It’s Douglas Crawford Day on JBB–Share Your Memories & Well-Wishes!
April 5th, 2015
After appearing in four different JERSEY BOYS companies over the last eight years, the amazingly talented cast member Douglas Crawford will be playing his final performance in JB Las Vegas tonight!
Since beginning with JERSEY BOYS, Doug has played eight different tracks, appearing in events all around the world, numerous television appearances, hundreds of performances, and thousands of hours of rehearsal. He will be leaving the show to pursue new adventures, challenges, opportunities, and triumphs.
As a swing cast member, Doug could go on as Bob Crewe, Nick Massi, or Handsome Hank, and so many other roles–any night of the week. No matter what role he was playing, we could always count on Doug to always greet the fans post-show and take the time to chat and get to know each and every one of us. Always remembering our birthdays, our hometowns (yes, Doug & I have a Buckeye connection), and so much more. Not only has he given 150% in whatever role he is playing on stage, but even bigger kudos to Doug as a genuinely thoughtful and great guy who has always been a marvelous supporter of Jersey Boys Blog.
We want to thank Doug for all of the Jersey Boys memories in four fabulous companies, congratulate him on his fantastic success with the show, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
To quote Bob Gaudio in JERSEY BOYS, Doug Crawford, this is your time!
Please join us in sharing your memories and well-wishes as Doug says farewell tonight, Jersey-Style!
It was a Monday evening in April 2007 and the Sherry Company of Jersey Boys was headlining a “One Night Only” event in San Francisco to benefit the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation. I was seated toward the back of the house waiting for the show to begin when Doug Crawford leaned over from across the aisle and started a conversation. We’d previously met at the stage door but this was the first time we actually talked. Later that evening I outbid the other patrons for Chris Jones’ JB tour jacket and was given a date and time at which I could pick it up at the Curran Theatre. As is sometimes the case with public transit, I was a bit late to the appointed time and the theatre was closed. Disappointed, I crossed the street to get some coffee at Starbucks and noticed Doug with his family at a small table to the side. I stopped to say “Hi” and told Doug what I was doing there that day. He immediately wanted to help. Excusing himself from the table, he led me back to the theatre and tried to find out if anybody was still there. When it was clear there wasn’t, he rejoined his family at Starbucks as I thanked him profusely for trying to help me and apologized to his gracious family for interrupting their visit. I discovered that day what a great guy Doug Crawford truly is. He continues to display his extraordinary humanity with every personal encounter, whether live or on social media. As I look back on the incredible experiences I had with Jersey Boys over the years, Doug will always be a major presence in those amazing and most treasured memories.
Comment by Andrea Kim — April 5, 2015 @ 4:44 pm
Doug exemplifies as much as anyone why the bridge between JB cast members and fans exists. As a de facto good will ambassador, his sincerity, warmth, and openness have engendered immeasurable good vibes toward the entire JB creative community as well as to himself individually. I wish him the best in all his endeavors as he embarks on new phases of both his personal and professional lives. Bravo, Doug!
Comment by stubbleyou — April 6, 2015 @ 8:35 am
The Jersey Boys family is losing a dear and valued friend. Doug is a true talent, and a real sweetheart. I’ve had the privelege of seeing Doug onstage and talking to him offstage as well. What a great time we had at B Smiths with the gang! Doug, you will be missed!! Wishing you every happiness in your next adventure!
Comment by Pamela — April 6, 2015 @ 10:18 am
As I watched Doug last night in his last performance I felt like he embodies the very essence of Jersey Boys. He embraces the subtle things on stage, whether in a group of background actors watching Frankie sing “My Mothers Eyes” or throwing a patron out of a bar when Frankie meets Mary. Doug acts effortlessly on stage and adds to the enjoyment of the production.
Doug will always be a cast and fan favorite. His genuine love of acting and meeting people was evident at his goodbye party last night. We will miss you in Jersey Boys, Doug, but we will always have you as a friend.
Comment by Linda Lipsius — April 6, 2015 @ 10:36 am
I was so fortunate to interview Doug for the Jersey Boys Blog several years ago, noting how many companies he’s been in. The interview was so lengthy and all encompassing, and it was such a thrill to learn of his wonderful career.
I can see from Doug’s Facebook posts how close he is to his family, including his sister, TV News legend, Pam Elliot. I was so touched by his tribute to his late mom Joan, and it’s obvious how much love there was between them and how much he misses her, and I shared with Doug the dynamics of my family as I was growing up.
Finally, Doug never misses a birthday and I look so forward to his birthday posts each year. I was so happy to acknowledge his engagement to Emma a few weeks back, and of course, received a heartfelt thank you the minute he received my card.
Doug Crawford, you always shall remain in all the Jersey Boys cast, creative team, and the fans. As the expression goes, “you’ll do just fine. It’s the rest of us I’m worried about!” All the very best, my friend.
Comment by Howard — April 6, 2015 @ 10:48 am
It was a pleasure to see Doug’s last two shows this past weekend. He has touched so many of us and we will miss him dearly. Even when he is not in a performance, it was reassuring to know he was waiting in the wings and ready to go on if necessary. He truly represents the line ‘Family is Everything’. Doug, you will forever be a part of the Jersey Boys family. We wish you the very best and look forward to the next chapter of your life.
Comment by Linda S. — April 6, 2015 @ 5:10 pm
Back many weeks ago, when Doug Crawford announced his that his JB Vegas departure would be April 5th on Facebook, I briefly went into denial…Nah, Doug can’t be serious. This is a marvelous gig & he is great at what he does on stage. (Yes, I know, people move on, need to have new challenges…but I wanted him to stay just a little bit longer.)
Fast forward to last night. Watching Doug play so many roles with such ease and with such perfection was bittersweet. His Billy Dixon scene was priceless! Then, of course, by the Who Loves You scene, some of us were, well, you guessed it, “tearing up.” The crowd went wild at the curtain call when Doug appeared.
With all that was going on last night, Doug came out to chat & say individual goodbyes to each and every one of us! For a Buckeye, is that style or what?
Doug, you will be missed and will always be remembered!
We know that you will ROCK in your next adventure!
Comment by Susie — April 6, 2015 @ 10:23 pm