For John Lloyd Young–A Poem by Audrey Rockman
November 23rd, 2007November 21, 2007 was a very special evening at the August Wilson Theatre! Nearly two hundred fans gathered at the stage door to say goodbye Tony Award-winner John Lloyd Young on his last evening in Jersey Boys, and to wish him well in his future endeavors! Along with photos, hugs, and a toast, fans read JLY a wonderful poem written by Jersey Boys Blog Special Correspondent Audrey Rockman!
For John Lloyd Young
You took us on a beautiful journey, one we never will forget.
We’ve stood in lines and paid for tickets till we’re hopelessly in debt.From standing room to premium and every seat that’s in between;
We’ve been here cold on Christmas Eve and yes- on Halloween.You stepped right up and took a script and brought out all it’s strife.
Thanks to you, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve gotten friends for life.We’ve loved you for your acting; we loved you for your skill,
We’ve loved the way you stirred in us… a passion and a will.The journey now will turn a corner, and we will hold on tight.
The ride will have its ups and downs but surely turn out right!For when you have the drive and talent, and all that’s in between,
Your future’s bright, the world can see; we share in all your dreams!With gratitude and affection,
Audrey amongst many
November 21, 2007
Audrey wrote a magnificent poem expressing the heartfelt sentiments shared by all of us. It was difficult for me to recite the poem with everyone without holding back tears.
None of us in attendance are crazy fans – out of control – as someone once expressed to a person very close to me. We are people who appreciate talent, goodness in others, kindness from others and who have genuine concern for others. In a largely materialistic and selfish world, meeting people who cherish people not for what they have but for who they are in their heart and soul – those are the people who were in attendance on Wednesday evening, in person and in spirit. We were there to honor someone, JLY, who is an exemplar as a humanitarian, a scholar, a philanthropist, an actor and a friend. IE
Comment by irene eizen — November 23, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
Irene,
So beautifully and eloquently stated…
Comment by Beverley Micciche — November 23, 2007 @ 7:58 pm
Irene, I think I will have to put you in Howard league, that was beautiful..As soon as I read Audrey’s poem, I knew it was a winner. I loved it, and loved watching JLY watch us reading it…Jody
Comment by Jody Cardillo — November 23, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
WOW!! Audrey, I certainly couldn’t have said it better. Thank you for speaking for me and so beautifully, for saying the things I just couldn’t verbalize and I’m sure others feel the same way.
and Dearest Irene, thank you for your beautiful comment, every word is so true. Thank you for expressing what is in my heart and certainly in others.
Thank you both,ladies, for saying it all so beautifully! Love to you both, Wanda
Comment by Wanda — November 23, 2007 @ 8:21 pm
Audrey, please be sure you send JLY a copy, if you haven’t given him one already. I’m sure he’ll want to read and re-read this for years to come, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he has it framed.
The third verse is so very, very true. Do you think we’ll have 10-, 20-, and 30-year reunions?? I also love the Halloween line–maybe you and I could come as JLY and Jennifer Naimo next year?? Think we’d fool anyone??
Lastly, Irene–you are so right. We always hear and read about how sudden stardom and fame changes people. I think in this case, we saw the same genuine, gracious, grounded, and giving John Lloyd Young that we met two years ago–maybe even more so, since he’s made an effort to get to know each one of us individually.
Comment by Howard Tucker — November 23, 2007 @ 8:34 pm
Its a wonderful poem, Audrey. I wish I could have been there to read it with you all.
Irene, your remarks really touched my heart. I have only met a small group of you so far but look forward to meeting more and more of you in the (hopefully) near future.
Comment by Melissa — November 23, 2007 @ 8:43 pm
Beautifully written, Audrey. You certainly have a gift for the written word. You have echoed our sentiments in such an eloquent way. Hats off to you!
Comment by Gary — November 23, 2007 @ 8:49 pm
NICE….REALLY NICE!
Comment by JAMES PETRECCA — November 23, 2007 @ 9:06 pm
Audrey: You nailed it. Thanks for expressing so eloquently in prose the deeper feelings that go beyond the portrayal of Frankie Valli to the heart and soul of the person beneath it. We Jersey Boys fans know who and what we are about and we know talent, character, heart and guts when we see it. JLY has it all. We’re all here waiting for the next chapter in an odyssey begun at The August Wilson Theater two years ago. Hang on folks, the next chapter is about to begin.
Comment by LindaL — November 23, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
One in a Million…
Each and every one of You! Thanks for the Memories!
NewJerseyLasagna
Comment by NewJerseyLasagna — November 23, 2007 @ 10:02 pm
Audrey, that was straight from the heart…and that also describes the connection that John Lloyd said was so important to him regarding his many admirers. And you are so right Irene…I think we are good fans! We appreciate the talent of the cast members onstage and the character they show offstage….that genuine, friendly, philanthropic character that really should be a role model for so many Broadway actors. It sounds like it was a very meaningful night in JLY’s career. We who couldn’t be there are thankful that we were well represented by our Jersey Boys friends. Thanks, too, for sharing the experiences with us thru poems, pictures, videos and stories from the evening. Oh, What a night! Oh, What a send-off!
Comment by LuluThompson — November 23, 2007 @ 10:44 pm
Well done, Audrey. Thanks for putting into words what so many of us feel. Charles
Comment by Charles Alexander — November 24, 2007 @ 9:00 am
Audrey,
Truly is a beautiful, heartfelt poem. JL had that trademark smile throughout as we read it to him. I loved that he asked you for a copy so that he could have it framed.
Irene,
Thank you….your words are so true.
Blessings,
Charly
Comment by Charly — November 24, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
Audrey you made me cry. That was a perfect poem for him!
Comment by Lauren — November 24, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
It isn’t easy for a little poem to fully express the emotions and thoughts tied into this whole experience…thank goodness we have Irene and the rest of you!
Comment by Audrey — November 24, 2007 @ 8:45 pm
And thank goodness we have you Audrey! IE
Comment by irene eizen — November 24, 2007 @ 11:38 pm
Audrey, that was a magnificent poem, and it expresses exactly how we all feel. Thank you for that.
Comment by Elissa — November 25, 2007 @ 12:27 am
Audrey,
This is soo beautiful ! Wish I could have been there while you were reading it, but my heart was. John will cherish it forever, I’m sure. And Irene, your beautiful words touched me as well. Everyone in the Jersey Boys family is warm, kind, and gracious. I am PROUD to be part of it!
Pamela
Comment by Pamela — November 25, 2007 @ 7:32 pm