Comments on: What Makes Men Flock to Jersey Boys?

By: irene eizen

irene eizen — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 23:54:32 +0000

Hi, Mike!
I listen to everything you say! You” got my attention.” IE

By: Mike B. Magbaleta

Mike B. Magbaleta — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:51:19 +0000

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.

By: Howard Tucker

Howard Tucker — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 15:28:53 +0000

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.

By: Leanna

Leanna — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:31:10 +0000

Guys’ guys, who like guys’ flicks! Gunfire in the skies flicks!

By: irene eizen

irene eizen — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:27:21 +0000

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