JLY Scheduled to Leave Jersey Boys Prior to Thanksgiving
October 23rd, 2007Playbill.com reports that John Lloyd Young, the Tony Award-winning star of Broadway’s Jersey Boys, will play his final performance in the Tony-winning musical at the August Wilson Theatre prior to Thanksgiving Day. Young — who won the 2006 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his work in Jersey Boys — noted on his website that he “finishes his Tony-winning run as ‘Frankie Valli’ in the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys Thanksgiving 2007.” (Production spokespersons could not confirm any details at press time, although Playbill.com has learned that Young’s last day will likely be Nov. 21.) JLY is scheduled to perform a solo concert as part of Lincoln Center’s American Songbook Series on Feb. 23, 2008, at New York City’s Allen Room at Columbus Circle.
Although we’ll miss John Lloyd in JB, we wish him all the best in his future career endeavors!
I saw JB for the fourth time this past Saturday night and it was great! So glad we had the opportunity to see JLY perform the role of Frankie one last time. He was so kind and gracious at the stage door, as always, and it was a pleasure to speak with him. John Lloyd deserves great success in the future and I look forward to seeing where his career takes him.
Comment by Joan C — October 23, 2007 @ 4:01 am
John, this is such a bittersweet time for so many of us. As the de facto CEO of “Jersey Boys” for the last two years, you have led a remarkable company, not only in unbelievable entertainment, but in humanity and caring as well.
Your humility and attention to your fans haven’t changed a bit over the past two years. You still thank people at the stage door and via personal notes for even the slightest gestures. I’ve seen you look around before leaving the theatre to make sure everyone has his/her photo or autograph. You remember our names and what we’ve told you about our personal lives. Perfectly in character, you were the last one to leave the BC/EFA extravaganza on Sunday night, chatting with fans as the lights were being turned off.
Your name has helped Broadway Cares, St. Lucy’s, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Your posting of your Ellis Island experience prompted me to register and within minutes, I found a littany of information about my mother’s coming over from Poland 80 years ago: the ship, the town, and her given first name.
As I’m writing this, I’m thinking of Daniel Reichard’s singing “A Summer Song” at his cabaret performance: “All good things must end someday…autumn leaves must fall…” Well, maybe so, but there will be many, many more good things to come to John Lloyd Young in his life and career.
In one of your Blogs, you compared your Tony experience to Miss America’s reign…that someone else’s turn will come. Well, yes and no….thirty years from now you’ll still be “Tony Award Winner John Lloyd Young.” And all of us will be able to look back, smile, and say, “Yeah, that’s when I first met this remarkable human being.” You’ve got an awesome future ahead, my man; enjoy the magnificent ride, and thank you for everything.
Comment by Howard Tucker — October 23, 2007 @ 6:10 am
Best of luck to JLY. His portrayal of Frankie Valli is unforgettable, and it is the one to which all others are compared. All hearts begin to beat faster when he first appears in the show and runs across the upper stage to see Tommy’s group performing. He has brought so much joy to my life and others. Even though we soon won’t be seeing him as Frankie, I know we will all follow his career and remain his most loyal of fans. xoxoxox
Comment by L — October 23, 2007 @ 6:55 am
Best of luck John Lloyd, it’s true we will miss you as ” Frankie “. Oh, but I can’t wait to see you in a jucey roll. And I’m glad you are going to keep singing…All my best..Jody
Comment by Jody Cardillo — October 23, 2007 @ 7:29 am
John to me you will always be the best “Frankie”. Even though there are other “Frankie’s” you are the one that did the research and all the work to develop the character. You are an amazing actor and you have made your mark on the Broadway theatre scene and I wish for you all the best that life can offer and whatever future endeavors you aspire to. You will be missed but your future looks very bright. Good luch in all that you do.
Comment by gail drouillard — October 23, 2007 @ 8:32 am
Wow, what a pleasure to see you perform five times in a stunning portrayal of an awkward shy teenager with a gifted voice rising to the top of the pop music world only to be shattered by family and business tragedies. Your dedication to bringing Frankie Valli to the people truly leaves all of us Jersey Boys fans in awe. Thank you so much. I know we haven’t seen the last of you. Make room on your shelf. There are more awards in your future. Your moon is in Taurus!!
