John Lloyd Young Reflects on JB and His Future!
November 21st, 2007“What was the high point?,” asks Frankie Valli at the conclusion of the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys. For Tony Award winner John Lloyd Young, who made his Broadway debut in the role of singer Valli, it’s tough to find anything but highs.
Playbill.com’s Ernio Hernandez has an in-depth interview with JLY from earlier this month. Here’s a preview of this excellent piece:
Although he met an array of “names” from the worlds of politics, music, sports, film and stage during his time with Jersey Boys, Young recalls feeling nervous just twice: when he performed in front of his predecessor in the role, David Noroña, who originated the character for the La Jolla Playhouse world premiere (“I was sweating the entire time”); and for his new acting teacher, Harold Guskin (“I felt like I was doing bad community theatre in a church basement because I wanted to be good for him”).
One of his more recent backstage visitors provided him with some sage wisdom. “Mandy Patinkin came backstage a few weeks ago,” said Young. “He told me, about ten years after Sunday in the Park with George had closed, they had asked him to do some kind of commentary or interview about it. He hadn’t really thought about it in a long time, so he put the CD [on in] his car to refresh himself on the experience. He had to pull over on the side of the road; he was sobbing because it hit him so hard. And he said, ‘It’s going to happen to you,’ and I said, ‘I know you’re right,’ Young recalled with an audible smile. “‘I just hope it doesn’t happen when there are a lot of people around.’”
Godspeed, John Lloyd, on your next journey! This one has been incredible, and I appreciate you for allowing your admirers to be a part of it. You made heartfelt connections with fans from the stage and at the stagedoor, and truly helped us form our own bonds of friendship. We will miss your talent at the footlights of the August Wilson, but look forward to the next venue where you will shine even brighter. You have set a standard for talent, integrity, warmth & compassion, philanthropy, and sincerity that you should be proud of. What a whirlwind two years…thank you!
Comment by LuluThompson — November 21, 2007 @ 9:04 am
Loved the article, John I could definatly see you in “Pushing Daisies”..We all will be there tonight, wishing you all the best..Oh by the way, you looked pretty good behind that bar..They didn’t hire you, did they?
See you tonight..Jody
Comment by Jody Cardillo — November 21, 2007 @ 9:12 am
John, its okay to be emotional in front of people. I am sure people will be emotional at the theatre tonight. Just think of how the journey has been…its only going to go up from here.
Comment by A — November 21, 2007 @ 10:05 am
Though I can’t be there tonight to wish JLY farewell (I had tickets to last night’s show), I want to send my heartfelt appreciation to him for all the great memories he has created for all his adoring fans. I know we will be seeing him again in something fantastic. I can’t wait!!
Comment by L — November 21, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
“And don’t you worry ’bout me. I’ll be strong. I’ll try to carry on, although you know it won’t be easy when you’re gone.”
I’ve tried three times to write a comment here, but I thought these words were the most appropriate. Please get back on stage soon. One night in February will not be enough for these fans.
Comment by Melissa — November 21, 2007 @ 2:01 pm
Have a wonderful time with all your fans tonight, John. I’ll be thinking about you and have a Happy Thanksgiving! Your first week off, on the road, sounds very thoughtful (lots of time for thinking) and interesting!!
Comment by Jan Haas — November 21, 2007 @ 9:16 pm