September 19, 2007

Michael Ingersoll and Jonathan Weir–From Chicago to ‘Jersey’

September 19th, 2007

Robert Lorezel from PioneerPress.com has a marvelous in-depth article about Michael Ingersoll and Jonathan Weir–two Chicago actors who will be returning to the Windy City as Jersey Boys’ cast members. A couple of years ago, Michael Ingersoll, an actor who had just moved to Chicago’s North Center neighborhood, sat down at a diner with stage veteran Jonathan Weir for some advice about how to make it in Chicago theater.

Recently, it was Weir’s turn to call Ingersoll for advice. Ingersoll was in a touring production of Jersey Boys, the musical about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Weir, an Oak Park resident, had a chance to audition for the same show, and he wanted to hear about Ingersoll’s experience. Ingersoll told him to go for it, and now these two local actors are in the touring production of “Jersey Boys” that moves from San Francisco to Chicago this month for an long run at LaSalle Bank Theatre.

“There’s not a better job to be had in musical theater for a guy in this country. You get to play a rock star,” says Ingersoll, a native of Dayton, Ohio, who has acted with Pegasus Players and the Metropolis Centre for the Performing Arts. For the past year, Ingersoll has been on the road in San Francisco and Los Angeles, giving some 250 performances as Nick Massi, one of the Four Seasons, in this Tony Award-winning musical.

Weir is a regular on many Chicago stages. He toured with The Lion King and starred as Ebenezer Scrooge last year in the Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. He was slated to take on that role again this winter, but he dropped out of the play when he got the offer for a higher-paying and longer-term gig with Jersey Boys. Since joining the cast in early August, Weir has been playing the mobbed-up New Jersey guy, Gyp DeCarlo, who helps the Four Seasons launch their career.

“It’s kind of fun playing a guy who has no compunction about killing someone, but is also kind of a father figure,” Weir says. “Even the evil guys think they’re not evil.”

Weir also pops up in several other roles. He’s a judge, a bowling-alley owner, a record producer and a priest. Each time Weir steps out onto the stage with a different wig or costume, he says, “You’ve got one scene to make a mark with this character.”

Ingersoll and Weir are planning to stay in Jersey Boys for the indefinite future. They say they won’t be surprised if the Chicago run of “Jersey Boys” lasts even longer than the six months now scheduled.

“We’ll be in Chicago as long as Chicago wants us,” Weir says.

4 Comments »

  1. Great interview with Michael and Jonathan! Who would have known they both could land roles in the same play….. This world is truly small!

    When I first saw Jonathan play Gyp, it was during the 8/16 show, and believe his background as professor of drama at a Chicago area university attributed to his earning the role. So much knowledge, talent and ability! He reminded me so much of Robert Duvall’s character in “The Godfather” because he was “mobbed up”, but with a businesslike style as portrayed in Jersey Boys.

    Michael is one approachable dude! One heck of a nice guy, but watch out for his “left hook”!!!!! It’s an asset holding and earning a black belt in martial arts, but having all that discipline and mental strength makes for a truly caring and considerate man who has also made great contributions to the stage. Every time we meet him, he’s smiling and accommodating to everyone that approaches him. Onstage, he gives Nick Massi the deserved respect and “props” that Nick never fully wanted or received.

    Both of them are part of the 2nd Nat’l Tour that SF has grown to love as our own, but now, Chicago will have their hometown boys back again, entertaining the Windy City like it’s never been entertained before!

    Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — September 19, 2007 @ 10:37 am

  2. Awesome article! I have no doubt that the Chicago run will be extended at least once. The question is, will everyone stay with the show?

    Comment by Lauren — September 19, 2007 @ 11:30 am

  3. What a great turnabout; who says karma isn’t alive and well?

    I’ve never met Jonathan, but like Mike B. above, really consider Michael a great guy. The first time I caught the show in LA, Michael was entering a car for his ride home, when my friends and I asked for a picture. As he faced us, he looked tired, but still gave us a great smiling picture.

    Dunno about that left hook, Mike–Michael’s so nice I’d need to see it first hand. Actually, Michael and I have something in common–I have a yellow belt in judo from 40 years ago (yeah, yeah, once I wash it, it turns white again!!–no I seriously do.) But, Michael I., I’m not gonna test your abilities!!

    Great story. Best to both Michael and Jonathan with their careers both with and beyond Jersey Boys.

    Comment by Howard Tucker — September 19, 2007 @ 4:47 pm

  4. THOSE J-BOYS ARE THE BEST THING THAT’S EVER HAPPENED TO THIS COUNTRY! AFTER SEEING ALL OF THEM PERFORM ON THE EMMY’S I HAVE NO DOUBT THE CHICAGO RUN WILL BE A GREAT SUCCESS AS WELL! YOU GO JERSEY BOYS, CAUSE YOU ROCK MY WORLD!

    Comment by Tina BG — September 20, 2007 @ 9:37 pm

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