Jersey Boys Blog

Jersey Boys Blog is thrilled to present another JBB Fantastic Fan Interview! This week, we are featuring a two-part interview with one of Jersey Boys’ and the Four Seasons’ biggest fans, Howard Tucker ([email protected]). In Part One, Howard shares his thoughts on Jersey Boys, and what keeps bringing him back again and again to this amazing show!

JBB: Tell us a bit about yourself.

HT: I am a CPA and a supervising examiner in the lending division of a large money center bank. I look at clients and prospects both in the U.S. and abroad, analyzing loans, collateral, and financial statements. I am a voracious reader, mostly of business and motivational books and articles (favorite authors: Keith Ferrazzi and Jason Womack), and occasionally try my hand at creative writing, both in comedy and for business blogs.

I’ve always loved the Broadway stage, from my first shows at 11 and 12 years old (Bye Bye Birdie and Golden Boy), and try my best to see at least one musical or play every other month. My favorites are the Tyne Daly/Jana Robbins version of Gypsy, the Alison Smith version of Annie, the Michael Crawford/Sarah Brightman version of Phantom, and the Jennifer Holliday/Sheryl Lee Ralph version of Dreamgirls,–and Grease and Fiddler with anyone!

Part One: Jersey Boys

JBB: When did you first hear about Jersey Boys, and what sparked your interest in seeing the show for the first time?

HT: I’d heard about it last November, but somewhat discounted it, as friends had seen Good Vibrations, All Shook Up, and Almost Heaven (and I’m a huge John Denver fan) and were all disappointed. I had seen Mamma Mia!, while it was OK, I didn’t see what all the fuss was about. However, I’d heard some good buzz about Jersey Boys in early 2006, and one of my business credit groups had already obtained tickets.

I travel a tremendous amount for my job, and spent several months in Europe during the winter and spring of 2006. On June 11, I literally stepped out of a taxi into my condo, having just returned from Munich, Germany, and turned on the Tony’s to hear Christine Ebersole and John Tartaglia telling a joke about a Republican puppet as they presented Best Featured Actor in a musical. Almost immediately, Christian Hoff brought the house down with his Tony win and absolutely poignant beautiful speech in memory of his Dad, and, thinking of my Dad, I nearly lost it.

When John Lloyd Young won a bit later and spoke of his Dad too, I did lose it, and was actually moved to tears. Like Christian, I am a first generation American, and like John Lloyd, I was an only child who had lost my mother early, so it was just my father and I before his passing, and “we got through our struggle together.” I e-mailed both soon after their acceptances and received answers from both, and saw the show a few days later (last minute ticket purchased from Ebay).

JBB: I am sure many people related to both Christian and John Lloyd on Tony night. Why did you feel your situation was special?

HT: This is tough to relive, but for me in the 1960’s, the Four Seasons and the New York Mets were my life. (I was never a fan of the three B’s: Beatles, Beach Boys, or Bee Gees.) As my father and I were riding to Stern’s Dept. Store in Paramus, NJ on Nov. 30, 1974 to pick up my “interviewing suit,” we heard “My Eyes Adored You” for the first time. My Dad loved it, and I playfully teased him that it was good, but not in the league of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

The following Monday, Dec. 2, my father died in an accident, and I’ve gone over that car ride thousands of times in the past 32 short years. So hearing how much both Christian and John Lloyd loved their fathers was particularly moving, and Christian’s e-mail response to me of “I never imagined I would touch someone so deeply” was one I’ll never forget. (Hey, this guy just won one of the two biggest awards on Broadway and was taking precious time to answer my e-mail?? That’s the ultimate class act!)

JBB: How did you enjoy the show?

HT: Initially, I was blown away my how much John Lloyd sounded like Frankie and his incredible energy during the show; he didn’t even take a breath after CTMEOY (to a standing ovation) to transition into “Working My Way Back to You.” Having grown up in Clifton, NJ with my father and his family having settled in Newark, I knew a lot of guys like Tommy DeVito and Christian was dead-on. (It’s even more incredible now that I’ve met Christian and see how humbled, gracious, and grateful he is in person for his well-deserved success.)

JBB: How did you finally meet the Boys?

HT: I saw the show a second time, and enjoyed it even more, recognizing Daniel’s magnificent voice and Bobby’s understated Nick Massi.

I met Christian, Daniel, and John Lloyd at “Broadway Cares” in September. Told Christian who I was, extended my hand, and he rose and actually hugged me, not only physically, but emotionally as well, as he had remembered the e-mails.

Early in my career, I worked for ABC and, through my travels, have met many celebrities. But only two–Christian Hoff and the late Maureen Reagan–asked me about my life as a CPA. Christian’s hug (as you can see in the slide show) is a picture to treasure. In those few minutes, Christian showed not only that he liked me, but that he cared as well. My parents would have called him a “mensch.”

JBB: Were you also able to speak with Daniel and John Lloyd?

HT: Absolutely. I complimented John Lloyd on his dedication to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and mentioned that my friend, Broadway star Jana Robbins (Gypsy, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife), has also been active in this fight. I told JLY that a friend whose beloved nephew passed of AIDS had just passed herself, and I was making a further donation in her name. And here was the brightest light on Broadway thanking me with a tear in his eye.

