Viva Las Jersey Boys!
April 8th, 2008Photos courtesy of Kathy Johnstone and the Tech-Half.
You wanna begin at the beginning–Friday, April 4, 2008–Las Vegas, Nevada. You ask 40 die-hard fans, you’ll get the same version. And this is where all of them start: A few days ago. The spectacular Palazzo Resort and Casino. The perfect spring evening in the desert. And the marvelously talented Jersey Boys cast on stage!
Walking into the stunning Jersey Boys Theatre, you knew it was a special night! Ladies in their chic cocktail dresses; the guys in their sports coats–all looking dapper. Jersey Boys fans came in from New York, Philly, San Francisco, LA, and of course, Jersey–as well as many other cities–for the debut of Jersey Boys in Sin City! Along with the fans, the JB creative team was ubiquitous–Michael David, Rick Elice, Bob Gaudio, Des McAnuff, and Sergio Trujillo–were all in attendance!
The energy in the audience was contagious! We were sitting near a bunch of first-timers who were saying things such as, “I heard this show was really great”; “I’ve always loved the 4 Seasons”; “I’ve been wanting to see this for a long time.” I turned to the Tech-Half and we exchanged the knowing look we give each other every time we hear the first-time attendees…that look that says, “They’re about ready to have the entertainment experience of their lives!”
The minute the lights went down and “Ces Soirees-La” began, the crowd went insane with their wild applause and cheers! As the terrificly talented Jeremy Kushnier tells everyone how “the whole thing started with me–Tommy DeVito” before the guys broke into “Silhouettes”—-the audience was completely mesmerized! Then, when “the kid who sings like an angel and hangs around the club” (the truly phenomenal Rick Faugno) made his appearance and finished singing “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” you could have heard the thunderous applause as far away as Lovelock, Nevada!
Okay, I don’t want to give anymore away–till everyone comes to Vegas to see this magnificent cast, but the chemistry among the Vegas Four Seasons–Erich Bergen, Rick Faugno, Jeremy Kushnier, and Jeff Leibow–along with the rest of their multitalented castmates– was one of the most exciting evenings we’ve experienced as Jersey Boys/Four Seasons fans. The first-timers dancing in their seats, the wild applause, and the standing ovations will “keep going and going” in Vegas!
As we were leaving the Jersey Boys Theatre, it was so wonderful to see many of the cast members as they met with adoring fans! Was the great evening about to come to a close??? Well, now for the rest of the story….
The amazing Eizens–Irene and Buz–threw the most fabulous party, no let’s call it a “gala”–for the JB fans that converged in Vegas! From the beautiful Palazzo, we all walked over to the oh so elegant Venetian for the most fantastic gathering in “East Meets West” history! As we entered the suite, it was the OMG moment! Seeing our wonderful hosts, reconnecting with so many East Coast/West coast friends, and finally having the opportunity to meet so many pals we’ve gotten to know through JB Blog and the Forum! It’s all sounding “too good to be true,” right? It gets better! Along with the wonderful hosts, meeting so many old and new friends–you won’t believe what came next!! Many of the JB Vegas cast and crew members, along with Rick Elice came to enjoy the festivities!!
The JBB Forum is filling everyone in on all of the exciting details–so, I’ll just give a few more highlights! As everyone arrived, we were treated to opening remarks by the extraordinarily talented Michael James Scott (wait till you see this guy on stage, BTW!), Toastmaster Extraordinaire, Howard Tucker, and our magnificent co-host, Irene Eizen! Then, for the night’s entertainment, we were treated to a new group. In the words of Barry Belson, “I mean, is that a different sound, or what? Who are these people?…Lend an ear to The Jersey FANatics”–as they broke into their new hit, “Irene, Baby” to the tune of “Sherry,” of course!
Will it make it to Number One for five weeks? We’ll keep you posted as it climbs up the charts! Following the group’s debut, the Vegas cast gave them a STANDING OVATION, with Rick Faugno then asking for the new group’s autographs! For a Vegas Jersey Boy, “is that style or what?”
This was truly an evening that will not just go down as the most memorable in not only Jersey Boys history, but also in Vegas history as well! Thank you again to Irene and Buz Eizen for their incredible generosity for the most memorable evening as JB fans; the “planning committee” who helped to bring us all together; and to the sensational Vegas cast for joining us!
More photo coverage coming soon!
WOW! The pictures are wonderful!
So happy for all of you, looks like you had some fun in Vegas
And you can always count on Irene and Buzz, they are the best from the east coast to the west coast
Thats why we love them, they’re wonderful people..J
Comment by Jody Cardillo — April 8, 2008 @ 2:40 pm
Please, I’m tearing up just remembering the evening. Thanks so much Susie & Dale for posting and reporting on the wonderful Friday “Oh What A Night!!”.
