August 24, 2007

Melissa Strom on Extended Leave from Jersey Boys National Tour

August 24th, 2007

Melissa Strom’s latest blog post headline states, “The Show Goes On (But Without Me!).”

In the finale of “Jersey Boys” the character Frankie Valli says, “…like that bunny on TV with the battery. I just keep going and going and going. Chasing the music. Trying to get home.”…well folks, my battery ran out! After playing the role of Francine 225 plus times in the Jersey Boys First National Tour, three weeks ago my body shouted “STOP”! In the Melissa Strom track (number 14) I have accumulated over 4,050 costume changes, 2,250 wig changes and around 1,900 stair case trips (up and down) in three inch heels. For nine months I played eight shows a week and never dreamed that living on the road, the extra rehearsals, performing when you’re sick and all my responsibilities of being in Jersey Boys would catch up with me. SERIOUSLY people, throughout my career I’ve performed in shows with laryngitis, the flu, migraines, missing contact lenses etc.! But to give my present condition a name I would have to use the word exhaustion.

Melissa details her return to the show back on August 10th, but unfortunately, it was too soon. After feeling so dizzy, faint, and tingly, she was visited by an EMT (Emergency Medical Team), stage management, and a house manager while her good friends Jackie Seiden and Eric Gutman sat with her. Although she is sad that she is unable to perform, Melissa is slowly on the mend and “recharging her batteries.” Officially, she is on extended leave from JB and will keep everyone posted about her plans regarding the show.

We wish Melissa a full and speedy recovery!

3 Comments »

  1. The show is just not the same without you…get better soon!

    Comment by Elizabeth — August 26, 2007 @ 1:28 am

  2. Went last night to the show and so sad you weren’t there. However, Lauren Tartaglia did the role justice.

    Comment by Yvette — August 26, 2007 @ 11:19 am

  3. PS get better soon!

    Comment by Yvette — August 26, 2007 @ 11:19 am

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