After I introduced myself to Daniel, he thanked me for asking one of the producers (whom, I learned subsequently, was the boss of a friend of mine) to feature his voice more in upcoming promotions, especially on “December, 1963” and “Cry for Me.” The response was that this producer wasn’t active creatively, but everyone heard Daniel’s tenor in full force at this year’s “Thanksgiving Day” parade!

JBB: When did you meet Bobby?

HT: Stopped by the stage door at my next trip to the theatre, where I learned a bit about Bobby’s talents well beyond Nick Massi. He too is a talented singer, presently filming a movie, and has a new addition on the way. Also posed with me for a great picture (please see the slide show).

On his website, Bobby lists the three P’s that have helped him achieve success: persistence, patience, and prayer. I told him he should add two others that he shows every night: preparation and passion!!

JBB: If you were directing Jersey Boys, what changes would you make?

HT: I was about to burst because I didn’t hear “Sherry” or any recognizable 4 Seasons hit (except for the French version of “Oh, What a Night”) for over a half hour! Couldn’t Des have thrown me a bone just a little sooner?

Maybe just a little cheering time after “Big Girls” would be great. The audience has been “deprived” for so long, that “Sherry” applause isn’t quite enough for the crowd. What do you think, Des??

And although I realize it would take some effort, I’d like to have a slightly different mix of songs periodically, especially for multiple visitors like myself. I would love to hear “Candy Girl,” “Marlena,” “Ronnie,” and “Grease.”

JBB: Has there been anything unique about Jersey Boys that you haven’t experienced with other shows?

HT: With the Internet, it’s a treat to read about the most recent Boys news. It’s also great that three of the four stars have sites where fans can be updated, comment, and/or contact them. (C’mon Daniel, I’m waiting!)

One glance at Christian’s guest book show how his hard work, dedication, and humanity have contributed to the wonderful and well-deserved ride he’s now enjoying. John Lloyd generously uses his site and celebrity to promote St. Lucy’s charity for the homeless and Broadway Cares.

Finally, “My Space” has shown me that Michael Longoria (who is a hoot as Joe Pesci) has a marvelous album (“Under 1000 Shades of Blue”) and a great voice, although I’d love him to change “Waiting 4 U” as the default song on his site. I bought his album on which all the songs showcase his wonderful pipes. The album shows another, non-comic, side of Michael.

JBB: Any other thoughts about the show?

HT: Not only in the show, but also in their TV appearances, one can see how much each member of the group really likes each other. One example is on Regis & Kelly, Daniel is lightly drumming “Oh, What a Night” on Christian’s shoulders as they go to commercial break.

I’d also like to see Bob Gaudio, who is still young (64) by today’s standards, write and produce some new material directly for the Boys, either together or individually, and at least one more huge hit for Frankie Valli himself.

JBB: What was your favorite line in Jersey Boys?

HT: One that I haven’t heard repeated that much. When Daniel completes his initiation (“Oh, What a Night”) comes up the stairs and announces, “Nicky was right. It is more fun with another person!” Actually, I loved that whole scene, although I can’t believe the real Bob Gaudio had an “audience.” Still, Christian was terrific as he yelled, “We have splashdown!” “We have contact!” If I go any further, you’ll censor this answer! (Laughs and motions to go on.)

JBB: How about a favorite scene?

HT: Tough call, there are so many. But I’ll pick Christian’s monologue at the Hall of Fame: “Fellas, I’m gonna tell ya something….this is the greatest award you can get….this is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. You can buy an Oscar and an Emmy, but you can’t buy this…because THIS IS FROM THE PEOPLE!!” “You know what I do now? I work for Pesci…yeah, little Joey Pesci.” The scene is poignant yet funny, and each time, the audience loves it.

JBB: How about a favorite Jersey Boys song?

HT: Let’s go all the way back to the beginning with “Cry for Me,” which features Daniel’s rich tenor accompanied by Frankie’s developing falsetto. Daniel’s marvelous pipes are only featured twice in the show, on “Cry” and on “December, 1963.” On the CD, I play “Cry” even more than “CTMEOY.”

JBB: Why do you think people keep coming back again and again to see Jersey Boys?

HT: I think people keep coming back not only since the show is so wonderful, but because the actors themselves are so genuine and gracious and go out of their way to extend themselves personally. I also think their humility and their affection for each other comes across.

JBB: How many times have you seen Jersey Boys, and what keeps bringing you back?

HT: I’ve seen the show five times. It’s a wonderful treat to relive some of those days, and now that I know the actors themselves, a thrill to see how much applause the audience heaps on them night after night, and their heartfelt reactions. It’s awesome to think of the future that lies ahead for each one of them, and I, for one, couldn’t be happier for these marvelous role models!

Jersey Boys Blog would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Howard Tucker for taking the time for such an amazing and insightful interview on Jersey Boys! Stay tuned tomorrow for Part Two of this interview for Howard’s thoughts on the Four Seasons’ music and other Broadway productions! If you would like to contact Howard directly, he’d be glad to hear from you at [email protected].