Real ‘Jersey Boy’ Dominic Scaglione, Jr. Honored to Play Frankie Valli!
October 10th, 2008Though he was born more than 40 years after Frankie Valli, Dominic Scaglione Jr. says he can relate to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s life. Both were born and bred in Essex County to Italian-American families, steeped in traditions like big Sunday dinners with their families. Both aspired as young men to become famous singers.
Star-Ledger staff writer Elizabeth Moore has a fabulous interview with Dominic Scaglione, Jr., along with his mother and father. Dominic credits his family for getting him started in music and for giving him the authenticity he brings to the role at the Wednesday and Saturday matinees at the August Wilson Theatre.
It took three rounds of auditions — including one in front of Four Seasons singer/songwriter Bob Guadio — before Scaglione landed the part. Gaudio offered the role with the words, “Do you want to go to Vegas?” And the actor replied by asking Guadio to surprise his father by calling him on the phone.
“He almost gave me another heart attack,” laughed Scaglione Sr., a retired FBI agent and Essex County’s inspector general.
When he was auditioning, Scaglione spent hours and hours at home, practicing the 28 songs in “Jersey Boys” in his room, while his family went through their daily routines.
“I was serenading the people at home,” he said, and his father admitted the entire family knew all the words by the time the auditions were over.
Read the entire interview with Dominic and his family on NJ.com.
Saw Jersey Boys for the first time yesterday 12/03/08 2:00 performance, BOY was I blown away!!! Dominic Scaglione JR was AMAZING! FANTASTIC! UNBELIEVABLE! PERIOD!
I have seen Frankie Valli in concert and listening to Dominic was like watching frankie live! I sat near two ladies that have seen the show over 40 times, they said by far Dominic is the BEST! I believe it!
WIll def. go see it again. The whole cast was great, esp. Dominic Nolfi!
Comment by cc — December 4, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
Dominic – saw your Dad yesterday at Mikie and Laura Palardy’s house! He’s so proud of you – what a nice man!! We all watched your Tony performance on Mikie’s TV over and over – every time a new person walked in we played it again!
FANTASTIC! 
Don’t be embarrassed – be proud!! Your ears must have been ringing! We enjoyed the Christmas time performance on Broadway and your seeing us back stage after so very much – highlight of our holiday. Thank you! God Bless you. I do hope you get this! Cindy (Donna and Mike Palardy’s niece)
Comment by Cindy Wooldridge — June 15, 2009 @ 8:09 pm
Hi Dominic,
I saw you today on Oprah Winfrey and just had to search for your name. I live in Missouri now, but grew up in Belleville. When you mentioned growing up there as well, I just had to find out more about you. I guess when you move away from home it’s exciting to find out about people who you can relate to. Nick Massi, an original member of Four Seasons was my father’s brother. Last name was Macioci. I saw the show in Chicago last year and was blown away. Brought back alot of memories. Well, I’m proud that just a regular guy from Belleville made it big. My uncle would be so proud. Continued success.
Regina (Macioci) Corris
Comment by Regina Corris — September 21, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
Dominic,
Congratulations!
I saw “Jersey Boys” in Chicago on 10/4/09 and loved it! Loved the Music, Loved the Show, Loved Frankie! I would see the show again only with the same cast. I was definitely blown away by your incredible voice and amazing talent. Your performance was outstanding and flawless.
Your pretty awesome, a bright new star!
Comment by Jane Dansard — October 8, 2009 @ 8:16 am
Dominic
My wife and I just drove back to Sheboygan, Wisconsin from Chicago and The Jersey Boys performance. We loved every second including your magnificent voice and your portrayal of Frankie . We are now hanging the signed auction item of Bob Gaudio and Bob Grewe -Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You in our dining room.
Thanks for the Memories and Buona Fortuna !
Jim and Ann Magestro 11/22/09
Comment by Jim Magestro — November 22, 2009 @ 11:33 pm
My husband and I saw your performance in Jersey Boys on Nov 13, celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. It was our all-time favorite show, hands down, and YOU made it extraordinary and fabulous. We live in Arkansas, but will travel to see you. After the Chicago show closes, will you be “Frankie” at another location, I hope, I hope?
Comment by Barbara Pence — December 9, 2009 @ 11:01 am
We had seats in the 5th row. You were amazing and gave us all a fabulous experience we will never forget! It was a moving, inspiring and entertaining performance. The best show I’ve ever seen! I loved it!
Comment by Julia Joseph — December 15, 2009 @ 11:15 pm
CANNOT FORGET HOW HAUTINGLY BEAUTIFUL YOUR RENDITION OF FALLEN ANGEL WAS IN THE CHICAGO JB SHOWS. MISS YOU AND WHOLE CAST SO MUCH. HOPE TO SEE YOU IN NEW PRODUCTION SOMEWHERE SOMETIME SOON. THANKS AGAIN. YOU REALLY DO BEAT THE OJBC RECORDING!!!!WOULD LOVE TO HAVE OUR OWN CHICAGO JB CAST RECORDING. ANY CHANCE?????
Comment by Joanne D"Anna — April 16, 2010 @ 10:56 pm
Dom, you make all the Jabronis’ proud, and to think it all started at Nanina’s with a little intro by Steve Adubato Jr. lolololo
Comment by Ralph Ciallella — April 19, 2010 @ 9:07 am
Hi Dominic saw you yesterday in Jersey Boys sent you back a note on a bus trip from Toms River NJ. My brother Jackie (Green Steet Cafe,Newark) knows your Dad well and has met you. Your Uncle Nick worked with Jackies daughter at The Wiz in Toms River. Jackie said to make sure to say hello.We really enjoyed the show, my second time you knocked our socks off. What a voice range young have I so wished Ii could have stayed to meet you in person. Much success in the future, Lonnie
Comment by Lonnie Stoecker Raia — October 20, 2011 @ 1:01 pm