JBB Fantastic Fan Interview with Brian Estrada & Jessica LaRue!
February 8th, 2007Jersey Boys Blog is excited to present the first national tour JBB Fantastic Fan Interview! Thanks to Melissa Strom, we had the opportunity to chat with Brian Estrada and Jessica LaRue, two theater-going friends who are BIG Jersey Boys national tour fans.
Brian and Jess talk about how they became interested in the show; their favorite scenes, lines, and musical numbers; what makes Jersey Boys so unique from other shows they have seen; and how much they enjoy the cast!
JBB: Tell us about yourselves.
BE: My name is Brian, I am Mexican and Polish– I love performing and watching performers perform. Right now, I am Assistant Directing Seussical at Irvington Conservatory Theatre and it is fun working with friends and people who have become family. It is also such a different experience working from ‘the other side of the table.’ I am 18 years old, but will turn 19 on St. Patricks Day (wahoo!). I enjoy walking on a beach barefoot in nice sand, drinking Dr. Pepper, and making people smile– because happiness is infectious.
JL: I am currently stationed in San Francisco in the United States Coast Guard. I work Search & Rescue here in the Northern California area, from Bodega Bay all the way down to Monterey Bay and as far inland, along the rivers, to Sacramento. I have always had a love for theatre. Before I joined the Coast Guard, I was very involved in theatre myself, as a set designer. As soon as I get out of the Coast Guard, I plan to get back into it as it is something I hold very dear to my heart. ‘There is magic in the theatre, and blessed are those who create the magic.’ Something I’ve always believed and known to be true.
JBB: Had either of you seen Jersey Boys on Broadway before becoming such big JB national tour fans?
BE: Nope, I have not seen it on Broadway. The only things I had seen were clips from the Tonys, and all that stuff you can find on YouTube.
JL: No, I only saw them on the Tonys.
JBB: When did you first hear about Jersey Boys, and what sparked your interest in seeing the show in SF for the first time?
BE: I first heard about Jersey Boys through friends that help keep me up to date on what is coming to San Francisco (Thanks, Chris!). Being into musical theatre really does not give me any other choices than to see what was down here. Also, Deven May drew in my interest. I have heard of him in Bat Boy, and a lot of other things he did and was a big fan from the start. Initially, HE drew me in.
JL: I first heard of it, of course, right when it was in the works. You always hear or read things regarding who’s doing what show and who wants to make this show or that show and whatever. Being in theatre is almost like a Mafia. Not that it’s organized crime, but it is organized entertainment, very networked. It seems everyone hears about everything through the grapevine at some point, but when it was set for La Jolla is when it was official and real.
JBB: What did you think of Jersey Boys upon seeing it for the first time in SF?
BE: Like everyone, you just get blown away. Especially since the first time I saw it, I was in the front row. You just get so drawn into the lives of the characters on stage that they emotionally drag you through their lives while throwing in great songs along the way. It was really breath-taking (and I don’t get my breath taken away very easily). Everything from the lights, to the blocking, to the songs, to the actors themselves– it was all just so wonderful.
JL: Oh, it was absolutely wonderful. I knew it would be good because it’s The Four Seasons. It’s pretty straightforward, they are amazing, so a show telling their story is naturally amazing. There is no way around that, unless you told their story falsely or something. The show was just splendid, though. This cast I especially love, they have wonderful energy! There are so many small details they throw in there that make it just a joy to watch. The first national tour cast is a smashing group of people Brian & I have become quite fond of, onstage and off.
JBB: How many times have you seen Jersey Boys and what keeps bringing you back?
BE: I have seen Jersey Boys a total of 11 times (so far). The quality of the performances of Christopher (and Jarrod on certain days), Deven, Michael, Erich, and the whole tour cast really just invigorates my soul and just makes me forget about life (yea– sometimes you just need to let everything go and live in the moment). What honestly brings me back is seeing the performers. They are such great people and being able to talk with them and joke with them is such an incredible feeling– they are truly inspiring. Who can go wrong with their power and emotion in the songs of the Four Seasons as well (not to mention the Angels, etc). The way they deliver these hits, like an up to date version of what it was like back then (not that I was born or anything), makes me want to get up and dance throughout the house– but I would never embarrass myself like that.
JL: I think I am up to ten times.
JBB: What is it about the story and the music that makes you feel so connected to Jersey Boys?
BE: What I love that is so much different than the other musicals similar to it (All Shook Up, Good Vibrations), is that they developed the story first instead of forming the songs first and story after. I think that is what truly makes Jersey Boys have such the capability to draw the audience in. You get the inside scoops to the lives of these four individuals and how they made it big. The songs are catchy, the story is compelling, and the build up in both of the acts just makes you anticipate what is happening next. Jersey Boys just flows so well!
