March 19, 2006

What Jersey Boys Means to You…One Fan’s Story

March 19th, 2006

Jersey Boys Blog is excited to post Fran Gatto’s wonderful story about what Jersey Boys means to her:

When I first heard about a play about Frankie Valli & the 4 Seasons, I knew I had to put it on my list of things to do. I saw the play in previews four days before the opening. During the introductory scenes, as “Tommy DeVito” describes the era in which the storyline begins. I immediately felt a connection to the story, the characters, and the dream. No I’m not from Jersey, don’t know any ex-mobsters, not even a performer. But this was the story of all our lives, our parents, families, their struggles. My parents grew up listening to FV&4S in their heyday while they were growing up, raising their families, celebrating life, cooking, cleaning the house, dancing in the kitchen when they thought nobody was looking. I grew up with all these wonderful songs playing in the background while we were getting dressed for a date or a party, even when my Grandmothers came over for the weekend, we would play our records and everybody would dance just because it was Saturday night. Everybody can remember playing “Oh What a Night!,” when driving around with your friends on a hot summer night….These songs carried so much excitement that it always made you happy because it put you right back with the ones you love to be with when life was sweet and oh so good.

Just a week after I saw Jersey Boys, I had the opportunity to meet all of the actors at an autograph signing. There were all so gracious and sincere for the reception they have been receiving, I felt as if I was obligated to let them know that what they are doing on stage is truly what the critics are saying the effect will be on the audience. Christian Hoff said it best on the Today Show’s appearance when he said, “We’ve all been marinating in the music!”

I told them all how I have seen the show several times, each time I bring someone else with me who feels the same way. This not only proves my point because so many people close to me have that same connection. I am not or never was a Frankie Valli groupie, or huge fan…it is just the music that plays to the background of our lives.

Now that I think back, I remembered that Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio were kind benefactors to a nursing home in the Bronx, called Providence Rest. If you mention this place to any Italian in the Bronx, they will tell you the truth … that Bob Gaudio really does give a *** about the old neighborhood. I think I was the only person in the audience that really got that joke.

My 9-year-old nephew was assigned to a group performing a Jersey Boys song for his play… what a fluke….I think it’s just my Grandma & Mom from up above wanting to hear some great music one more time.

Thank you for the opportunity to let you know how much I have enjoyed the excitement of the show and seeing it explode.

Jersey Boys Blog would love to hear other fans’ thoughts on this phenomenal show. If you would like to share your story, please submit it to the Contact form. Thank you!!

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