July 19, 2007

JBB Fantastic Fan Interview With Lauren Avila!

July 19th, 2007

JBB Fantastic Fan Interviews are like that bunny on TV…they keep going and going…We’re delighted to present our 23rd JBB Fantastic Fan Interview with Lauren Avila, from California, who’s also JB Blog’s latest Special Correspondent! Lauren talks about how she became hooked on Jersey Boys; what keeps bringing her back; her favorite scenes, musical number, and line from the show; the fun she’s had meeting the cast; and her love for The Four Seasons’ music.

JBB: Tell us about yourself.

LA: My name is Lauren Avila. I’m 18 years old and currently live in California. I love performing arts!!! Ballet, plays, musicals, you name it and I want to see it. There’s something so appealing about live theatre. I’m more into musicals than anything else. I’m also into “oldies” so naturally Jersey Boys has been an ideal show for me.

JBB: When did you first hear about Jersey Boys, and how did you become interested in the show?

LA: I don’t really remember how I heard about it. I think it just found it’s way into my life. I had seen the OBC perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and was very impressed by it. Still, I didn’t get into it until much later. However, it definitely piqued my interest each time I would hear one of the songs from the show and see the guys appear on TV. Recalling the Tonys, it was that night that it hit me–that this was one of the shows I HAD to see. Being a huge fan of theatre, there are always so many shows I want to see but this one was at the top of my list. Then the news came that the production was coming to San Francisco. The rest is history…

JBB: What was your reaction to the show upon seeing it for the first time?

LA: I was floored! I was expecting it to be very concert style and kind of boring, but I love the music so it would all be worth it. Anyone who’s seen the show knows that there’s not a boring moment! It’s amazing how the character “Tommy” can sweep you into a story and before you know it, you’re completely enthralled in it. You stay at the edge of your seat until you’re up on your feet applauding during curtain call. Plus, I saw an INCREDIBLE cast! I couldn’t ask for a better group of performers to introduce me to this show. Ever since seeing the show, I’ve been obsessed! lol.

JBB: How many times have you seen JB & what keeps bringing you back?

LA: Right now I’ve only seen it twice, but we’re working on the third time. This is the first show I’ve ever seen twice actually, and it won’t end there. This show is as close to perfect as you can get. For starters, it holds so much material in a time frame of two and half hours. One second you’re in a club, then you’re in a pizza joint. If you blink you might miss something. I love that! The cast is a big part of what brings me back. Sometimes certain roles go beyond vocal lessons and character study. Just like stage chemistry, you either have it or you don’t. You can’t buy talent like that. It never ceases to amaze me why all these casts are doing so well! Most importantly though, it’s the music and the rags to riches story. Without that, the show would be missing the heart and soul of the American Dream.

JBB: Who have you brought with you to see Jersey Boys, and what was their reaction to the show?

LA: Both times I’ve seen the show have been with my older sister, Arlene. She loves it, too and it’s created this really strong bond between us. It seems like we’re always talking about JB. Some of the best times we’ve shared have been at an event or at the show, or even listening to the soundtrack together. Of course, I want the rest of my family to see it, too. I’m thinking I might take one of my best friends to see the show for her birthday. She also loves musicals, so I think she’d really enjoy it.

JBB: Why do you think people have such a strong connection to Jersey Boys?

LA: It could be for two reasons. Either the story, which is heroic and dramatically real, or the music. I have found that the Four Seasons have a song for every kind of relationship which is great to connect to. On the radio these days, all you hear is bitter songs that are drained of any emotional truth. With the Four Seasons songs, there’s at least one that you can relate to. As for me, one of their songs is pretty much my biography although I won’t say which one. lol.

JBB: Have you met any of the JB cast members?

