Rush to Chicago to See Jersey Boys!
July 25th, 2009Earlier this month, after seeing a fabulous Thursday evening performance of JERSEY BOYS Chicago with my pal Sid, she was dyin’ to see it again (okay, I was, too)! Although I had never had the opportunity to hang out in the Rush line in any city for last minute tickets, I thought, “And why not!” Since Sid’s conference workshop began at the crack of dawn, and mine didn’t begin until noonish on Friday, it was “like my mission” to hang out in the Rush line for tickets that Friday morning.
The Bank of America Theatre box office opened at 10am–so I checked with the cordial hotel bellman, who advised me to beat the crowds and get in line by 8:30. So, Friday, I took the bellman’s advice and was second to arrive at the Rush line. I armed myself with a fast-paced novel appropriately titled “Just Too Good to Be True” (I swear, I didn’t choose this book because of the title–I’ve read all of E. Lynn Harris’ novels over the last 15 years), a large iced coffee, and my cell phone! By 10:07, I had two front row tickets for Friday evening’s show!
Fast forward to Saturday night, after the Tech Half witnessed the Chicago cast’s phenomenal performance–it was a given that one (or both) of us would be in Sunday morning’s Rush line! On Sunday, the box office doesn’t open until 11am, so I kept an eye on the line, starting around 8:30. By 9, I saw two or three people out there, so it was the Tech Half’s idea to hang out in rotation. I volunteered for the first hour, so I could then take my high-maintenance-self back up to the hotel to begin the grooming process. So much fun chatting with the other big JB fans in the Rush line, and one savvy Rush regular advised the Tech Half to go to the coat check before the show began to ask for seat cushions for added comfort and height!
Although we’ve seen the show dozens of times, never, ever was it this up close and personal! So close, in fact, that you feel like you’re part of the cast!
Being in the front row at this theatre, you can see the little nuances going on all over the stage! When you’re several rows back, you might find yourself paying so much attention to the main characters, or to the person speaking at the time, but when you’re sitting in the Rush seats, you’re taken to a whole new level of JERSEY BOYS’ engagement!
After being so close to the action, I think we have a new appreciation for what the ensemble and swing cast members contribute to the overall show eight times a week! They’re all doing something at all times–sipping a drink, nodding, smiling, laughing, their characters chatting with each other quietly in various scenes, quickly making set changes–doing things that people do, making it more real. Up close, you can honestly see the things that make this show so tremendous!
At the “Who Loves You” big production finale, with the whole cast on stage–the Four Seasons, the Jersey Girls in their glittery dresses, along with every single cast member on stage, singing, playing instruments, and dancing on stage–it was awesome to watch the actors’ reactions to the audience’s adoration and gratitude during this amazing evening! You can’t get that anywhere else!
Being in the front row center at the Bank of America Theatre, you’re close enough to reach up and touch the cast, but my hand to God, if you try that–and you’ll be outta there in about twelve seconds!
And, just to let you know–if your woo woos are strong enough, you might just get a wink or a nod from one or two of the many talented cast members on stage!
How about your JERSEY BOYS’ Rush experiences?
Ah, another convert to the rush line!!
Comment by Linda — July 25, 2009 @ 11:31 pm
Great summary, Susie. The Tech Half needed a cushion for extra length and comfort?? When will they give us something that gives us extra width and comfort??
Comment by Howard Tucker — July 26, 2009 @ 9:37 am
I have so many rush stories…
Comment by Leanna — July 26, 2009 @ 11:54 am
I’ve never done the rush tickets before, but this post gave me some inside knowledge into the experience. Sounds like you guys had a great time!
Comment by Jesse — July 26, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
I must admit that I don’t read all the reviews posted on the Blog, since there is understandably a fair amount of duplication; but I ALWAYS enjoy your first hand adventures.
There is something that resonates with me when hearing another (seasoned) fan’s experience. It’s authentic and I love it! I hope you and the Tech Half never stop filing these personal reports. No one can duplicate yor perspective.
Comment by Audrey — July 26, 2009 @ 10:47 pm
Dominic is a revelation. And i think he is much more ‘connected” with these new seasons. To watch him now is like watching a craftsman. Someone that sees him for the first time might think wow that is an amazing talent but i have seen him a lot both here and on Broadway and the other night i went specifically to watch him the whole show and of course this voice was strong and perfect but i watched his eyes from start to finish and when he enters the brightness of youth is so clear but when you look at him during winter it seems like he is on the verge of tears. It is truly remarkable to watch. Jersey Boys is amazing every time you see it with whoever is in the parts but with Dominic it is a art.
Comment by jamie — July 27, 2009 @ 2:54 am
Does anyone know how early I should get there on a Saturday? I see 8:30 for Friday and 9 for Sunday. I worry Saturday might be busier. I appreciate any tips.
Comment by Katherine — September 17, 2009 @ 8:34 am
Hi Katherine, 8:30 on Friday & 9 on Saturday worked great during the weekend I was in town, but maybe one of the Chicago regulars has a better idea about what it’s like now that we’re into the fall season…
Comment by Susie — September 17, 2009 @ 8:50 am
Susie, thanks for your response. I just wanted to let you know that we decided to get in line at 7:30 and we were the first there. However, the second and third showed up about 7:40 and the line eventually filed down most of the block. We got our front row seats though and loved the show. Thanks again.
Comment by Katherine — September 28, 2009 @ 6:55 am