November 5, 2009

JB Toronto’s Bob Crewe–Shawn Wright

November 5th, 2009

JB Toronto’s Bob Crewe, Shawn Wright

The Telegraph-Journal’s Peter Malcolm has a terrific feature on JERSEY BOYS Toronto’s Shawn Wright, who plays the role of Bob Crewe, the real-life producer who had “the best ears in the business.”

“He discovered the Four Seasons’ sound and helped them to create million-sellers,” Wright says.

“He doubled (lead singer) Frankie Valli’s voice in the recordings to give it more body. That had never been done before.” Crewe told Valli, “I’m going to make your voice jump out of the radio,” and he did.

“He also taught the Four Seasons etiquette and groomed them in the larger sense,” he says. “It’s debatable they would have gone anywhere without him.”

A typical day for Wright involves carefully considering everything he does or consumes that may adversely affect his performance. “You don’t do anything that might deter you from having the best show that night,” he explains. “Every decision of what you do that day, you say ‘If I do this, will it give a performance that is worth a $100 ticket?’ ”

Paying strict attention to diet, rest and exercise is vital, Wright says. “Your body is your instrument.”

Fortunately for Wright, “I don’t really have to sing in the show – I can be easier on myself.”

He takes the subway from his home on the south side of Toronto north to the theatre. No one notices him on the way up, but some audience members recognize him on the way home, he says. “They’re thrilled to see someone from the show.”

Visit Telegraphjournal.com to find out more about Shawn Wright and his passion for acting. (Photo Credit: David Leyes)

6 Comments »

  1. Great to see this article on Shawn Wright. Such a great, refreshing and down-to-earth attitude and perspective.

    My favourite actor performing this role which is so pivotal to the storyline. He plays the role with more subtlety and not so over-the-top which actually has more of a impact.

    Comment by Suzanne — November 10, 2009 @ 2:39 pm

  2. I had the pleasure of seeing the Toronto Company while on a business trip to Toronto about 6 months ago and agree with Suzanne on her take of Shawn Wright’s portrayal of Bob Crewe. Very refreshing and very effective.

    Comment by David Cace — November 11, 2009 @ 12:23 pm

  3. I was in Toronto for a conference this past week and decided to take in the Sunday performance of Jersey Boys. I was delighted to see that the actor playing Bob Crewe was non other than a highschool contemporary of mine Shawn Wright. What can I say, Shawn was awesome and I couldn’t be prouder. Well done.
    Susan ( Kaine ) Eldridge St. Vincents 78

    Comment by Susan Kaine — January 13, 2010 @ 5:46 pm

  4. I always remember Shawn as a young boy in school, he loved to act then and see he loves to act now, I remember the first play I saw him in the streak , and he was brilliant then as well , great job Shawn keep up the awsome work , your cousin . Suzanne Vitale.

    Comment by suzanne vitale — April 14, 2010 @ 4:50 am

  5. This play is amazing and I met Shawn Wright on the subway tonight after the show!! Hes an amazing actor and a very pleasant guy! I want to see the show over and over! Two times is not enough :)

    Comment by Denise — April 27, 2010 @ 10:50 pm

  6. I remember Shawn from growing up on the west side of Saint John as I was friends with his older sister Paula. We always knew their family had talent as they played an instrument-sang or were in a band. I always knew Shawn would be an excellent actor and do very well in this field and look forward on seeing him in any Play….his Mom and Dad were fantastic loving people and you could always count on laughing at his house as they were always joking-singing or giving someone a much needed Hug..how I miss west saint John-Randolph….keep doing what you do Shawn-you are one awesome young man…

    Ellen O’Neill( family of crazy people…hehehehehe)

    Comment by Ellen O'Neill — November 19, 2010 @ 6:46 pm

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