July 28, 2013

It’s John Lloyd Young Day: Share Your Favorite Memories and Well-Wishes!

July 28th, 2013

JLY
John Lloyd Young

As we all know, John Lloyd Young’s final performance as Frankie Valli on Broadway in JERSEY BOYS will be this afternoon.

How about the first time you experienced JLY portraying Frankie Valli at the August Wilson Theatre?! Never, ever will I forget in November 2005–how he channeled the pop icon, from a young, eager kid who wanted to be bigger than Sinatra to the hitmaker who had been on the music business and personal roller coaster. Time and time again, on repeat visits, JLY’s performance was off the charts! It was no surprise to see him take home the Tony Award in 2006!

On a personal JBB note, we want to give JLY a special shout-out for his JBB Exclusive Interviews and support! His generosity, candor, and warmth will ALWAYS be one of our fondest JBB memories…Okay, I’m tearing up….

In 2012-13, JLY had a triumphant return to the Broadway stage and fans from all over the globe returned (some, we know saw him for the first time) to experience his phenomenal portrayal of Valli.

We want to thank John Lloyd Young for sharing his talent with the world, for his wonderful return to JERSEY BOYS over the past year, and we are beyond excited about the rumor ;-) that he will be playing the legendary pop star Frankie Valli as JB hits the sliver screen in 2014! We wish him all the best!

We would love for Jersey Boys Blog readers to share your John Lloyd Young memories and your well-wishes! Also, please feel free to post photos, videos, and more on the JBB & Podcast Facebook page or Twitter! In the comment form below, please add anything you would like to share as JLY moves on to an exciting (rumored) film role and other wonderful opportunities!

JLY
John Lloyd Young

19 Comments »

  1. My Wish for John Lloyd:

    Always Be Happy and Healthy!

    Take some time for You!

    Have a Wonderful Career in L A!

    And Remember We All Love You :-)

    See You Soon, Mr. Young!

    XOXOXO
    Jody
    Big Hugs and Love :-)

    Comment by Jody Cardillo — July 28, 2013 @ 9:39 am

  2. great choice for you to play frankie valli in the movie good luck.

    Comment by ron conte — July 28, 2013 @ 9:43 am

  3. I first saw John Lloyd Young onstage in 2004 in The Chosen at the old Coconut Grove Playhouse. He held his own onstage with the formidable Theodore Bikel and I knew from that performance that his acting career was about to soar. From his wonderful performance in Jersey Boys to his triumphant return to the stage this year Mr. Young has brought joy and pleasure to all of his fans. Wishing him much success and best wishes with the JB movie. All of your fans have wanted this for you for a long time!!! They could not have picked a better Frankie!!!!!

    Comment by Barbara — July 28, 2013 @ 10:06 am

  4. I sat behind Edie Falco during Opening Night in 2005. At the end of CTMEOY, she said a loud-ish “Wow”. In the 35+ times I’ve seen him perform since then, my opinion has never changed. It’s been “wow” every time. Reach for the stars, JLY! We will miss you on Broadway, but we know when we’ll be seeing you again. God Bless!

    Comment by Annaleise — July 28, 2013 @ 10:28 am

  5. I went to 7/27 show for Jersey Boys in Broadway. It was so excited that I have another chance to see him performing Frankie Valli again on the stage. I was addicted to his voice after I listened his singing for the first time and I hoped I coould see his performance again. When I knew his last performance will be on 7/28. I just made my decision to buy flight ticket and flew from Chicago to New York just wanted to see him again. Now I am in the airport and on my way back to Chicago (need to work on Monday morning), I will give my wish to JLY for his future performance and can’t wait to see Jersey Boys movie.

    Comment by Eric — July 28, 2013 @ 10:53 am

  6. So happy for John Lloyd. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the last show, but have seen him twice in the last two weeks. I’ve lost count of the number of times overall, but am so happy he won the movie part so I’ll see him over and over.

    Of all the JLY memories, three come to mind. At the LA premiere of “Oy Vey” in Los Angeles, as the cast was posing for pictures on the red carpet, JLY spotted me in the crowd, and excused himself, stepped off the carpet, and greeted me warmly…the paparazzi could wait, but his fans couldn’t!! Memory #2: Also in LA, at one of JLY’s benefit concerts, introduced by Theodore Bikel, he asked who had come the farthest (sorry, Linda SooHoo!), and introduced me by name to a great audience reaction. Memory #3: At the stage door at the August Wilson, I was with several college friends at the very end of the line, and JLY spotted me as soon as he came out and gave a “Hi Howard” from the stage door, to which my roommate of 40 years ago asked, “wow…you know him??” “Of course, Len, what’s the big deal???”

    Off to Hollywood with Clint, JLY…..Make our day!!!

    Comment by Howard Tucker — July 28, 2013 @ 1:12 pm

  7. The first time I saw John Lloyd Young was October 11 2005 in a Jersey Boys preview on Broadway. We have been friends ever since that night. when I e mailed him and told him how much I loved the show and especially him.and he e mailed me back!!!
    I told him I knew he would win the Tony I had never thought that about any actor in a play before him .