Comment by LindaL — April 8, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
Great report. It was the next best thing to being there. You should get a stipend from the Las Vegas Tourist Bureau. Enjoy having your own resident JB company. I guess we New Yorkers and Chicagoans are not so special anymore. Cheers, Charles
Comment by Charles Alexander — April 8, 2008 @ 4:39 pm
I am so glad that I waited for this wonderful review of the evening with all of the details. The pics are amazing and I am staring at the computer screen naming everyone. Leave it to Irene and Buz to add more class to the already remarkable evening. I was there in spirit and thank for sharing the excitement with the rest of us.
Comment by Gayle Kamen-Weinstein — April 8, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Susie, that was a great write up of a fantastic weekend!
Irene and Buz were amazing hosts and a great time was had by all. We couldn’t have asked for a better evening!
Is it bad that I get “Irene Baby” stuck in my head? From now on, every time I ask someone to sign my JB book, I’ll think of Rick asking for OURS! Priceless.
Comment by Krystal — April 8, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Thanks, Susie and Dale for the fabulous write up and great pictures. Oh, what a night this was!! You really did justice to this once in a lifetime event. It was such a thrill to share in all of it, and a pleasure to meet both of you. Thanks to everyone in our wonderful Jersey Boys family for being there, and for making the weekend so special.
Pamela
Comment by Pamela — April 8, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
Susie & Dale, thank you for the excellent report!!
You hit it on the nail….the chemistry in this AMAZING CAST is bar none.
Irene and Buz….THANK YOU!! The magic of 10/21/07 in NYC was duplicated in Vegas 4/4…..what an embarrassment of riches you continue to provide us. We are all so blessed to be in your company.
Comment by Charly — April 8, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
Charles, my friend,
Our family continues to grow- Chicago, New York, Vegas, London – we are all one huge and growing family of Jersey Boys friends. No one is left out – ever. When will I see you again, Charles? I am a train ride away from NYC and a plane ride from anywhere else.
Thank you everyone for all that you do and all that you are to Buz and me. IE
Comment by irene eizen — April 8, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
“I guess we New Yorkers and Chicagoans are not so special anymore.”
Hey, Charles — what makes you think you were special before?
Comment by stubbleyou — April 8, 2008 @ 10:13 pm
I am back home now and I canlt believe how much fun l had in Vegas! I have to return soon!!!
One thing I wish for that the management could hopefully consider is the inclusion of a photo booth ala the venetian gondola ride or even something like the stratosphere green screen for fan’s pics to be superimposed over some JB memorabillias, collage, or even a personalized “program” where the fans pics could be thrown in the mix together with the casts. Just an idea and I could only bet that it could rake in more money coz those pics couls sell an easy $30 apiece if it becomes existent.
Comment by starbuck — April 9, 2008 @ 2:20 am
They ask you, what was the high point?
The brand-spanking-new theater,
meeting Bob Gaudio and Rick Elice,
singing “Irene, Baby” for the cast – it was all great.
But forty kindred souls, sharing a sweet anticipation,
Holding our collective breath as a new chapter of the JB phenomenon breathed its first one…
The first time we heard those opening block chords of “C’est Soiree La,” bum, bum-bum, BUM-BUM!!
And everything dropped away, and all there was was two hours of old friends blowing the roof off a new venue…
That was the best.
Until 10pm Friday night, anyway. Then the whole world exploded. Eizen-style.
That’s why I’m still out here singing, with a funny little grin stuck since Saturday.
I just keep smiling and smiling and smiling.
Loving the music. Loving the show. Loving the JB family. Sad to be home.
Comment by stubbleyou — April 9, 2008 @ 2:29 am
Stubbleyou, my friend,
That was beautiful. I am humbled. Look at me. I am tearing up. You got it my friend. 100 readings this weekend but thankfully I can’t swear on my mother’s grave. She is living and going strong, thankfully.
I am sad to be home also. It was a spectacular weekend – a little food, a little music, friends – the only thing missing was room 325. Hugs! IE
Comment by irene eizen — April 9, 2008 @ 8:58 am
I get to see it Saturday evening and I can’t wait. Sounds like it is just as good as it was on Broadway.
Comment by Mike Smith — April 9, 2008 @ 9:47 am
Stubbleyou: That was fantastic!! You write like an Angel!!
