December 15, 2008

Let’s Go Back to Rockers on Broadway, 2007!

December 15th, 2008

Photos by Kerry Long at BroadwayWorld.com.

By Lulu Thompson, Jersey Boys Blog Special Correspondent

If the “Rockers on Broadway” salute to “The Who’s Tommy” held later TONIGHT at The August Wilson Theatre is anything like last year’s salute to Motown, concert goers are in for a real treat…an evening of high-energy, nonstop music and entertainment!

This concert series began in 1993 and was the brain-child of Donnie Kehr, formerly of “The Who’s Tommy,” “Jersey Boys,” and currently starring in “Billy Elliott.” His inspiration was Pete Townshend during ‘The Who’s Tommy” original Broadway run, who wanted to give Broadway performers the opportunity to sing with a rock-n-roll band in a concert style venue while raising money for charitable organizations. Last year’s performance raised money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and Wingspan Arts, a not-for–profit organization that reaches out to diverse groups in New York and around the country and focuses on school age children involved in various aspects of performing, visual, media and literary arts. In addition, this year, another benefactor of the concert will be The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia and Parkinson Foundation that aids in the research of movement disorders, a charity for which Christian Hoff has generously donated his time as the National Spokesman.

Hopefully this review of last year’s concert will encourage you to buy a ticket this year to fill up the theatre so familiar to JB fans. The best thing about “Rockers Salutes Motown” was that I knew every single song in that three-hour concert…this enabled me to sing quietly along with such Broadway stars as Christian Hoff, Bobby Spencer, Christine Ebersole and numerous other entertainers. Believe me, several were singing along quite loudly by the end of the evening…last year the concert was at BB King Blues Club and Grill, and adult beverages were flowing!

Before the show, in a brief interview with NY1, Donnie said this was the largest crowd ever at a Rockers event. He expressed his appreciation of the support from the Broadway community, fans and notable persons who attended the event. I also had the chance to meet two of the honorees of the evening who were in attendance, brothers Eddie and Brian Holland, the songwriting and production team of numerous hit songs from the 60′s and 70′s by every great Motown artist and singing group. I told Brian the first live stage performance I saw was the Supremes in Las Vegas when I was in the seventh grade. That show with those beautiful ladies singing close harmonies, in glittering dresses and stage movements (easily imitated at home!) began my love for live performances, including Broadway musicals. He gallantly told me I looked too young to have seen them then…(I’m sure that same charm sealed many deals in the music industry!) Then, he introduced me to his brother. Brian said that was the kind of story they loved to hear…how their music touched the lives of others. Needless to say, such an encounter began a perfectly thrilling evening. I also spoke to Mickey Dolenz of “The Monkees” and asked him what I should expect tonight. Mickey said, “Great songs, great performers, a whole lotta fun — and a rush of memories.” Comedian/actress Caroline Rhea assumed the hosting duties once again, this time appropriately coiffed with a 70′s style long blonde fall topped by a wide headband scarf and she wore a mini-dress and white go-go boots. She (Rhea) announced that this installment of the benefit was where Broadway meets Motown, or as she liked to call it, “Showtown.” Cousin Brucie Morrow, a 20-year veteran of a NY oldies station sat at a table behind me where he brought the show live to Sirius radio and welcomed the audience to an evening saluting Motown, the music that brought us together again and often brought harmony in race relations, as well as in music.

At eight o’clock, the Temptation Medley got things rolling, and Kris Coleman of Jersey Boys, flashed that ear to ear grin of his as his group sang seven hit songs, and brought the house down with their high energy rendition of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” He later performed a couple of solos, including “Tears of a Clown.” Darlene Love shone onstage singing “Heard it Thru the Grapevine.” Donnie Kehr took the stage and delivered “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” and “For Once in My Life.” One of the highlights of the first act soon followed when Donnie sat down at the keyboard and was joined by Miles Mancuso, a 12 year-old boy who played five instruments, including a guitar (behind his head!). He sang “Messing with the Kid” and “Mustang Sally” with all the professionalism of any performer onstage. He had the audience cheering and singing along “ride, Sally, ride.” Caroline Rhea quipped to the audience after Miles’ ovation, “Don’t you all feel old and untalented?” Mickey Dolenz took the stage next, shaking his head and muttering good naturedly, “do I gotta follow the kid?” His performance of “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “Ease on Down the Road” received his own accolades. Michael Lanning and Kate Taylor also performed Motown favorites, but the most exciting act had to be the Jackson Five Medley for obvious reasons. Jersey Boys’ Michael Longoria, Dominic Nolfi and Travis Cloer made up three-fifths of the group!. Their songs were energetic, their dance movements were choreographed and they just looked like they were having a blast. Michael’s “inner Frankie” came out during “I’ll Be There” and Travis’ “ABC” was equally impressive.

