First I start off by saying that everyone is extremely talented in this cast! JLY was having some problems on the high end of his voice.....I think it was just before "trance" and all the mics were turned off! Daniel Reichard stepped to the front of the stage and said that they would be pausing the show for a few minutes. Following that, the stage manager came over the PA and said that Michael Longoria (who had been playing Pesci) would be taking over the role of frankie Vallie. He did, and boy did he bring the show back. Everyone loved him!! At the stage door, Christian Hoff said that it was the first time in over 300 shows that they have had to stop in the middle. History was made and I was there to see two frankie vallis.
Broadway Star Joined: 3/25/04
Wow! What an experience----I hope that JLY gets better really fast. You definitely got two for the price of one, tho'. Did you have a preference? Who played Pesci after Michael starting playing Frankie?
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/18/04
Wow! I have never seen something like that happen. Did John take the curtain call with Michael?
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/19/06
I saw Billy Elliot in February (well I saw it a few times in February, but one particular time...) and they replaced the girl playing Debbie at the interval because the other one was feeling sick or something.
Swing Joined: 2/6/05
I bet he went home to rest or something.
I feel bad for him though...he's missed so many shows because of being sick, and that really bites when you're a performer who loves to do what you do.
Still, though, I would like to see Michael as Frankie...I've only heard good things! But I'd miss him as Joe Pesci. Who does play him when Michael's on for JLY?
I guess JLY must have been really sick to not even make it to intermision. I'm glad everybody loved Michael.
You have to wonder if JLY will extend his contract with him always sick. A shame since he just returned from a week off for vocal rest.
I've seen this happen twice before.
During a performance of "Ain't Misbehavin'" Andre DeShields was ill and thought that he could do the show but midway during that performance someone had to be called in to take his place.
It happened also in "The Iceman Cometh" (the 1985 revival production with Jason Robards). One of the actors had to leave in the second act because of illness.
I've seen this many times:
Liza during the Rink, didn't make it past the opening number.
Spamalot had replaced Patsy during intermission.
And others I can't remember at the moment...
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/5/04
Idina Menzel in Wicked--left during intermission and was replaced by Eden. I didn't see it--only heard of it. Shoshana left after Popular and Saycon went on for the rest of the show on Shoshana's 2nd to last day.
I think he said he wasn't going to extend--does he have other projects?
I feel horrible for JYL
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he signed with ABC didn't he?
once at Tha Pajama Game the set broke so they paused the show and Harry Connick Jr. sang songs and asked for requests then once the set was fixed they continued
When Movin' Out was at The Denver Center Of Performing arts (i think it was prevewing it was about 3 or 4 years ago) in the middle of the show the guy who was playing Eddie cracked somthing so he is dancing but his leg is noticably limping so after the number ended some other guy came in for him
Leading Actor Joined: 1/26/06
There are so many viruses going around that one like JLY should be very cautious.
Feel better JLY.
You have to wonder if JLY will extend his contract with him always sick.
What? With him always sick? I don't know about that.. I mean, this role is definitely vocally (and probably physically challenging - I think the only time he isn't on stage is at the very, very beginning and for "Oh, What A Night") but the last week when he was out on vocal rest.. I think that was his not-really-calling-out-all-the-time catching up with him.
I could be wrong, though. :p
Feel better, JLY.
Wow! Feel better JLY!!!!!
Was this to night? Micheal posted on his myspace at 6:02pm that he was going to be playing Frankie to night.
Hope you feel better JLY!
I'm assuming it happened at the matinee.
I really think I am losing it, I didnt look at the time on the first post so yeah I guess it did happen at the first show today.
Feel better, JLY! I'm seeing the show for the first time on Saturday, and I really hope he's in. Not that I've heard bad things about Michael, but still. I hope he feels better.
Very interesting.
I wonder how long before the New York Post gives us an update?
Go Michael!
Thespis Review: Jersey Boys
"I guess JLY must have been really sick to not even make it to intermision."
I was at the show today, and they stopped right after they pick the name the Four Seasons. They have a stretch of songs after that, and I guess he knew he couldn't make it to intermission.
I support JLY, and I know from the Tony Awards, the Today Show, and the CD of Jersey Boys that he is wonderful.
His ability to continue with this production eight shows a week has to be in doubt. Over a two week period he has been out of more shows than he has played. It is an unfortunate circumstance.
He could be in the last days of playing this show at all.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
I still remember the night Danny Davis left La Cage in the middle of "With You On My Arm," early in Act 1. John Hillner, the understudy, hadn't rehearsed at that point, since it was still early in previews. Jerry Mitchell taught him the dance with Gary Beach, behind the curtain, while Harvey Fierstein did a Q&A with the audience. 20 minutes later, they were good to go. Hillner didn't miss one cue and made it look like he'd gone on dozens of times prior. Gary made a nice speech at the end. Good ole Jerry Zaks chomped on his cigar all the way through.
Sorry, I was in the middle of Drowsy.......
Yeah it was this afternoon. No one played Pesci i think because this all happened after all his lines. If someone took over for Michael he must've only been in ensemble the rest of the time. He did really great!! He had to transfer quickly. Even though I hate that John is feeling bad I would have to say that I am glad I was there for something like that. It is unique to me!
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