Jersey Boys Blog

Thanks to Al Pucino, George Juba & Jim Simmons for sharing their photos of the day.

By Audrey Rockman, Jersey Boys Blog Special Correspondent

It has been about three weeks since the first Four Seasons old neighborhood Tour and the interest just keeps building. This idea was born out of affection for the show and appreciation that where people come from is a key springboard in life. At the 2006 Tonys, when Michael David, Christian Hoff, and John Lloyd Young stepped up on stage, there was, within each acceptance speech I believe, a reflection of ‘what had gone before’. Moments that reflect on milestones and accomplishments often take into account the lean years of struggle and fierce determination. It was with this in mind that a group of Four Seasons & Jersey Boys fans set out on a four hour adventure, the last Sunday in February.

At the height of our sign-up, 23 people were eager to see the sights mentioned in Jersey Boys- Fairfield, Bloomfield, the first place Tommy brought Frankie up on stage, the Projects where they “didn’t have playgrounds or what do you call these—after school programs” and the Brill Building. The weekend’s snow and circumstances at ‘the eleventh hour’ prevented some from attending, but we headed out at 10:30 am with enthusiastic participants from California, Texas, Virginia, Connecticut, New York, including Albany, and of course- Jersey!

Our first stop was the former home of Bob Gaudio- sometimes described as a castle for its beautiful style. Nearby, we saw a home- owned until recently by Tommy DeVito. A short drive into the next town, we picked up our Newark/Belleville Four Seasons Expert, Walt Gollender and a Star Ledger reporter. (Charles Alexander had hoped to join us and share his Four Seasons knowledge, but last-minute circumstances prevented it.) While awaiting our arrival, Walt was busy- taping for Big Joe’s Variety Cable show which was covering this venture. (The popular Channel 26 show reaches 58 towns in New Jersey and plans to run this taping again in the near future.)

As the Tour started, we listened to an excellent interview of Mr. Gollender on the Don K. Reed Show (WCBS-FM) from 1998 with ALL of Frankie’s rare, early recordings. Several Four Seasons fans were aware of Walt’s notoriety when it comes to the early years of Frankie’s life and career, but for the rest, the interview whetted the appetite for Walt’s extensive knowledge…oh yeah and did I mention his entertaining style?!

We drove down Franklin Ave in Belleville, where of course in 2002, Tommy was named Man of the Year, passing the Golf Course where DeVito learned to play; then past the beautiful restaurant where Frankie was honored in 2006 as American Italian Association’s Man of the Year. We saw a picture of where Bob Crewe lived in the later 1950’s. Next, it was two residences of Frankie’s in the Stephen Crane Projects, and then two homes where DeVito had lived.

After swinging past a home of Nick Massi, we timed our arrival at the Belmont Tavern perfectly with its noon opening. The bus parked right in front of the place where Tommy reports he first brought Frankie up on stage. (What the “For Rent” sign on that building said to me was not “one last chance”, but “Four Seasons Museum”– Get Waxman on the phone!)

We walked around the corner to the Belmont, where Jimmy Cuomo graciously welcomed us and showed us his extensive collection of wall photos. Quickly, we picked out the JB cast-signed poster and the photo of the eight Seasons- Joe Long, Tommy DeVito, Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio with the OBC from the October Tribute. Jimmy spoke about cast members coming in, spending time and soaking up the rich atmosphere.

The newspaper photographer joined us and there was plenty to capture as the group looked, listened and learned about life in the old neighborhood. Too quickly, it seemed…it was time to get back on the bus. (Is this what it felt like for the Four Seasons- always time to get back on that tour bus and head to the next gig?)

We went past a storefront where Joe Pesci used to cut hair on our way to Yesterday’s Treasures at 1265 Stuyvesant Avenue in Union. Jim Petrecca, owner of the memorabilia store, took care of us as we pulled up to a saved parking spot- with Four Seasons music filling the air. He shared his personal books of treasured items- as well as displaying a large collection of memorabilia for ‘hungry’ fans to peruse and select from. Jim had so much displayed that it overflowed to outside tables- which was perfect for this beautiful, late-winter, sunny day.

Next, it was time to move on to the sights in the Big Apple. Other highlights throughout the Tour were the Park where an album cover was photographed and the address of “Eight rooms on Fifth Avenue, how can you be tapped out?” We ended the Tour at the three doors of the famous Brill Building- a few blocks from the August Wilson Theater. (A little footnote…it seemed more than coincidental that we often either had to turn or park at ‘Valley Bank’ as well as, turn onto or cross over Valley Road.)

The weeks of preparation and the hours of conversations I had with friends, family and neighbors were eye-opening and gave me an appreciation not only for what the Seasons went through to pursue their dreams, but also how others have contributed. These hometown experiences, like the show, reflect the authentic experiences, good and bad, of many people’s lives. Although there are always things- best left behind, there is also so much that makes us stronger.

With the abundant media interest I’ve addressed since the tour, in addition to the piqued attention of community leaders, it’s obvious this has struck a chord with folks fascinated by…the ongoing talents of the Four Seasons, the utterly captivating show Jersey Boys, and the ubiquitous resources in towns, large and small, across New Jersey.

The next two Tours are tentatively scheduled for the first and last Sundays in May. Tour vans will likely be limited to 15 people, so we can maneuver around the community and will focus exclusively on NJ locations. Also, future outings will run five to six hours, since many stops have been added. If you’re interested in a Tour for a private group or would like to secure a place for one of the Tours in May, email me at [email protected].

I’d like to extend my huge appreciation to everyone who helped to make our first Tour such a success! This was truly “from the people”.