your imagination that he’s headed toward YOU.
Like others have expressed, I would also like to think that a reprisal might be in Dominic’s future. That’s the bargaining stage of dealing with grief, I believe.
As you take that final bow this afternoon Dominic, know that the return on your investment of time and talent will be paying off for many years to come. Enjoy the day, enjoy the memories, enjoy the love being sent your way.
Comment by Audrey — January 26, 2014 @ 4:32 pm
After years of wanting to see Jersey Boys on Broadway, I finally got there in March of 2013, with none other than John Lloyd Young reprising his role. While I sat in the front orchestra reading my Playbill, I noticed that, that evening, the part of Frankie Valli would be played by Dominic Scaglione, Jr. My heart sank, but only a little because I was just so happy to be seeing Jersey Boys for the first time ever. Well, I was so totally blown away by Dominic’s performance, I couldn’t imagine any one else playing the role as superbly as he did! Not only was I enamored with his voice, but his strong acting ability, as well. I’ve been back to see Dominic six more times and so wish it could have been more. I must also add that no actor could be more gracious at the stage door! Thanks for the hugs! Dominic, while I have seen other “Frankies” and they’re all great, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for you! I’m wishing you all the best and break another leg in your next venture! I know you’re future will be a bright one!!! Can’t wait to see you again where ever you may be!
Love, Nancy (from Jersey)
Comment by Nancy — January 26, 2014 @ 7:47 pm
I will miss seeing you on the show now that you are gone I probably won’t see it anymore. Come visit Sometime. – Lexi
Comment by Lexi R. — January 27, 2014 @ 12:11 am
Thank you to the JB Blog master/mistress for this tribute to a very talented performer and even more amazing man, Dominic Scaglione, Jr. As others have mentioned, he was a way of making each and everyone of us feel special, because he is so special.
I remember reading raves about him from other JB fans when he first started, so I bought a 2 PM matinee ticket to see him May 2009, only to find out that he was being transferred a few weeks earlier to the Chicago cast as the six-show Frankie. So I decided to fly to Chicago for the first time by myself so I could see him in November 2009, including one on my birthday, which started the yearly tradition of seeing Jersey Boys on my birthday. He was sweet to take a couple of pictures with me on that trip. I was so happy I finally got to see him.
I’ve been fortunate to have seen Dominic eighteen times, and he has always been so gracious and welcoming at stage door every time. And may I add, it’s been a thrill to be sung to many times during WMWBTY. Glad I got to see him on my last trip, which concluded with my milestone 100th JB show. Dominic was kind enough to take us back stage and even agreed show us his dressing room. What a sweetheart!
Dominic, congratulations on an amazing ride with Jersey Boys! Please know how much you are loved by so many of us! Sending you much love and kisses from Hawaii. It breaks my heart I could not be there for your last performance. Wishing the very best! You will be missed, but you not be forgotten. I look forward to seeing you again in some other show in the near future. Please keep us updated.
Nancy (from Hawaii)
Comment by Nancy from Hawaii — January 27, 2014 @ 12:50 am
Thank you, Susie and Dale, for that wonderfully written personal remembrance chronicling Dominic’s Jersey Boys career. The photos and clips illustrated your trip down memory lane perfectly.
I can only add a hearty and heartfelt “Hear, hear!” to what others have said about what a class act Dominic is both on and off the stage. he will be missed in the JB world, but hopefully “rediscovered” elsewhere soon.
One other key to his popularity can be found, perhaps, in your hometown desert of Las Vegas, where it all began: It’s not (just) the heat; it’s the humility.
Best of luck to this fine young man in all his future endeavors.