JL: My whole life I have always had an older taste in music. When I was 16, I got a 1970 VW Beetle for my birthday, my dream car. It had a cassette player, and of course, my cassette collection, in the CD era, was very limited. I only had four cassettes; No Doubt, 2 oldies mix tapes, and the Beaches soundtrack. So being the stars they were, the Four Seasons completely overtook my oldies tapes, they made up more than half of both tapes, and I listened to them daily. So Jersey Boys just takes me to a really good place. Not to mention, their music can take anyone and get them right up out of their chair in a boogie, even the grumpiest of people.
JBB: So, Jess, do have an all-time favorite Four Seasons song?
JL: Probably “December 1963,” but I’m so terrible, I have multiple favorites. Among my favorites are “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “My Eyes Adored You,” “Rag Doll,” “Sherry,” and “Who Loves You.” I got lucky and all of my favorites made it into the final score of Jersey Boys.
JBB: Brian, before Jersey Boys, were you already familiar with Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons’ music?
BE: Not so much. I was born in 1988, it was a good while after them. Of course growing up you hear things, but I never put it together and figured out it was them or knew of them. I was very much in the dark with who Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons were.
JBB: Have you met any of the Jersey Boys national tour cast members?
BE: All of them except for Jennifer Evans, Douglas Crawford, and Erik Bates. They are swings and I have seen Douglas and Erik, but never talked to them. I have never even SEEN Jennifer though, it is very weird. The rest I have talked to and they are really amazing and wonderfully nice people. Love them.
JL: We’ve met every last one of them. Melissa Strom is actually why we’re doing this interview! We absolutely love this cast. They are such splendid people, that’s one of the reasons we keep coming back. They really make our experience so much better, and we get more out of the little things. Erich Bergen actually took us backstage for a tour and that really changed my perspective of the show. As a “techie” I already look at shows differently than most people, but seeing the stage and
everything, it gave me an entirely new perspective which I absolutely love. It makes the show better and I appreciate it more. Also, just little things they talk to us about afterwards makes the next time we see it better, like their QUICK costume changes, what’s in their drinks, and little line slips that are extremely hilarious for some reason. It’s just a good time for us, and for them too, I think. We try to get the audience going and make their experience as performers just as good as our experience as patrons.
JBB: What is your favorite line in Jersey Boys?
BE: My favorite line is the beginning of “I Go Ape” when Frankie Valli says, “Hmm.. Man, Like I don’t know! I just go ape!” The way Christopher (and Jarrod) delivers that line is SO funny. Their tone of voice and just everything is so perfect and cracks me up every time. Of course, seeing it many times, it is hard to just choose one. Among others is: Melissa Strom: “Ya girlfriend??” (“After Cry for Me”).
JL: My favorite line is Melissa’s line, “But I wanna see the Blob!” It’s when Nick Massi, his date (Melissa Strom), and Frankie break into the church for “A Sunday Kind of Love”
JBB: What’s your favorite scene and why?
BE: My favorite scene is ‘Working Out a Deal with Norm Waxman.’ When the Four Seasons are sitting at the table trying to figure something out and Tommy blows up on them, and Frankie finally tells him to sit down. GAAAHHH! It gets me every time. I get so emotionally wrapped up in it that I find myself making angry faces to match Christoper’s rebutting dialogue. It is so good! Another favorite is the intro to “Fallen Angel.” Similar to the reasons of why I like the ‘Working out a Deal’ scene.
JL: My favorite scene is the finale BY FAR! It’s so energetic and fun. I really enjoy the reprise after the curtain call too, especially the “freestyle” bars of music where they can do whatever they want, except jump. It’s fun to watch and see what different stuff they come up with, and the girls GET DOWN! It’s superb and very entertaining to watch, and of course, we’re up dancing, too!
JBB: Do you both have a favorite Jersey Boys musical number?
BE: My favorite Jersey Boys number is “Fallen Angel” and all of the ‘background tracks’ they do before they become the Four Seasons. Of course, you throw the big showstoppers into the mix, but I always find myself being completely overwhelmed by “Fallen Angel” and the recordings (“An Angel Cried,” “I Still Care,” “Trance”).
JL: I am probably the most indecisive person on earth. I don’t have a favorite because I love it all. I really enjoy every bit of the show.
JBB: Why do you think people keep coming back again and again to see Jersey Boys?
BE: Why wouldn’t they? The cast here in San Francisco are so lively and really do a great job of portraying who they are supposed to be. To put it in the easiest form: THEY KICK ASS. The score is amazing, the book is amazing, the cast is amazing. With all those amazings, you can’t help but to think about the next time you are coming to see the show, which is most likely during intermission (ha ha). For most of these people, they are reliving their past (which is cool to get a feel for in the audience).
JL: I think people come back again and again because the Four Seasons are a monumental group in the history of American culture. They aren’t a one time performance, to this day, they still live on, and as long as there is some sort of venue where people can experience their legacy, they are going to partake in it, whatever it may be.
JBB: You guys are both really into this show! What makes JB unique or special compared to other theatre you have seen?