Comment by LindaL — October 23, 2007 @ 9:47 am
And John – We will all be there for you in all your future career endeavors. You have thousands of us who “adore” you as a performer but especially as a person. IE
Comment by irene eizen — October 23, 2007 @ 9:50 am
We all knew this day would come. At least he’ll be around past the two year anniversary of the show’s opening on Broadway.
With Daniel and John gone, and Christian probably next to leave, what will the cast look like? Here’s what I think (hope for, actually).
Jarrod Spector – Frankie Valli
Dominic Nolfi or Erich Bergen – Bob Gaudio
Deven May – Tommy DeVito
Steve Gouveia or Erik Bates (when Bobby leaves) – Nick Massi
Comment by Swift Cynicism — October 23, 2007 @ 10:32 am
John,
Howard said it all in his statement above. Your humility and kindness that you show has touched so many people. You are loved by so many and I wish you all the best in your very bright future. You are truly blessed and I look forward to seeing you in future projects. I was so happy to hear you are doing the “American Songbook Series” and we will all be there to support you.
All the best to you in your career and thank you again for so many many great performances as Frankie. I will miss you at the August Wilson.
God Bless You John.
Love Damaris Dugan
Comment by Damaris Dugan — October 23, 2007 @ 10:35 am
John Lloyd — you will be missed, but your fans all understand your need to grow and perform in other roles. Your singing voice is beautful and I look forward to seeing you on Feb 23 at the Lincoln Center. You deserve a Humanitarian Award for all your acts of kindness. Continued success!
Comment by elaine grace — October 23, 2007 @ 10:40 am
There is nothing I can add that hasn’t already been said. You are truly one of a kind, and I know that only the best is yet to come.
Comment by Melissa — October 23, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
John Lloyd, I’m from San Francisco and I’ve seen JB 7x in SF and LA. We’ve been excitedly planning to go to New York next summer when my kids are out of school, prinarily to see you perform. I’ve been reading and hearing amazing things about you, and I’ve seen the videos of your performances. You’re just great! It saddens me to hear that you’re leaving JB, and I won’t get to watch your Frankie. I hope I can get to see you in some of your future projects. You seem like an awesome person. I wish you the best!
Comment by micdyl — October 23, 2007 @ 1:05 pm
John,
I agree, your leaving Jersey Boys is bittersweet. You were my first and original “Frankie” and will always be my favorite. The show will definitely not be the same without you, but we know you need to move on and keep growing in your career.
You are a super talented actor and singer and more importantly, an outstanding individual.
THANK YOU for all you have done for your fans and for me personally…you are too kind.
Best wishes always–I know you will do well.
Comment by Dina F. — October 23, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
I’m so sad…
Comment by Savanna — October 23, 2007 @ 3:32 pm
John,
It’s so ironic, that it is out of unprecedented respect and affection, that the fans don’t try to insist that the Producers consider whatever is necessary to influence you to stay. That is true devotion; caring about someone so much that you would rather see them be true to themselves… than having their talent(and company!) close-by for your own enjoyment.
We are grateful for what you’ve given us and look forward with excitement to your future. Lincoln Center ticket line had a taste of your appeal yesterday when your concert went on sale. It seems many of us have bought tickets for both shows. Once is not nearly enough. (Maybe, once is not enough in a JB cast, either.)
Others here have beautifully articulated my own sentiments (especially, our eloquent Howard) so I will just say THANK YOU for two spectacular years!
All the very best!
Comment by Audrey — October 23, 2007 @ 4:10 pm
Hi John,
Since I have very recently written you re: my feelings about your leaving and your success in the future, I won’t comment any further here!…….and thank you for your response! Looking forward to all your upcoming endeavors!!
Comment by Jan Haas — October 23, 2007 @ 6:33 pm
So many of your fans have already expressed so much of what I also feel. We all share the same enjoyment and laughter this show brings. In fact, so many of us have become good friends because of our love of Jersey Boys. I remember the time you consoled me at the stage door during one of the times just before your contract was ending, because the thought of you leaving the show at that time was unthinkable. So, I want to thank you for staying with Jersey Boys as long as you have. It gave us all a chance to get to know you. Your attention to us and your special way of acknowledging us when you spot us in the audience is always something I will treasure. I am trying to see you as many times as I can before you leave, and I too have tickets for both of your performances in February. It truly has been special!!! I wish you luck with all your future endeavors and you know we will all be there to support you in all of them, and I know there will be many to look forward to.
