What Makes Men Flock to Jersey Boys?
August 31st, 2007Daily Southtown Theater Critic Betty Mohr provides the highlights of Chicago’s upcoming theater season. What is especially exciting about Chicago’s theater scene is that it is reaching out to all audiences.
Even men, who have not been considered a major demographic in theatrical audiences, are getting in the act. Bob Gaudio, the songwriter and one of the Four Seasons depicted in Jersey Boys, opening October 6 at the LaSalle Bank Theatre, said he’s surprised by the number of guys picking up tickets to his show at the box office. Gaudio stated,
It used to be that women were the primary audience for theater, but not anymore. We expected the over 50-crowd to buy into our musical, but we’re discovering that young men also are interested in our show. I think the appeal is due to Frankie and my partnership, and there’s the Rocky thing about a group of guys beating the odds.
I think Bob Gaudio makes a good point. The handshake scene between Frankie and Bob is powerful and its longevity makes an important statement in society. How refreshing it is to know that this “contract” has endured for 40 years – no cut throat legalese, no lawsuits, just two people committed to each other’s professional and personal success.
I have noticed in my 20 times at the NYC production that there have been lots of men in attendance. Many baby boomer couples grew up with the music but probably didn’t know the story behind “all the music.”They are now reliving those wonderful years in the context of this great story.
Thanks for posting this topic, Susie and Dale. IE
Comment by irene eizen — August 31, 2007 @ 9:27 am
Guys’ guys, who like guys’ flicks! Gunfire in the skies flicks!
Comment by Leanna — August 31, 2007 @ 9:31 am
Irene, I echo your thoughts–I think it’s the loyalty that does it–if someone doesn’t agree, “well, you’re not from Jersey”. Although not in the play, it’s very common knowledge how Bob stuck by Frankie through his health issue (hearing) in the late 1970′s.
Also, none of these fellows were heartthrobs in the 1960′s (ala Elvis, Frankie Avalon, the Beatles, Fabian, etc.)or 1970′s, so were never threatening in that respect. Could you picture Frankie on the cover of “Photoplay” or “Hollywood Confidential”? In addition, the songs tell as many stories if not more from the male point of view (“Walk Like a Man”)as from the female point of view (“Dawn”).
Finally, so many of my male friends are content to go with their sons (to give them a taste of the ’60′s), without necessarily being accompanied by their wives.
Comment by Howard Tucker — August 31, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Hi! My name is Mike, I’m 41 years old, live in San Mateo, CA, have a wife and twin boys and am a male Jersey Boys “addict”.
I confess that I’ve attended “Jersey Boys” by myself for a treat one day after my birthday at the Curran Theatre on May 23rd, 2007….. I also attended the August 16th performance with both my twin sons….. Naah….. Nothing wrong with us guys…..
(Irene, ya listening????? Your diagnosis on the bulletin board was correct!)
I also echo both Irene and Howard about the “simplicity” of how that group lived, but we all wanted to see the “complexity” of producing that great music, trying to avoid conflict and surviving major incidents occurring to them while keeping the group alive for so long.
Finally having a “vehicle”, to quote Bob Gaudio, in which to see the “partial” story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons’ lives was a surprise to most, but made millions of fans throughout the US happy because we get to witness what they went through.
Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — August 31, 2007 @ 12:51 pm
Hi, Mike!
I listen to everything you say! You” got my attention.” IE
Comment by irene eizen — August 31, 2007 @ 6:54 pm