August 2, 2012

John Lloyd Young Is ‘Home’ Again…

August 2nd, 2012

JLY Associated Press Drama Writer Mark Kennedy has a marvelous in-depth piece on John Lloyd Young’s return to Broadway as “Frankie Valli” in JERSEY BOYS! Check out a sneak peek:

Who says you can’t go home again? Not John Lloyd Young, who left Broadway’s ‘‘Jersey Boys’’ five years ago and is now spending the summer back in his old role. He even got the same dressing room.

‘‘How many people in life get to go back and reclaim their past and relive it in almost exactly the same way and enjoy it all over again?’’ asks Young.

The show and theater may be the same, but it’s a different Young who again slips into the shoes of Frankie Valli in the behind-the-music musical about the doo-wop group The Four Seasons.

Young left the show in 2007, a newly minted Tony Award winner whose lead vocals also propelled the cast album to a Grammy win. He moved to Los Angeles to try his hand at film and TV, but found frustration. So he did different things: He became a kung fu expert. He helped charities. He got a tattoo. Most important, he fell in love with making modern art.

‘‘A lot of things changed radically right after I left the show,’’ he says. ‘‘I had certain expectations that didn’t happen or at least didn’t happen the way I expected. So I adapted.’’

Click HERE to read the entire feature.

6 Comments »

  1. It was so wonderful to have JLY back, even if it is just for a short time. I was so fortunate to see the show twice during my stay in NY last week. As a fan, it was thrilling to be able to relive the magic that JLY created once more. Although this go around it is even better…he is so much stronger and seems to be so much more at ease. Anyone who has the chance, must see this limited engagement. And pick up his new CD on the way out…it is amazing!

    Comment by Carolyn — August 2, 2012 @ 9:45 pm

  2. After seeing Jersey Boys twenty-seven or so times, I finally got to see JLY as Frankie for the first time the other day. He was truly spectacular and exceeded my admittedly high expectations. I am very glad he has returned to the role so that folks like me get the opportunity to see what we had missed!

    Comment by stubbleyou — August 4, 2012 @ 7:16 am

  3. This in-dept piece about John Lloyd Young was wonderful. I have been following him since Jersey Boys was on previews October, 2005 until now and he is such a talented and nice person I feel so lucky to know him.
    I am interested in all the new things he has been doing. His art is so unique and his recent CD is unbelievable. He sounds so strong and his voice is so wonderful to listen to,his choice of songs brings back many memories for me when I listen.
    I have seen Jersey Boys twice so far this past July and loved the way he is such a talented performer in everything he does. I saw it more than 15 times total, only with John Lloyd Young from 2005-2007
    I am hoping he will play Frankie Valli in the movie of “Jersey Boys”. I feel he is the original “Frankie” and the only one who can portray him in the film.
    Thank You John Lloyd Young for coming “Home”, we missed you!
    Viv

    Comment by viv — August 4, 2012 @ 4:55 pm

  4. In Nov 2007, I went to NY to see JLY one last time before he ended his run. I had seen him twice up until then. On the day I arrived in NY, the stagehand strike began. I had high hopes the strike would be settled and he could take the stage one last time. But sadly, it didn’t happen. I thought my opportunity to see him again in JB was gone forever.

    His return to the show was unexpected and such a surprise. I saw his first two shows in July and if it’s possible, he is better than before. His CD is fantastic and includes many of my favorite songs.

    Welcome back JLY.

    Comment by Linda/Tiggerbelle — August 5, 2012 @ 1:37 pm

  5. This is so very special having JLY back for the summer, he brings his soul to the role of Frankie Valli! That’s how I felt when I first went to see JB, I have seen it twice this summer and John brings a new dimension to Frankie that is so entertaining that you’ll not be able to take your eyes off of him : )) And his voice is just perfect and better than before, I wish they could do a new JB CD with John now!

    Welcome Home, John!
    It’s nice to have you home again xoxo

    Comment by Jody Cardillo — August 6, 2012 @ 1:51 pm

  6. I have to echo these sentiments (as well as the sentiments of SO many others)! It is WONDERFUL to have JLY back in the role of Valli on Broadway. When I see him up on stage, I think to myself – he’s really a performer at heart – more than even a singer or an actor. But then I think…wait, maybe that’s the actor in him channeling a great performer. I’m confused…but, I guess that’s great acting (and singing)!

    This much I know – he has a presence, which can’t be quantified and which quietly and powerfully grabs an audience. I hope he comes back EVERY year.

    Comment by Audrey — August 6, 2012 @ 8:15 pm

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