LA: I have been really, really lucky! I’ve never met any theater actors prior to Jersey Boys. Now, I’ve met twelve members of the SF/Chicago company! It’s been a thrill and a real pleasure. I met Kara Tremel and John Michael Coppola at Cody’s Bookstore. It was one of the best days I’ve had, and it was thanks to their kindness. They were really sweet in answering questions and signing autographs. Recently, I was on the Jersey Boys Team for the SF AIDS Walk where I got to meet many of the cast and crew members. That day I “thanked God I’m alive.” It was a tremendous joy and honor to meet Jarrod Spector, Steve Gouveia, Drew Gehling, Jeremy Kushnier, Larry Baker, Craig Laurie, Jenny Lee Ramos, Lauren Marshall, John Michael Dias, Jonathan Smith, Lyndsey Cole, and Eddie Driscoll that day/night!!!!! I really can’t wait to meet the rest of the cast and see them all again!

JBB: What’s your favorite Jersey Boys scene & why?

LA: Oh, that’s hard! It’s interesting because when asked that question about another show, I can tell you what my favorite part was but this show has so many good parts. I would say the whole show is my favorite. lol. I guess if I had to choose it would be the entire scene when the group comes together. It’s funny with Pesci in it. It’s amazing to witness them harmonize together. It’s dramatic with Tommy and Frankie arguing. Also, it’s got the great song “Cry For Me” in it. But I swear it’s nearly impossible to have a favorite scene for this show. Next week it will probably be “Oh, What A Night” or “Beggin.’” lol.

JBB: How about your favorite musical number in Jersey Boys & why?

LA: Another tough decision. You’ve got so many show-stopping numbers in this production that it’s hard to pick one, so I guess I’ll stick with the obvious one: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” What’s interesting about this one is it was the primary reason I wanted to see the show, but I honestly forgot about it while I was watching the show for the first time. Still, it’s an indescribable feeling that enraptures you when this song is performed.

JBB: Do you have a favorite line from the show?

LA: When I look at the Blog’s Poll Archives I realize how many great lines are in this script. Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice are geniuses! I think my favorite line is: “Ya wanna do this thing?.. So we do it. Ya wanna contract? Here. A Jersey contract.” This line pretty much summarizes the point of the show. These blue-collar kids had nothing to their name but they had a dream. They achieved that dream against all odds because of their dedication and their loyalty.

JBB: Prior to seeing Jersey Boys, were you familiar with The Four Seasons’ music? If so, do you have a favorite 4 Seasons’ song?

LA: Yes! I absolutely love the Four Seasons! I’ve grown up with their music. I LOVE oldies, so I was familiar with their hits and was so excited to see a musical consisting of their songs. However, there were of course songs that I didn’t know before but I instantly fell in love with. My favorite Four Seasons’ song? Well, I think “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a timeless and beautiful piece! All their songs are so original and they actually mean something. A song that’s not in the show that I really love is “Save It For Me.” It’s a poignant and heart-wrenching song.

JBB: Anything else you’d like to share about Jersey Boys?

LA: You know that saying, ‘Everything happens for a reason’? Well, in my world, that’s a very true statement. It’s an almost haunting feeling but Jersey Boys came into my life at the right time. I suppose it was meant to be because it seems like suddenly everything’s coming into place. Most of it wouldn’t have happened if Jersey Boys didn’t lead me to it. With that, thank you to Jersey Boys!!!

Also, thanks so much to JBB for everything they’ve done for the fans and for me personally!

Thank you again so much for Lauren Avila taking the time for this amazing interview and for sharing her incredible passion and enthusiasm about Jersey Boys!

1 Comment »

  1. Welcome to the “Fantastic Fan” group! I’ve been wondering when you would join….. My sons and I knew that you and your sister were passionate Jersey Boys fans while chatting in line at Cody’s Bookstore.

    It was also great seeing you guys at Macy’s as well as the Curran during Steve’s last performance in SF. The stage door meetings were a lot of fun that night, but I guess it was a bit hurried compared to other evenings due to the entire production probably bringing Steve out for dinner or drinks to celebrate his run in SF.

    My twin sons are teenaged as well and I can’t stress it enough that I love seeing the younger generation taking an interest in theatre, especially something as exciting as the Jersey Boys.

    It’s great knowing you and hope to cross paths again at a show (My wife and I are going to have a “east meets west” Jersey Boys Blog meeting with Irene Eizen and family at the August 16th Curran show) or at another public appearance of the cast. Welcome!

    Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — July 20, 2007 @ 2:58 pm

RSS feed for comments on this post. | TrackBack URI

Please leave a comment