A Sunday Kind of WOW–JBB Visits Broadway!
January 17th, 2008Normally, I’m not all that excited to go to conferences! All those long-winded committee meetings, those crowds, and those oh so early breakfast meetings. There are some exceptions–I was really looking forward to my latest one that took place last week. Why? Because it was in Philadelphia! Just an hour or so away from Broadway on the Amtrak!!
The Tech Half usually doesn’t come to these things, but of course, it didn’t take much convincing when I suggested we make an adventure out of it and go to New York on Sunday to see Jersey Boys!
After the usual conference meetings on Friday that were pretty bearable, the evening started off on a high note with a wonderful dinner at a fabulous restaurant called Matyson’s with JBB Fantastic Fan Irene Eizen and her husband, Buz! Marvelous dinner, followed by a walking tour of the Philadelphia arts district with Irene and Buz as our tour guides! Talk about an “Oh, What a Night” experience!
Then, Saturday–yeah, all day meetings, while Dale was touring Philadelphia. According to him, “I stood in the footprints of history.” (Don’t get him started–he’ll tell you all about Ben Franklin!)
Picture this: Sunday in New York! What could be better? The minute we arrived at the August Wilson Theatre stage door–who do we see? Jennifer Naimo! What a welcome! Then, an interview with Michael Longoria! Yes, we had a marvelous opportunity to talk to Michael (who was awesome in Sunday’s show, by the way!) about the excitement of taking over the Frankie Valli role and so many other surprises! Then, right before his fifth performance as the new Bob Gaudio (hard to believe he was in his first week–WOW!), we had a wonderful time interviewing Sebastian Arcelus! Stay tuned for our upcoming interviews with Michael and Sebastian!
Backstage before the show, it was so great to see Bobby Spencer, Travis Cloer (who shined as the new Joey and so many other characters!) , JB dresser Kelly Kinsella, and Jen! The show? The cast was RED HOT! This audience was completely mesmerized from the moment Kris Coleman and the Jersey Girls began with “Ces Soirees La.” And, of course, the stage door! Great to chat more with Bobby, Jen, Michael, and Sebastian, and Travis, in addition to Kris Coleman, Christian Hoff, Donnie Kehr, Sara Schmidt, and Eric Gutman (a terrific new addition as Hank Majewski, and of course others)!
The evening wasn’t over yet! Before heading back to Philly, we had a marvelous time howling over dinner at Amarone Restaurant on 9th Avenue with JB dresser and multi-talented performer Kelly Kinsella! JB cast interviews, a sensational show, the stage door, vino, dinner, and the hilarious Kelly–all in one Sunday!
We would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to Publicist Susanne Tighe, Dodger Theatricals Marketing Manager Gordon Kelly, and the entire Jersey Boys’ cast for Sunday’s awesome experience!
Susie and Dale,
It is always such a pleasure to see you. We were thrilled that the library conference was in Philadelphia so we could see you. We are so glad you enjoyed Matyson’s. It really is one of Philly’s best restaurants. Being with you made it even better.
We look forward to the interviews with Michael and Sebastian. We will be seeing you in Vegas – no doubt, where we can celebrate again.
Thanks for making our night last Friday. You are the best! IE
Comment by irene eizen — January 17, 2008 @ 11:32 pm
Susie and Dale, no one deserves this one of a kind thrill more than the two of you! I look forward to your interviews with Micheal and Sebastian. And how did you ever manage to land such wonderful dinner partners/tour guides in Philadelphia? You must know people in high places, LOL!
Comment by LuluThompson — January 17, 2008 @ 11:38 pm
We do now live on the 16th floor, Lulu. But the HIGHEST floor in our building is 42 – actually, my age. Oh what a LIE! IE
Comment by irene eizen — January 18, 2008 @ 12:06 am
Susie and Dale, What a great time you had in Philly and New York, dinner with the Eizen’s what could be better! Oh yeah, Jersey Boys!!! Can’t wait for the interview’s! Jody
Comment by Jody Cardillo — January 18, 2008 @ 9:00 am
SUSIE AND DALE, I’M SO SORRY I MISSED YOU THIS TIME! HOPEFULLY WE’LL GET TOGETHER NEXT TIME YOUR IN THE CITY. KEEP ME POSTED!!! CAN’T WAIT TO READ THE INTERVIEWS WITH THE GUYS!! THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!
LOVE, WANDA
Comment by WANDA — January 18, 2008 @ 10:04 am
Sounds like you two had a lot fo fun. I’m so happy you enjoyed yourselves. Thanks for the pics of the theatre. I hadn’t seen them.
Comment by Lauren — January 18, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
I. Eizen toured you…
Buz he surely had a hand in it too
I. Eizen toured you…
Comment by stubbleyou — January 18, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
Saw Jersey Boys this afternoon, what a great show, Heard Michael Longoria is terrific, but Corey (sorry I think that was his name) was just amazing, so I can only imagine if ML is even better. This was truly one of the best broadway shows I have seen.
Comment by sue — January 23, 2008 @ 8:42 pm