Comment by stubbleyou — January 27, 2014 @ 9:04 am
Wow I don’t even know what to say, everything I want to say about Dominic would never fit here! From the moment I first met him after seeing him as Frankie in Chicago in August of 2009 I knew he was special and have closely followed his career with Jersey Boys ever since. I have flown from Chicago to NY many times specifically to see him in Jersey Boys; the day it was announced that he would be the 6 show Frankie on Broadway (FINALLY!) I cried, tears of joy. And when his facebook page said he would be leaving as of yesterday I changed around everyones plans so I could be here to see it, and again I cried; This time tears of sadness that he would be leaving the show. And yesterday during Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You I lost it again. I am so so so lucky to have been given the opportunity to take my relationship with him from fan to something like friends. I will always remain his biggest fan and cannot wait to see what his future holds! A salute to Dominic! We love you!!
Comment by Alexis L. — January 27, 2014 @ 12:45 pm
First, Susie, thanks for the beautiful tribute to this wonderful and talented performer and human being. While all the Frankies were talented, I would often try to see Dom with my friends and colleagues since I knew what a beautiful reception we’d get at the stage door.
I have several great memories, some serious and some more light-hearted. I first actually met Dom at Kevin Crewell’s cabaret and he actually recognized ME from the blog. My gosh, normally the cast members see me and attempt a clean getaway, but this welcome was the exact opposite.
A few months later, on a serious note, I donated a modest amount to a charity in memory of a late friend of Dom’s, and he thanked me via a personal message as if I had just donated the Hope Diamond. A gesture like that makes it all worthwhile. Thanks Dom.
Obviously, though, as they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. At the Doo-Wop’s Project at Feinstein’s, Kathy (Dom’s mom), weaved her way through the crowd and introduced herself and thanked me for posting a couple of nice comments on Facebook.
On a more lighthearted note, I timidly went up to Dom at the JB Fifth Anniversary gathering, and playfully announced, “Hey Dom, did you know that Doug Crawford calls you ‘Scags’?? Without missing a beat, Dom made my day with, “You know, Howard, you can call me Scags too.” I was in seventh heaven, as the cliche goes.
But I think the best memory was talking with Dan Sullivan, Toronto’s “Tommy”. I mentioned that most of the Frankies were on the quiet side, while Dom, so friendly and fan-friendly, was ‘the exception to the rule’. Dan’s response, “Scags is the exception to EVERY rule.”
You are so loved, Dominic Scaglione, Jr. You have such an awesome future ahead, and I join everyone else in celebrating your great success.
Comment by Howard — January 27, 2014 @ 1:05 pm
I feel so honoured to have seen Dominic play Frankie in both Chicago the summer of 2009 and on Broadway this past March 2013. I’m not sure how often this happened, but when I was in Chicago the play would stop briefly as the audience would clap & give him a standing ovation after almost every song. I was blown away and couldn’t wait to see him again. I actually did go to see JB in Vegas in b/t these 2 performances but it wasn’t quite the same – Once this boy from Jersey is your “Frankie” it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. His authenticity & talent are hard to match. Best of Luck from One Lucky Canadian Girl.
Comment by Janice terry — January 27, 2014 @ 1:45 pm
You are so right, Howard regarding the apple not falling far from the tree. After having recognized Dominic’s mom from her photo on this website, I took the liberty of introducing myself to her during the intermission at Dominic’s first Broadway performance as the “six day a week” Frankie. She was so gracious and kind to me and took my hand while I, unabashedly, went on and on about how fabulous her son was! Later, when I met Dominic at the stage door, she saw me and gave me a wink. Dominic gave me a hug and thanked ME for coming. That’s how humble he is! He also was so patient when another fan had a little trouble trying to take a photo of him and me with my camera. Two girls next to me asked him if he was the “original” Frankie. He said, “No, he left the show a few days before”. I responded, “Dominic may not be the original, but he’s the best!”, at which point Dominic let out a little smile. I hope that made him happy, because, as he has given me and countless others such joy, he only deserves unending happiness! Congratulations Dominic on your amazing Jersey Boys run and all my best wishes to you always!
Love, Nancy (from Jersey)
Comment by Nancy — January 27, 2014 @ 9:14 pm