Jersey Boys Blog

Photos by Mark Rupp at BroadwayWorld.com

Jersey Boys Actors’ Fund Special Performance and Pre-Reception
Sunday April 15, 2007
By Special Correspondent Audrey Rockman

The Nor’easter blew a lot of people into Manhattan for the big Actors’ Fund special performance of Jersey Boys Sunday night which was one of the Fund’s most successful events in the group’s history, raising $188,598. People came from all over like Jennifer and her daughter, Samantha, who flew up from Florida to attend the event with her parents. For those supporting the cause with the purchase of premium tickets, the pre-show reception was scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm, but the challenging weather didn’t discourage fans from gathering as early as 5 on the fourth floor of Sardi’s for an open bar and warm hors d’oeuvres offered by servers during the two hours.

Some, like New Yorkers Charlene Giannetti, who will be writing something about her own fascination with the show for NewYorkWomanOnline.com, and her husband are not only faithful supporters of the Actors’ Fund, but big Jersey Boys fans as well. Many others, who came strictly as Jersey Boys’ fans, had a chance to become familiar with the work of the Actors’ Fund during the evening. At least three Jersey Boys Blog Fantastic Fans- Irene, Howard and Beverley were there with family and friends supporting the cause as were Four Seasons’ historians David Cace and Charles Alexander, the author of the Jersey Boys Cast CD Liner Notes.

Some of the cast attending the reception included Michael Longoria, Kris Coleman and the recently added cast member to the Jersey Boys team in New York, Travis Cloer. Others in the cast, such as Jennifer Naimo, Sara Schmidt and Erica Piccininni, were back at the theater collecting for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids after the show and involved with hair prep for the night performance. About 6:15 pm, Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard, J. Robert Spencer and John Lloyd Young arrived straight from the matinee. Joe Benincasa, Actors’ Fund Executive Director, and Producer Steve Kalafer, the host for the evening, welcomed the crowd to the event and spoke a bit about the fundraising cause. President of the Actors’ Fund, Brian Stokes Mitchell, was unfortunately absent with strep throat. John Lloyd Young also spoke and the cast had a chance to mingle with the crowd for conversation and photographs.

The organizers made some friends when they announced that there would be vans available to transport everyone to the theater. As it turned out, there was a short respite in the storm at about that same time, so some walked the eight blocks north to August Wilson.

The sold-out crowd was settled in their seats shortly after 8 pm and the show got started with such anticipation (and the star of Broadway’s revival, Company, Raul Esparza sitting in the second row, as well as JB co-writer, Rick Elice, who was also seen on site). Hoff, Reichard, Spencer and Young were all back on stage- little more than two hours from when they last stepped off. John Leone played Norm Waxman and Steve Gouveia, who plays Hank Majewski and others, was in for his final performance as he prepares to join the California Tour in the role of Nick Massi. Colin Donnell is joining the cast in the roles formerly played by Steve. Simply put, the night’s performance was flawless magic; perhaps a testament to the skills perfected through 600 (also flawless, I’m sure) performances to date.

First-timers, as well as the more seasoned Jersey Boys fans, showed their appreciation for the tremendous talent on stage with thunderous applause and standing ovations throughout. (I know of at least two people who were enjoying the show for about the thirty-fifth time. Ahh…if only I were one of those.)

As the four leads received roses at the end, John spoke for the group from the stage in support of the Actors’ Fund. John said that “the Broadway special benefit performances, alone, account for about a million dollars of each year’s fundraising for The Actors’ Fund.” John stressed that the Fund is not limited to serving actors, but includes song writers and dancers as well as producers; anyone in the entertainment industry. According to its website, www.actorsfund.org, the group is a nonprofit, national human services organization that helps entertainment and performing arts professionals in theater, film, music, opera, television and dance through a broad spectrum of social, health, employment, and housing programs.

The rain was back in full force when the show let out after 10:30 pm, but I can safely say there was more of a mood of “Singin’ in the Rain” than “Rainy Days and Mondays” getting anyone down.

The cast ‘stay(ed) just a little bit longer’ after the crowd dispersed for champagne and toasts on stage in honor of Steve’s last performance and then went to the Russian Samovar on 52nd Street for more celebration. Steve is the second, after Tituss Burgess, of those who originated their roles in La Jolla to leave this New York cast. As Jennifer Naimo said “….but he’s bringing the Jersey spirit to this 2nd company.”

Audrey ([email protected]) would like to add a final and unrelated note… as an alumnus of Virginia Tech with fond memories of campus life; she offers her heartfelt condolences to that community on this very sad and tragic time.