Recap of Jersey Boys Chicago’s TPAN/Broadway Cares Benefit!
December 12th, 2009Photo Credit: Maranda Ettawageshik
By Ally Hemauer
On November 30, I attended the Jersey Boys TPAN/Sidetrack benefit and let me say it was a blast!
The show started around 6:30 P.M., and was hosted by our Bob Crewe, Kevin Crewell. Rather than perform showtunes for the benefit, they decided to perform rock songs since they are in a rock musical. Featured performers included Mackenzie Bell, Michael Cunio, Merissa Haddad, Ryan Quinn West, Rashad Naylor, Timmy Quinlan, Jonathan Weir, Mike Erikson, Jared Bradshaw, Kevin Crewell, and Alayna Gallo. Michael Cunio and his band Reckless Place rocked the house with “Kill Or Be Killed.” Jared Bradshaw’s performance of “Faith” was hilarious and Alayna Gallo dressed up as Agnes the church lady from Jersey Boys before stripping off the costume to a black tank top and gold shorts. Jonathan Weir performed “I’ve Been” from Next to Normal and the show ended with all performers singing “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.
Dominic Scaglione, Jr. was in the house as well, and he helped out with the auction part of the show. They auctioned off two pieces of “Sherry” sheet music one signed by Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio, along with a variety of gift baskets that contained items such as signed posters and Jersey Boys playbills, as well as other big Broadway shows and a phone book prop actually used in the show.
As an unexpected surprise, Marchall Brickman and Rick Elice also showed up for the event! They talked about Jersey Boys, and their new musical, The Addams Family, which is doing really well in Chicago.
Overall, it was a great night. Lots of fun and great performances by some really talented cast members!
