September 6, 2008

The Whole World Exploded–Vegas Style!

September 6th, 2008

It could happen; it did happen: Two weekends ago, the Tech Half and I went to see Jersey Boys in Vegas again! This time with my colleagues and their spouses, and all work talk dropped away, and all there was, was the music (and the incredible show)!

All right, I’ll be honest with you, these people in the photos were very persistent! Since April, I’ve heard dozens of times at the office (between meetings, via email, knocks at my door–these people are very dramatic!), “When are we seeing Jersey Boys with YOU GUYS? We all wanna go with YOU and Dale!”

Okay, so I have mentioned Jersey Boys to the colleagues a few times in the past four years. I remember the first time–back in the fall of 2004–when one of the colleagues asked what I was doing over the weekend, and I mentioned we were going to see a new musical at La Jolla Playhouse about the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, called JERSEY BOYS! The colleague looked at me like I was nuts and said, “You’re flying to San Diego to see WHAT??? You’re dragging POOR DALE to do that????”

When I returned to work and was asked about my weekend in La Jolla, of course, I told everyone my prediction, “Jersey Boys is heading to Broadway and winning massive TONY AWARDS!”

The skeptical colleagues continued to look at me as if I had lost my mind as we headed off in November 2005 to see JB on Broadway and during our return NYC visit following the 2006 Tonys! Their skepticism disappeared when they listened to the Original Broadway Cast Recording and started reading the blog on occasion.

Fast Forward to summer 2008–and the constant, “Let’s get tickets to see Jersey Boys!” chant from the colleagues. Okay, we got tickets for Saturday, August 23–a double celebration–JB and my pal Sidney’s birthday!

The evening began at the swanky bar right next to the Jersey Boys Theatre, enjoying the talented vocalist! Then, off to Jersey Boys! As expected, the entire group LOVED the show–bopping around in their seats, howling at the comedic genius of Brickman and Elice, and the OMG reaction to the story and the music! Okay, the birthday girl and I were having such an amazing time, that the guy behind me tapped on my shoulder and said, “Hey, this show is fantastic, but I’m having even more fun watching YOU TWO!”

Well…as luck would have it, as we were leaving the JB Theatre to continue the celebration, we ran into one of the amazing stars of the show, Rick Faugno! As always, Rick was incredibly gracious and charming as everyone shook his hand and raved about his performance. Sid turned to me and said, “OMG, you really know THIS GUY?!” Okay, this time, the Tech Half remembered the camera! Next thing you know, Rick is wishing Sid a Happy Birthday and posing for a photo!

My hand to God, you take any of your friends or colleagues to Jersey Boys, within 12 seconds after the last standing ovation, you’ll hear, “When are we going again?”

13 Comments »

  1. I love these stories, i really need to get to vegas!!!

    Comment by Joey — September 6, 2008 @ 5:58 pm

  2. Oh yay! These things make me so happy! I love finding out that the word of JB is spreading.

    Comment by mrsvalli — September 6, 2008 @ 8:43 pm

  3. Susie, wonderful story! So glad you and Dale introduced your friends to the JB family. I look forward to visiting with you & Dale at the end of September.

    Comment by LuluThompson — September 6, 2008 @ 10:16 pm

  4. Susie, you remind me of that bunny on TV…just keep goin’ and goin’ and goin’.

    Love the part about your colleague saying, “You’re flying to San Diego to do what!” Truthfully, I would have had a similar reaction, something like, “Susie, you need help!” But everybody sees it as they need to, right?

    Now, didja make money on the JB slots? Last we talked, you were planning a budget around winning a lottery!

    Great pic with Rick..what a nice guy. Bet it was a birthday Sid won’t soon forget! Looking forward to seeing you guys in a few weeks too!

    Comment by Howard Tucker — September 6, 2008 @ 10:43 pm

  5. Susie, This is the best!! Always love to hear your stories about seeing the show!! Can’t wait to see you in NYC at the next JB Family brunch!! It’s been way too long!! Lots of love to you and Dale! Wanda

    Comment by WANDA — September 7, 2008 @ 8:43 am

  6. Susie,

    What a great story and pictures!!! Another reminder of how ubiquitous the whole JB experience is. Looking forward to seeing you and Dale soon!

    XO, Pam

    Comment by Pamela — September 7, 2008 @ 9:33 am

  7. Hi Susie,

    Great pics and great article. Am glad you guys ran into Rick. It’s always nice to see the cast after the show. Thank you Susie.

    Comment by Angel — September 7, 2008 @ 8:30 pm

  8. Thanks for sharing Susie…loved reading this story.

    Comment by Charly O'Clarit — September 8, 2008 @ 12:33 am

  9. Sounds like a great evening! “When are we going again?” Ahhh yes, that chant after every JB performance. Not being a big theater-goer before JB, that thought would never have even occurred to me before, let alone the thought of flying around the country to see the same show!

    Listen… I’d warn your colleagues there, that one of these days, when you head off for a fanatastic JB weekend, you might just get lost- on your way back.

    Looking forward to seeing you and Dale the end of the month!

    Comment by Audrey — September 8, 2008 @ 12:20 pm

  10. I seriously love Tim posing with his back to the camera blending in with the Jersey Boys. Maybe he was the missing Fifth Season?? That was hilarious. See you in NYC.

    Comment by Linda — September 8, 2008 @ 9:30 pm

  11. Awesome, Susie. Great story! Great pictures! Great you and Dale! Can’t wait to see you on September 28. Remember, none of this would have happened WITHOUT you TWO! Thanks so much! IE

    Comment by irene eizen — September 10, 2008 @ 8:26 pm

  12. It could happen..it did happen….how did it happen?? You ask 1500 fans, you get 1500 different versions…But they all start..four years ago…La Jolla, California…the Blog Half and the Tech Half standing outside the stage door..and reading somebody else’s latest Blog…….

    Irene, thanks for reminding us that this indeed did start with Susie and Dale..with so many Tony’s on the shelf, we know this Blog didn’t start itself!!

    Comment by Howard Tucker — September 10, 2008 @ 10:18 pm

  13. I agree big time. Jersey Boys is great to see anywhere, but seeing it here in Las Vegas seems to add that extra “wow” and buzz of enjoyment to the show.

    Great post and thanks for helping spread the word of Jersey Boys in Las Vegas!

    Ted Newkirk
    Managing Editor
    http://www.accessvegas.com

    Comment by Las Vegas Managing Editor — October 4, 2008 @ 5:58 pm

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