Jersey Boys Phenomenon Begins in Vegas TONIGHT!
April 4th, 2008
Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas-Review Journal states that it’s the show without show tunes that makes big boys cry. The biography of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons that has become bigger than Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. It’s “Jersey Boys,” and with the fourth sit-down company of the Broadway hit opening on the Strip this weekend — while a touring cast is still on the road — it’s hard not to call it a phenomenon.
“I hesitate to use that word, but I’m afraid that’s much of what’s going on,” admits Bob Gaudio, the musical architect of The Four Seasons who helped steer the title to the stage.
The musical debuts today in a new 1,700-seat theater at the Palazzo; though ticket prices aren’t discounted, the first month is designated as preview performances before grand opening festivities May 3, Valli’s 74th birthday.
In addition to Gaudio, Weatherford talks with Frankie Valli, producer Michael David, director Des McAnuff, and cast members Jeremy Kushnier (Tommy DeVito) and Jeff Leibow, who share their thoughts on the Jersey Boys’ phenomenon.
When the first act finally delivers “the big three” — as Jeremy Kushnier, who plays the group’s black sheep, Tommy DeVito, calls “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like A Man” — “You look up in the audience afterward and you see grown men, steelworker kind of men, crying because they remember the first time they heard that.
“They come up to you afterward and go, ‘I’ve never seen theater in my life, and this is the most amazing thing I’ve ever heard.’ ”
I can’t wait to hear the reviews! I know at least twenty or thirty true JB fans from the east coast & the west coast who will love this production. I’m just curious how it plays to the Vegas crowd.
Comment by LuluThompson — April 4, 2008 @ 11:15 pm
I just saw Jersey Boys in Minneapolis and came home remembering my earliest years of hearing rock & roll. The real Frankie Valli & Four Seasons were great and the musical is a fabulous way to honor them. My son went with me, age 26, and couldn’t believe the energy and fun of the songs. The whole audience was rockin’, and yes, there were all ages.
Comment by Jeana — April 5, 2008 @ 7:35 am
Best wishes to Jersey Boys Las Vegas cast! I saw Jersey Boys in LA with Erich Bergen as Bob Gaudio and Rick Faugno as Frankie Valli and they were superb! I’m sure they will rock Vegas!
Comment by Ann — April 5, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
It was a fabulous show,last night,in Vegas. The crowd went WILD. For us true fans it was wonderful being back in the theater and seeing all the cast in their very BEST performance. Rick Faugno (Frankie) never sounded so magnificent,it was his very BEST,ever. The fan/cast party put on by Irene and Buz Eiezen was beauitful. We drank, a little food (really there was alot)and pictures. Just catching up with the cast… talked about the show (of course). Jersey Boys WILL be in Vegas,for many,many years to come.
Kathy
Comment by kathy — April 5, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
I saw the show on the 5th (2nd preview) and there was a magnificent energy among the cast members and audience alike.
Erich, Jeremy and Jeff did amazingly as expected and my personal accolade for the night goes to Rick.
Rick improved the most and have gone a long way from his understudy days at the 1NT and hits his high notes with ease specially the mood for love part, ctmeoy and another high part that is mostly troublesome whoever plays it….the ohhh part on wlam.
Some minor changes that I have noticed that didn’t affect the integrity of the show are some shortened dialogues and song numbers.
People just have to see it for yourselves and the company is in the greatest shape it has ever been….
I could only imagine how opening night would be.
Fabulous sound system, lighting and overall theater appearance with 2 large extra led screens on each sides of the stage making it 5 now.
Comment by starbuck — April 6, 2008 @ 5:06 am
For those seeing Jersey Boys this week and next…..a small treat:
See the best little hidden secret of Las Vegas…
Society of seven with LV singer of the year, diva extraordinaire….
Lani Misalucia!
They do an impression of Frankie Valli and also sings other broadway hits and hits of all time including the supremes, celine dion, etc.
See the show in the main flamingo showroom before they close nxt week and go on tour!
Comment by starbuck — April 7, 2008 @ 1:34 am