    During the years I went to Jersey Boys many many.I also saw him in all the other performances he did including Am far Rose Theater Myth Carnegie Hall Cafe Carlyle.
    I only went to Jersey Boys when John was playing Frankie

    I wish John Lloyd Best of Luck in all his future endeavors.
    He is a wonderful and talented friend and I see a lot of wonderful things in his future!
    Good Luck John and I want you to know that you have made my life wonderful for 8 years and looking forward to seeing you very soon.
    Love You!
    Vivian DeMarco
    A Fan from New Jersey!!!
    XOXOXO

    Comment by viv — July 28, 2013 @ 2:24 pm

  8. Saw you in 2006 and again in 2012 on broadway, WOW, does it get any better?… well yes for you it does and for your fans as well!! See you on the BIG SCREEN!!! Congratulations!!

    Comment by sharon — July 28, 2013 @ 2:29 pm

  9. Though we’ve been JB fans since 2007, it wasn’t until last summer, 2012, that my two boys and I got to see the Man in the Role. We had high expectations which we all agreed were exceeded with his spectacular performance. At stage door afterwards, I was impressed with how much individual and personalized attention he gave to each and every fan waiting to meet him. When he got to us he thanked me for starting what turned out to be a standing O for CTMEOOY (I didn’t know I had done that) and he remembered meeting one of my sons four years prior. I can’t help think that the graciousness and class with which he treats the public contribute to the enthusiasm and devotion of his fan base. Best of luck to JLY as he enters this well-deserved next phase of his career.

    Comment by stubbleyou — July 29, 2013 @ 8:24 am

  10. So many memories starting with the first time we saw him in the Wednesday matinee on November 30, 2005 – from the mezzanine. I took the Playbill home and soon found myself on his website (where I found the Jersey Boys Blog!). I studied it, watched the videos of him in rehearsals and clips from Opening Night on the show’s website.

    I’m not sure when it occured to me that one can go BACK to a show they’ve already seen (ha!), but in May…I was sitting in the August Wilson 3 more times. Then all the morning show national tv appearances, the Tonys (in fact I saw JLY walking in for his matinee performance that day, since I went to buy tickets before the whole world exploded), the acceptance speech!

    I was in Israel when it was time for his contract renewal in the fall of ’06 and I got the hotel to let me use their computer in the office every day to check the status of his run.

    We saw him on Christmas eve that year (which added a special touch to the line about Nick’s passing) and as always, even with friends/ family waiting, he managed to give us his complete attention.

    Every memory is special and I’ll be back to share more shortly. The main thing though is that we look forward to the moments ahead and, although they’ll be different, there will always be a unique JLY-esque quality to them.

    Comment by Audrey — July 29, 2013 @ 11:55 am

  11. First saw JLY as Frankie the very first week of the opening, Wednesday October 12, 2005.
    My wife and I sat in the 2nd row orchestra. Great seats.
    During this show my wife and I concurred that John and Christian had an excellent shot to each win a Tony.
    I had been going back and forth with JLY via E-mail for some time after I found out he was
    going to portray Frankie. We got to meet him before one of the other shows we went to and he gave us a great backstage tour.
    Now on to bigger and better things starring as Frankie in “Jersey Boys” the movie.

    Best of luck to you John .
    Jerry & Andrea …

    Comment by Jerry — July 29, 2013 @ 12:05 pm

  12. I have followed John’s career since 2005 and it only gets better and better. He is the most sincere, kind, and sensitive person I know. He truly deserves whatever good things come his way. I have always called him “Mr. Hollywood” Now I can officially use that name. “Wat to go John” You will be missed. Till we meet again, love and kisses

    Comment by Marlene Cetrulo — July 29, 2013 @ 4:12 pm

  13. I was one of those who saw John Lloyd for the first time in August of 2012…but I certainly didn’t stop there. I honestly thought I had missed the opportunity to see him play Frankie Valli, so I was thrilled when he returned. He more than exceeded my expectations, and his charm and charisma in person have blown me away. The last year, seeing him perform multiple times, has made such a wonderful, lasting impression. Can’t wait to see the next chapter start for him…I hope all of his dreams come true.

    Comment by Lisa — July 29, 2013 @ 4:41 pm

  14. After seeing Jersey Boys in San Francisco in 2007, I realized the OBC was still together on Broadway. It had been over 20 years since I had been to NYC. I made 4 trips to NY in a span of 3 months. I saw JLY twice and was delighted to meet him at the stagedoor. I wanted to see him one last time before he ended his run and that’s when the stagehand strike happened and I never got to see him. I felt like a little black cloud was following me ever since then.

    When he came back in 2012, it was a like a dream come true. A second chance. I was delighted to see him again in this role and better than ever.

    His last show on Sunday was just fabulous. It was a pleasure and an honor to be there to give him a proper send off. Can’t wait for the next step in his career. It’s really too good to be true.