BE: It is nothing like I’ve seen before. I have seen 25th Annual…….Spelling Bee, Sweeney Todd, Movin’ Out, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Avenue Q, Wicked, etc., etc., etc. but Jersey Boys has been nothing similar to any of them. It became my favorite musical after the third time I saw it, and I would see it 50 more times. And when I say 50, I mean a ka-jillion. I really love the show. The way it bombards me with catchy songs is something I appreciate. I hate going to a show and having to sit through some boring song and applaud because I don’t want to feel mean. With this show, there is not one song I dislike. Not one scene I dislike. Not one performer that I can’t stand. This show just has the entire package for me.
JL: Jersey Boys tells the story of The Four Seasons, and there was no other group like the Four Seasons, they were unique in themselves. So naturally, this is one heck of a show. Every show is unique, but one thing that stood out to me technically, that I haven’t seen a lot of before, is the use of the video screens, and the cameras. They did an excellent thing with those, and I think it really added to the experience, and helped to make the show really feel like you were there, and the men before you were actually THE FOUR SEASONS.
JBB: Anything else you’d like to share about Jersey Boys national tour?
BE: Everyone compares what is happening on Broadway to what is happening on tour and what not. One thing I appreciate, is that the San Francisco cast isn’t trying to imitate what is happening on Broadway right now. They bring their own characters onto the San Francisco stage and it shines throughout the Curran Theatre. Not often do I say a show is brilliant, but if I see it 11 times and know that I will keep counting, it is brilliant. The cast is just completely amazing. Christopher Kale Jones and Jarrod Spector really inspired me to believe in myself. Although I never have directly talked to them about such issues, they have motivated me to do things I have never done before, and take chances. I will always owe something to them, even though all they did was sing, act, and dance their asses off. And finally, the last thing to add, if you are in the area– or even if you aren’t and want to fly over–you shouldn’t miss this cast. I know I’ve already said it a good amount of times, but they are incredible. Thanks to Melissa Strom as well!
JL: I definitely encourage anyone who hasn’t seen it to go see it, of course! And a big thanks to Melissa Strom for arranging this interview. And to the entire tour cast, much love, and we will see you soon!
Jersey Boys Blog would like to thank Brian and Jessica once again for taking the time for this incredible interview, and for sharing their enthusiasm and passion about Jersey Boys national tour! We would also like to say a special thank you to Melissa Strom for arranging this interview!
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There is so much in this interview to say ditto to. It amazes me how such simultaneous, parallel experiences can be happening three thousand miles and… a generation apart.
I have also been more than ten times; Whatever the number, I know I always add ‘so far’.
And the quote-’all they did was sing, act, and dance their asses off.’ ‘…and yet they have motivated me to do things I have never done before, and take chances.’ Amazing how that works, Brian…and on both coasts!
Even the comment about the show becoming his favorite after the third time. Sure its great the first time, but you discover if you keep going that there is so much, much more available in these amazing performances.
I appreciate Jessica’s comment- ‘We try to get the audience going and make their experience as performers just as good as our experience as patrons.’
If I am getting back so much more than the price of my ticket, I owe the performers more than my part of the paycheck they get for giving their all. There is a relationship between audience and performers here that I have never experienced in any other show. Although the writing gets a lot of credit for that; I think the actors/ actresses (in both shows) get the bulk!
Great interview. Such enthusiasm. (Talk about taking chances, I bought two sets of tickets to see the show in LA even though I currently have no plans to head west. Just gotta make it happen, right?!)
Comment by Audrey — February 15, 2007 @ 11:54 am
I agree that this play does span generations. I’m 40 years old, have seen Frankie Valli in person while he toured in SF, in the late 70′s….. My son is the catalyst that got our entire family’s interest started in stage and theatre. He’s in High School and performed on the big stage more than a few times already. I watched Jersey Boys at the Curran last Thursday with his twin brother and he’s currently at the Curran with his Mom watching the 2PM matinee.
This story really shows that the music industry can be full of potholes and ditches because of how difficult it can be, especially when a group is involved. Christopher, Deven, Michael, Erich and the cast totally made it seem like the Curran Theatre that evening was time warped back to the 60′s.
The extended applause after each single or group song really showed how professional the cast is and that they really are the best in showing us how the Four Seasons and Frankie Valli lived their lives. I cried during “Fallen Angel” and “My Eyes Adored You”, I laughed during the scenes featuring Joe Pesci’s character and was happy they managed to stay together through turbulent times.
I salute the National Touring and Broadway cast of Jersey Boys! They really do an excellent job, day in and day out, because it shows due to the numerous house records in each town being broken and how it touches the audience. I hope to watch them in other cities to come (Vegas, Baby!) , culminating in hopefully watching the actual Broadway cast when a return trip to NY is due. Thanks again, Jersey Boys & Cast!
Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — March 28, 2007 @ 2:37 pm