Comment by LindaL — April 9, 2008 @ 10:13 am
Susie, you have outdone yourself. Wow, is this writing or what??!! What a beautifully crafted account capturing the dynamic nuances of the evening. I feel like I was right there…(oops, I was!!!). I just wish we could hit rewind and do it ALL again…and again…and again!
Words of thanks seem so inadequate, but it’s all I have, so… I add my sincere thanks to Irene and Buz for being incredibly gracious hosts with the ability to bring out the very best in any opportunity, the whole cast for their talent and personal warmth and the creative and management team who have imbued this show with their vision and commitment to quality!
Comment by Audrey — April 9, 2008 @ 10:38 am
Aw, what a fantastic write-up of our wonderful evening in Vegas together! Such super memories to share!
Love the write-up and the photos!
Thank you again to all who helped put everything together. You are a blessing to all of us.
Comment by Dina F. — April 9, 2008 @ 11:52 am
Susie, it’s a great summary, and Stubbleyou, your wit in prose is unequaled except perhaps by your wit in person. (& thanks for finally explaining the Jackie Seiden-Jackie Mason joke–it is indeed funny!)
There were three great powers at work on Friday: a wonderful, truly once-in-a lifetime show, the Blog–a forward-looking brainchild of Susie and Dale Skarl, and Buz and Irene Eizen, who have emerged as the go-to-people of our group.
Neither Susie or Dale nor Irene or Buz hold a CEO position and they weren’t investors in “Jersey Boys” sharing their profits. They are simply leaders,
whose charisma, communication, stability, energy, respect, and most of all generosity, have enabled us all to connect with friends we shall have the rest of our lives. I don’t think any of us have the words to express our gratitude to all four of you.
As for the cast, my friends Gary and Angel have told me how talented Rick Faugno is for the past year. I finally witnessed it myself firsthand–he certainly looks like a young Frankie, and blew the audience away with his acting and vocal range. His talent was matched by his graciousness and humor, and his asking for the choral group’s autographs was priceless, as our charming Krystal alluded to above.
Cathi (Mama Lucy) deserves special thanks for helping assemble nearly the entire cast, and some of the crew, as well as always engaging Rick Elice.
Finally, a HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to Fantastic Fan Pamela Singer, whose energy and devotion to our group and to “Jersey Boys” is unparalleled.
Comment by Howard Tucker — April 9, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
I wonder if lovelock still exist…..how about a package tour of that?
Comment by starbuck — April 9, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
Stubbleyou…you are incredible ! you certainly have a way with words. I am impressed. Susie and Dale…what an awesome coverage of that wonderful, unforgettable night. Howard…what can I say ? ? I am one of your fans. You speak and write so eloquently. Irene and Buz…by this time, everyone has expressed their appreciation for the fabulous party you set up for the fans and for everyone involved with Jersey Boys. Thank you so very much ! April 4 2008 will forever live in the memories and hearts of every JB fan. We are so lucky for the opportunity to meet everyone who shares our sentiment and passion.
Comment by Mila — April 9, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
I am looking at the photos and reading Susie’s story for the fifth time (at least) and reliving the night, and the entire weekend for that matter.
I can hardly believe last Friday night “was no vision”!
Thank you to our wonderful hosts Irene and Buz and all the fans who put together this fantastic evening. I only wish I had time to chat with more fans but I know we were so busy talking to the cast and crew and before I knew it, it was almost 3 a.m. and we just had to go or we’d be seeing the sun rise. It was nice that the cast stayed for so long as well.
Unfortunately I am experiencing some of the sadness and withdrawals I felt when they left Seattle last Jan. but now I can look at the photos and read Susie’s story and I am back on my JB high. Oh, and I can look forward to the next time we get together.
Until then, take care all.
Comment by pam f — April 9, 2008 @ 5:50 pm
Planning for the next event – how can we top this????? I have ten ideas already! ORLANDO is among them.
Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful comments. Howard, what can I say – you are a blessing in our lives.
Love you all, IE
Comment by irene eizen — April 9, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
I spent an hour going through my JB coffee table book trying to find lines that hadn’t already been used to immortalize 4/4/08. Then I decided that words alone are not sufficient to convey the the feeling of this genuine harmonic convergence.
I am truly grateful for the magic that brought us all together, and I will forever be indebted to all those dear people who made this evening so incredibly memorable.
Comment by Cathi — April 9, 2008 @ 9:00 pm
If I had to choose a word that best describes 4.4.08 – priceless. The show, the party, the JB fans, Susie’s article, the comments – they are all great. We were all there for the music, and it will continue to bring us together… Irene has 10 ideas already for Orlando 2009! It was truly an unforgettable evening… too good to be true!
Comment by Angel — April 10, 2008 @ 10:01 am