Comment by Beverley Micciche — October 23, 2007 @ 7:08 pm
I am not sure what the feeling is concerning your departure John, bitterswet is as good as any, I don’t believe at the beginning of previews you knew how overpowering your role was.
As performances added up you realized what you ment to us over 50 Yrs. old. You and the cast brought us back to our best of times, full heads of hair, fewer Lbs. at the waistline and last but not least great memories of days past.
At the beginning you were one of the best headliners to ever deal with the public after a show at the stage door, it only took a short time for you to realize what you mean to us and always will.
THANK YOU JLY
Comment by Dan Caradori — October 23, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
John,
I echo all the above sentiments and then some. Your amazing talent is exceeded only by your kindness and generosity of heart. You are truly a Prince among men. Thank you for all you have given of yourself, on stage and off. You will always have my friendship and support !
Pamela
Comment by Pamela — October 23, 2007 @ 8:37 pm
John- I am so amazed at the out-pouring of affection from this site. I am also saddened by your leaving JB, but know there are so many wonderful things waiting for you out there, both professionally and personally. I agree that Howard said it so eloquent in his words. The only thing to add is your commitment to tikkun olam, “repair of the world” in Hebrew. You live this saying and it the greatest of mitzvot, “good deeds”. I am a forever friend and fan! Gayle
Comment by Gayle Kamen-Weinstein — October 23, 2007 @ 9:15 pm
Dear John Lloyd,
I join my voice with the others who have so eloquently expressed such admiration and affection for you. There is a wonderful world of opportunity out there for you, and we will be there to support you in all that you do. Warm wishes and blessings in your future endeavors! I can’t wait to see what else lies ahead, and I know you’ll continue to shine.
A fan for life,
Karen =)
Comment by Karen — October 24, 2007 @ 12:10 am
John, There is so much I want to say,but what can I say that hasn’t been said already.I asked you to take a picture with me in the park, you were so gracious and kind.Always nice to your fans. You were the very 1st Frankie and the Tony Award winner. You made that part come to life so well! Your portrayal of Frankie Valli is awesome! I wish you only the best in life.This is only the beginning of a long and amazing career. John we will follow you always. Never change,stay as kind and full of life as you are today. You are truly loved by all.
Comment by THEA — October 24, 2007 @ 1:45 am
I can only echo what everyone else has said. Bittersweet is the word. I’m happy for you and the new opportunities that await you but sad that you won’t be acting in the play next June when we come to see it for the fifth time! You will always be “the Frankie Valli” for me. Alas, all good things must end. Best of luck for a fantastic future in whatever you choose to do.
Jean
Comment by Jean — October 24, 2007 @ 6:22 am
I agree with what everyone said, a bittersweet change indeed. You are one of a kind and a joy to all our lives. It was a sincere pleasure to meet you. Best of luck!
Comment by Lauren — October 24, 2007 @ 12:33 pm
John Lloyd,
I’ve been kicking myself in the head for the last 21 days since seeing the show for the FIRST time…WHY did I wait this long? I “envy” the people on this board who have been blessed with sharing the August Wilson with you 5, 10, 20 times…what’s happening here goes beyond “starstruck.” You’re a man of character and integrity in a world that is so lacking in both. That’s why, more than your portrail as Frankie, you’ve touched and transformed so many people. Your kindness and generosity to your fans has not gone unnoticed and I know that all of us here–and so many others–will continue to follow you for the years to come! I can’t wait to see what the world has in store for you.
God Bless your sweet spirit!
Lucy
Comment by Lucy — October 25, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
Thank God we made a special trip to New York in January to see JLY and The Jersey Boys! Sorry we weren’t able to meet you personally but will look forward to seeing you in other endeavors. We will be seeing the Chicago tour tonight and even though it got rave reviews, we will never forget the “originals” from NYC. We were lucky enough to see it 2 nights in a row. Thank you JLY for the best performance my husband and I have ever seen. Hope you make it to Chicago. Keep me informed. Good Luck and break a leg!
Comment by Mitzi — November 3, 2007 @ 9:25 am
although i have not seen the show with you in it, i have the jersey boys CD. i could never tire listening to it over & over again. i have seen the show more than 5 times in san francisco and i loved it.
i hope to see you in one of your shows. good luck and best wishes.
Comment by erlinda — November 12, 2007 @ 11:22 pm