    Comment by Linda/Tiggerbelle — July 29, 2013 @ 5:21 pm

  15. Every moment seeing John Lloyd Young was special. I saw him in my first Jersey Boys show Sept 2007, and met him at stage door afterwards. He spent quite a few minutes to chat with us, even though his car was waiting for him, he took his time. Then he left the show a few weeks later.

    For five years I had to live with the fact that I only had the chance to see him once as Frankie Valli, so I was more than thrilled he was returning to the show for three months in 2012. Had to pinch myself just to make sure I was actually seeing him again. Couldn’t keep my eyes off him. His voice and acting were even more impressive than before. Wow! At stage door, he said recognized me in the audience, and even called me by my first and last name. I was floored! Like before, he signed autographs, posed for photos and stayed a few minutes to chat. He truly is a very special man, and so wonderful to his fans.

    I was fortunate to see him a total of 25 shows in Jersey Boys and seven shows at Cafe Carlyle. I had to see his brilliance at work again. It was all worth it! Will go see him again.

    I wish John Lloyd the very best in his next chapter of his career, and want thank him for his kind heart, and all the joy he brought to his fans. Looking forward to more wonderful memories. We love you, JLY!

    Comment by Nancy — July 30, 2013 @ 4:38 am

  16. From the moment I saw JLY take the stage in March 2006 it was immediately obvious that he was someone special. 7+ Years later, after dragging countless friends to JB with me (of course all have loved the show or have been too scared to tell me they didn’t…though, unlikely) I couldn’t be happier for him. I was truly disappointed to not be there at the stage door after his 3rd “last show,” especially after having been there for the other two, but I know those of you who were there gave him a great send-off!

    My hand to God, I will be there for the movie premiere!

    Comment by Courtney — July 30, 2013 @ 1:37 pm

  17. Everything said about JLY was all true and more.
    We saw JB the 1st Wednesday, 2005, of previews.
    I was so surprised how great he did Frankie. I have always loved the 4 seasons and didn’t think anyone could ever sound like FV. Boy was I wrong!
    I told all my friends they had to go see John &
    ersey Boys.I compared the album and 4 seasons records to see if they could tell the real Frankie. 2 couldn’t tell 4 said JLY.I could go on & on but I would never get to why I’m so impressed with him.
    John is the kindest and most sincere man I have ever met. In 2006 I met him in Central Park . I walked over and asked for his autograph and to take a picture.He was so gracious and I felt relaxed talking to him after my nerves calmed down. That was something that most actors would probaly not do.
    He is so special and John is the only one to do the movie. Clint Eastwood you are a very smart man !!
    I still keep in touch with him and hope we always will .
    My best to you always . THEA

    Comment by THEA — August 1, 2013 @ 1:57 am

  18. I am not one who posts comments on any blogs but this time I just can’t help it because things need to be said. John, I met you for the first time many years ago during an early 2006 performance of Jersey Boys. Since then, somehow we have become “friends.” My sister, Marlene, and I began coming to see Jersey Boys over and over again because we just needed to hear you sing. Remember the framed photo I gave you in front of the Marquee one rainy night after the show? How about the stuffed “ape” that was holding a card which read “I go ape for you?” Remember the accidental “OK” shout out at Lincoln Center that carried all throughout the audience? Can you possibly remember my coming to see you sing the National Anthem at the Continental Arena? I had so many fun times whenever I came to see you perform.
    I want to use this blog to publicly thank you for all of the special attention you have paid to me over the years. You graciously spent time talking to me each and every time I attended a performance of Jersey Boys. You wrote letters and signed photos – more than I could ever expect you to do. You met my sister and I at the restaurant around the corner when it was my birthday and then posted the photo we had taken there on your blog wishing me a “Happy Birthday.” You sang your last song at Lincoln Center right to me (that was really special!) You always acknowledged my “SO GOOD” sign at every performance including the times at the Carlyle Café. You invited me to a backstage tour at Jersey Boys and talked to me about the history of the theater and how things work backstage during a performance.
    I have told you this many times in letters. You are so very talented. I knew your turn was coming. The time is right now and I am so proud of the success that you have had and the success that is yet to come. Thank you for praying for me to get through my eye surgeries as I subsequently had prayed for you to get the movie role in Clint Eastwood’s future production. You will be wonderful as you always are. Being a teacher, I have always enjoyed seeing young people become successful and be able to fulfill their dreams. I always knew you were one of the gifted ones. Now you can reach for the stars. The sky’s the limit!
    Love, Gioia

    Comment by Gioia Crawford — August 2, 2013 @ 12:45 pm

  19. John,

    I am Marlene Cetrulo’s daughter and I have followed you through my mother. I just want to wish you all the best in your future endeavors, I know you will be successful at anything you do. I have seen you in the Jersey Boys and it was fabulous! Best wishes always.

    Dana

    Comment by Dana Leblein — August 2, 2013 @ 3:21 pm

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