Act II began with a Supremes’ medley which had everyone joining in on the chorus, disco balls were flashing, and I half-expected all the women present to pull hairbrushes out of their purses to use as microphones. Then Bobby Spencer, Caroline Rhea’s favorite Jersey Boy, sang “Mercy, Mercy Me” and “Ain’t that Peculiar.” So nice to hear him as he had been on voice rest the previous evening. Debbie Gibson glittered in a dress of gold as she sang “Band of Gold.” Daphne Rubin Vega was dynamic as she performed “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and the White Boyz to Men (as they dubbed themselves) slowed things down with “End of the Road.” Christian Hoff’s performance of Otis Redding’s “Satisfaction” was another crowd pleaser. Christian and Bobby had performed earlier that same evening at Carnegie Hall, but gladly gave of their time at this benefit as well. In a brief interview with NY1 at the intermission, Christian was asked why this concert appealed to him. He said, “It’s Motown. As a performer, it’s in our blood. These are songs about life, real people, real emotions.” Other highlights included La La Brooks singing “Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine,” a Broadway 4 Tops medley with “Can’t Help Myself”, and Christine Ebersole closing the evening with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” By this time, nearly 11:30, Caroline Rhea was asking as she glanced at her watch, “Is it Christmas yet?” Yes, it was a long evening…but it passed by so quickly because of the wonderful performers, the energy of each performance and the most singable, recognizable songs.

Favorite memories of the evening…La La Brooks, Debbie Gibson and Darlene Love singing “Dancin’ in the Streets” that had everyone dancing in the aisles…except Joe Dugan… who danced ONSTAGE with La La Brooks! I don’t think any couple had more fun than Damaris and Joe that night! And having both Christian and Bobby stop by my table to talk for just a bit couldn’t have made this Jersey Boy fan any happier! And finally, as the honorees for the evening were presented, the Holland brothers were joined onstage by Berry Gordy, Jr., the founder of the Motown record label and a surprise guest to everyone present. Truly, a Motown moment for Showtown, and all those present.

5 Comments »

  1. Wow LuLu, this brings back so many good memories of last years “Rockers on Broadway”. We all had so much fun that night!

    Joe and I will be there tonight at the August Wilson to celebrate the “Tommy Reunion” Joe has waited so long for this night. Those of you know Joe well, know he is a diehard “Who Fan”. He will be wearing his “Tommy” shirt from the original Broadway Production and who knows maybe he will get the opportunity to rock out on stage again with this amazing cast that will be performing tonight.

    What would make this night complete for Joe is if Pete & Roger are there to celebrate with all of us!
    We are keeping our fingers crossed!

    Thanks Again LuLu for bringing this review back for us to remember!

    All The Best,
    Damaris Dugan

    Comment by Damaris Dugan — December 15, 2008 @ 9:35 am

  2. I am SOOOO excited for tonight as well. Cant wait to see the concert, as well as so many of our Jersey Boys family. Looking forward to seeing you and Joe, Dee!

    Comment by Pamela — December 15, 2008 @ 11:40 am

  3. This made me so sorry I missed the performance!! Take me with you next time!

    Comment by Carole — December 15, 2008 @ 4:06 pm

  4. Wish I could have been in the City for this. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

    Comment by Charly O'Clarit — December 16, 2008 @ 1:17 am

  5. The Tommy concert was phenomenal! Donnie did such a fantastic job, and it was so good to see him and Christian together. The place was ROCKING!

    Comment by Catherine — December 16, 2008 @ 5:26 pm

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