i REALLY have to agree with lizziecurry. the SF cast is amazing, and in fact the similarity to the OBC is striking, esp down to the tones of their voices. the biggest difference for me was to get used to the fact that different people were playing the roles since i was so used to seeing the OBC, but i can argue that the touring cast is spot on and their performances are fresh and exciting and *right*. it's also been amazing to see the cast really grow into their roles, esp christopher kale jones. the show has become a much better show since December when I saw them in previews.
i've seen both casts live as well as on tv. it's unfair to judge the SF cast based on this 30 second showing, esp since they were performing their hearts out as recently as yesterday, and will be flying up to perform again tomorrow.
withold complete judgment until you see them live! you won't be disappointed. Updated On: 3/20/07 at 01:01 AM
Haven't you been judging the OBC on their TV appearances, without seeing them live, LizzieCurry?
The cast? No! Just one. And it's not even anything serious. Hell, I don't even take it seriously. I just find John Lloyd Young's eyebrows really annoying and didn't like what I saw on the Tonys. That's all. I don't think he's miscast, funny-looking, bad, or not Frankie Valli. The other guys? I have nothing to say because I haven't seen enough. Obviously they're doing something right if the show is doing so great there -- and the same can be said for the West Coast Jersey Boys, too.
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
Oh man. I love this cast so much, but that really didn't have any of the energy I've seen on stage. I've definitely judged by TV perfs before, but it breaks my heart to see y'all do it.
I was so happy, though. Especially for Michael, who really got a rare chance to shine tonight.
That was really rushed and the stage was so cramped. It was not the most ideal combination of songs, either. The cast did fairly well with what they had, but most of my complaints (not even complaints, really) don't have anything to do with the cast.
Hey, I had the same reaction you did to Michael Ingersoll. Yay for "Ringo"! :)
...oh god, Conan O'Brien is advertising his Orpheum appearance right now.
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
I agree, the cast is AMAZING, but the performance didn't seem to have as much energy. I still really enjoyed the medley, though. I'm so glad Michael got to have a solo part!
I thought they did great, but I would have to agree with Lizzie, it seemed rushed and when they brought the rest of the cast onstage it got really cramped up there. Still loved this preformance, but they are leagues better live on stage. And it was great to see Michael be in the spotlight for a bit.
Eric Gutman just blogged about their Leno preformance (http://theguter.blogspot.com/index.html). And evidently the big news he mentioned a few post ago is what we all found out yesterday. That the SF company is the 1st national touring company, now dubbed the "Sherry" company, and that a second company is in the works. Updated On: 3/20/07 at 04:10 AM
It was an interesting medley of just as great songs as the other higher-profile Four Seasons songs. I'm glad they chose the ones they did.
They most certainly made use of their 120 seconds, huh?
It was great to hear Michael and Deven have a bit of a solo moment in "Oh What A Night" (which is usually a solo by Erich). So great to see them getting some face-time.
It's kind of funny to see them all up-close with pretty TV make-up (since I see them 4 times a week). But when the entire cast came out (with the two Frankie Valli understudies in the front) at the end I was floored
They all looked and sounded fine. The sound was a little different than what I'm used to probably because of their microphones and different acoustics versus a theatre.
Good for them! Taking their Monday day-off to fly the entire damn cast there! Great publicity! Updated On: 3/20/07 at 04:11 AM
I must say that i was disappointed in the performance and the actors. Firstly, they looked like a second string, non union tour of the show. Like it had been running for 4 years, and this was the cast that played Bucks County. I didnt find any of them the least bit attractive, and they couldnt dance. Talk about stiff. That poor tall goomer was just ill at ease. The producres should be embarrased for sending this group out as their first national tour.
It was a poor representation of a terrific cast. The sound was WAY off, but trust me, the touring cast is amazing. Don't base your opinions solely on this appearance.
I have seen both the OBC and the SF cast and DID NOT see the Leno performance.
Obviously, you cannot judge a show by a performance on TV people. Better than the OBC? Good lord, clueless. I have seen terrible performances on TV (including Idina's Elphaba) and you just can't do it.
Overall, I enjoyed both casts very much (and the SF cast is FANTASTIC!!!!) but preferred Christopher Kale Jones as Frankie Valli over John Lloyd Young. JUST MY OPINION...don't start the hating....
I was only commenting on what I saw on Leno, not the show in SF. It was terrible, and as far as TV sounding bad, the FOUR SEASONS were on TV all the time when technology was less sophisticated and they sounded just fine. And as far as them taking time to do the show. they get PAID to do it.
LizzieCurry: I just find John Lloyd Young's eyebrows really annoying..
Really cuz I find Christopher Kales general presence really annoying...especially when he opens his mouth.
jochang621: i REALLY have to agree with lizziecurry. the SF cast is amazing, and in fact the similarity to the OBC is striking
Striking isn't what i would call it...I dunno if you really saw the OBC cuz if you did you wouldn't be saying that.
So listen people you can make up all the excuses you want...like they were off that night or you can't tell from TV..but just face it they are awful. They sound nothing like the four seasons theyre are just like every other musical theater belters who all sound alike...and christopher kale has NO FALSETTO.
Now excuse me i have to go listen to the OBC before i die.
I turned on Jay Leno so I could see what the Tour Cast is like. I wanted to see what all those West Coast yuppies have to deal with. All I have to say is wow, I feel sorry for them. I'll repeat the previous statement: CHRISTOPHER KALE JONES HAS NO FALSETTO! I'd take Michael Longoria, heck, even DOMINIC NOLFI over that anyday! The four men just blended together and not a single one stood out. In New York, we are BLESSED to have John Lloyd Young, Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard, and J. Robert Spencer. They are all so different, so unique! These 4 guys looked the same and really showed not even an inkling of personality. Someone is slacking in the casting department...
Tell me those are the BEST four guys they could find to lead the tour! SURE! I am scared to see the 2nd tour cast if this is the first. Also, you keep saying that I need to see them "live" because this was just a bad performance. But, from what all I've seen, they're nowhere near the OBC at their worst performance.
You are so right QueenFrancine I don't know how they can justify the casting they did. And I guess I shouldn't be mad at the poor West Coasters....they don't know any better.
Oh and by the way Lizziecurry or whatever your name is lol I don't need to learn how to quote...posting on messageboards isn't my life sorry...i just wanted you all to know that those for guys do not come close to the OBC.
i agree that the sound was really off - it sounded like some mics were turned down and you couldn't hear all four harmony parts equally so the sound didn't sound so blended.
i still hold to the fact that the SF cast have very similar timbres in their voices to the OBC (I saw the OBC perform less than a week ago, thank you very much), esp daniel reichard and erich bergen. i'd say tho that JLY and christopher kale jones' voices are the most different. christopher kale jones is very very good, but JLY truly is incomparable, a performer that comes once in a lifetime. i know christopher kale jones respects JLY highly as well, and may even agree with me. last night was not a good representation of christopher kale jones's singing capabilities.
imo, the guys looked fired up and the energy was good. but that's just me.
so glad michael got to open on "oh what a night!" he's my personal favorite in the show ^^ and thought he looked comfortably charming in the spotlight. Updated On: 3/20/07 at 11:42 AM