Sebastian Arcelus Leaving JB for Off-Broadway Musical ‘Happiness’
December 29th, 2008
Playbill.com reports that Jersey Boys Broadway’s Bob Gaudio, Sebastian Arcelus will join Tony winner Joanna Gleason, Jenny Powers and Robb Sapp in the new Susan Stroman-directed musical Happiness, which will bow Off-Broadway at Lincoln Center Theater’s Mitzi E. Newhouse in February 2009. Visit the Lincoln Center Theater website for details.
All the best to Sebastian in his upcoming new role!
Best of luck, Sebastian. To steal a quote from Paula Abdul, you made Bob Gaudio “your own.” Thank you, too, for always being so gracious to my friends and me at the stage door.
You and I also discovered early on that we had a mutual friend, Russell Koplin, with whom you’ve done voiceovers. Russell’s “day job” intersected with my “day job” in a joint presentation by both companies. While we lunched with the higher-ups to plan the event, as soon as we discovered we both knew you, all business talk ceased and Sebastian Arcelus was the talk of the dining room!!
My other great memory is at the Cosmic Diner where I was having a pre-show dinner with friends Priscilla, Steve, and Susan. You actually came to our table to say hello as if we were the stars and you were the fan!! (To my friends Irene and Gary: one never knows which star one will meet at the Cosmic; move over, Elaine’s and 21 Club.)
Finally, you and I both enjoy Amy Ruth’s eatery in upper Manhattan (although I tease you about never citing it in interviews), possibly the best southern food in NYC. Only problem is after I finish one of their meals, I put on 5 pounds; you have the same meal and lose 3 pounds; life just ain’t fair sometimes.
My best wishes go with you, Sebastian. I’ve always enjoyed Joanna Gleason and will even wear a costume at the stage door in honor of her dad Monty Hall!!
Comment by Howard Tucker — December 29, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
NO……..I hate to see Sebastian leave!!
He is so awesome as Bob Gaudio!! Please stay
with JB!!!!!
Comment by sharon wardlow — December 29, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
I see Sebastian’s new venture also features former Jersey Girl from the first national tour, Holly Ann Butler. Best of luck to both.
Comment by stubbleyou — December 29, 2008 @ 9:46 pm
Sebastian, I have enjoyed seeing you perform as Bob Gaudio in JB. You had such a relaxed coolness and a commanding stage presence, a keen sense of comic timing, and outstanding vocal performance onstage. At the stagedoor, that coolness turned all warm and gracious, and I appreciate the time you took to talk and take pictures. And your choice of hidden little restaurants is awesome…my husband and I love “Amy Ruth’s”! I’ll keep an eye out for you and Stephanie, and Howard, too! I look forward to your new project…Joanna Gleason is a favorite of mine, and Jenny Powers has a spectacular voice. Best of luck and God bless you!
Comment by LuluThompson — December 29, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
Sebastian: I enjoyed the times we were able to speak at the stage door. I had once told you that the real Bob Gaudio had shared with me that he was so excited to have you join the cast! The first time I heard you sing “Cry for Me” I knew you were a perfect fit for the role! Since then I have enjoyed your outstanding performances and I am sorry to hear you are leaving.
Comment by Beverley Micciche — December 30, 2008 @ 9:30 am
Sebastian,
You will be missed at the August Wilson!!! Ive really enjoyed seeing you as Bob Gaudio, making the role uniquely your own, and mesmerizing audiences with Cry For Me and Oh What A Night. Thank you for always taking the time to talk at the stagedoor. Wishing you all the best in your new venture.
xo, Pam
Comment by Pamela — December 30, 2008 @ 12:14 pm
I wonder if he’ll grow his hair back, like before he was in JB.
Anyways, I’ll miss him. He was a great Bob Gaudio. His Cry For Me is amazing. I can’t wait to see him in this new show. I mean, Sebastian and Joanna Gleason in a show together? I’m so there.
Comment by Casey — December 30, 2008 @ 9:29 pm
Sebastian,
I cannot believe you are leaving before you ever finished your website page. Thank you so much for the great performances and for always being so gracious at the stage door.
I wish you the Best of Luck with your new project and you know I will be there to see you.
Peace,
Albie
Comment by Albie — January 1, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
Can’t believe it’s already been a year! Seb you are a true professional and so charming & kind. Good luck in your future projects & I hope be see you back @ JB.
Comment by Charly O'Clarit — January 2, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
Seastian,
I saw you on Broadway as Bob on July 30, 2008 and you were AMAZING. Post-show, you took my mom and I backstage and that inspired me to pursue acting. Thank you so much and I wish you the best in your up-and-coming career.
-Andrew
Comment by Andrew Greenberg — January 3, 2009 @ 12:11 am
I was really hoping to catch you again as Bob…the time was just too short. Through Jersey Boys, you now have a great group of fans who will definitely be there to support your future projects. If there is not a website, I know this blog will keep us posted. And also, thank you so much for always being so kind at the stage door. Jersey Boys stage door is always such a feel good place!
Good Luck!
Comment by Carolyn — January 13, 2009 @ 8:12 pm