Jersey Boys Broadway Cast Rock the House!
October 16th, 2008Story by Lauren Avila/Photos by Krystal Thomsen
September 30th may have been the end of the month, but it marked the beginning of the new Jersey Boys Broadway cast. Premiering on the August Wilson stage was Jarrod Spector as Frankie Valli and Matt Bogart as Nick Massi. New York City was waiting anxiously to welcome these two dynamite performers. Transformation was happening right in front of your eyes in preparation for the new faces of the Four Seasons. Matt and Jarrod, in addition to Dominic Nolfi and Sebastian Arcelus, are now featured on the entrance of the August Wilson Theatre. Costumes were swept into the dressing rooms and fresh playbills were delivered to the door. The performers board introduced the debut names including Russell Fischer (Joey) and Jake Speck (swing). Everything was in perfect alignment to kick off the show that night!
The crowd was amazing! Supporters, fans, theatre-goers, family, friends, everyone was there cheering the cast on. There was a celebrity sighting of Bob Gaudio himself in the orchestra as well! From start to finish, the show was on fire with fantastic energy and incredible talent. The jokes went off without a hitch; the songs were in chilling harmony; the action, the passion, the sheer entertainment of it all kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
Dominic Nolfi was a genuine Jersey Boy for sure. He made you cautious and curious at the same time. A satisfying performance that makes you want to come back for more. Sebastian Arcelus played a wonderful Bob in his acting, but even more so with his enticing voice. His character portrayal was a comfort relief in the middle of the drama. Matt Bogart as Nick Massi was a refreshing and impressive performance. He played the quiet, laid-back, unnoticeable Nicky very well, but was even better as the had-enough, obsessive/compulsive Season. The sit-down in Gyp’s basement was a major highlight of the entire show. Matt is an intriguingly illustrated actor who, ironically, you can’t take your eyes off of. When he speaks, pay attention!
Jarrod Spector gave the performance of his life! His falsetto, at moments, sounded precisely like Frankie Valli that it didn’t seem possible. With such a natural sound and flawless notes, Jarrod’s voice is a real treat to the ears. Beyond his vocal skills, his acting appears effortless and seems accurate in a world where there is no right or wrong answer. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You†was a show-stopping number that brought the audience to it’s feet.
Standout performers were Russell Fischer, he was a hit, Heather Ferguson, Sara Schmidt, Peter Gregus, and Mark Lotito. The Big 3 was a favorite of everyone, as well as “Cry For Me,†which sounded beautiful, and “Who Loves You.†The whole show was great! The stage door was hectic but celebratory. Many people were there for their loved ones including Russell‘s friends, Jarrod’s parents, Matt’s family, and fans, old and new.
This is a show and cast not to be missed! Thanks to the friendly August Wilson staff, the Broadway cast, and Krystal, Martha, and Judy for their help!
Lauren and Krystle–great story and photos!
You all look fantastic!
I’m glad you could capture the new boys on their first day together on Broadway. They are sure to be another successful group with a big following.
I’m so thrilled for Jarrod to be playing Frankie on Broadway and I look forward to seeing him and the rest of the cast one of these days. I’m sure he was touched that you guys came out to see him from CA, too.
Great job!
Comment by Dina F. — October 17, 2008 @ 11:36 am
What an amazing time you all had. I feel the energy from all the great pictures.
Comment by Charly O'Clarit — October 17, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
Wow, what great photos and review. Just like old times at The Curran, huh Lauren & Krystal!! Jarrod looks really happy to be on Broadway.
Comment by LindaL — October 17, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
hi russell, lots of luck and success you followed your dreams and it paid off we are so happy for you keep up the good work love and god bless
Comment by sabina kalfa — October 17, 2008 @ 6:01 pm
I’m so glad that the new cast received an enthusiastic welcome just as the former cast received an enthusiastic send-off! I’m sorry I missed you, Lauren and Arlene. And Krystal, sometime we must meet, too. I always enjoy your pictures. Lucy and Vanessa, you two are just everywhere:) I enjoyed visiting with you at the brunch. I can’t wait to see the new Broadway cast!
Comment by LuluThompson — October 17, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
Thank you, Krsytal and Lauren, for this post. The pictures are fantastic. I will be there on November 11 and really am looking forward to seeing Jarrod and the rest of the cast. IE
Comment by irene eizen — October 18, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
Great story and pictures. Everyone looks fabulous! Krystal, you and your Mom could be sisters; you know, like those Chinese twins!!
XO, Pam
Comment by Pamela — October 18, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Did the crowd REALLY stand up after he sang “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You?” Omg, I always wanted to do that in Chicago. I just loved watching him appreciate the audience after that song…incredible. I’m glad NYC is as appreciative as we Chicagoans were!!
Comment by Kelphaba — October 21, 2008 @ 10:49 pm
You can probably do it closing night, whenever that is. We did it for the three closing nights in SF…
Comment by Leanna — October 22, 2008 @ 12:05 am
im from liverpool home of music so i know whats what in a musical sense this show is fantastic even if you dont like the 4 seasons saw the show in new york city ln jan 09 with my loverley wife irene we were blown away cant take my eyes of you was superb jarrod spector was brilliant as was all the brilliant cast will see again in england xxxx
Comment by john mccarty — January 27, 2009 @ 5:20 pm