Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

#1

Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/25/06 at 11:14pm

Michael Longoria played Frankie Valli in tonight's performance of Jersey Boys. I heard from some of you on Broadway World that he is wonderful.

He was excellent. The other men of "The Four Seasons" were magnificent.

How does Longoria compare with john Lloyd Young.

The show was great fun. A review to come shortly!

My master's degree in voice tells me that no singing actor can last in this role for very long. It is very, very demanding!

Updated On: 7/25/06 at 11:14 PM

#2

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/25/06 at 11:30pm

Michael is wonderful! I am glad he is getting some attention - he's worked very hard.

As for the vocal stress you mention - it may not be that vocally exhausting for some singers, depending on the type of voice, and the muscular physiology of the chest/neck/head region. It's also a mic'd performance, so that is incredibly helpful with that type of music.

#3

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/25/06 at 11:36pm

You're right on all counts!

However, the role Elpheba has proven vocally elusive for some actors. I think that Franki Valli will prove to have the same difficulty. The vocal acrobatics that these singers are being asked to perform are astronomical.

#4

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/25/06 at 11:49pm

JLY didn't win the Tony for nothing.

---

"I'm learning to dig deep down inside and find the truth within myself and put that out. I think what we identify with in popular music more than anything else is when someone just shares a truth that we can relate to. That's what I'm searching for in my music." - Ron Bohmer

"I broke the boundaries. It wasn't cool to be in plays- especially if you were in sports & I was in both." - Ashton Kutcher

#5

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/26/06 at 12:24am

John said that the falsetto is actually easier than his head voice. I have seen John twice and the second time was right before the Tony's and his voice sounded a bit strained on a few of the falsetto notes, particuarly in Walk Like a Man and Big Man in Town. Nevertheless he is still fabulous.

That being said I love Michael and would love to see him go on as Frankie... but I would miss his Joey.

---

"I wish the stage were as narrow as the wire of a tightrope dancer, so that no incompetent would dare step upon it." Goethe

#6

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/26/06 at 8:45am

My guess is that the strain is going to continue to show!

Michael in wonderful, but doing this role well eight times a week would be nearly impossible.

#7

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/26/06 at 9:14am

I saw Michael a few weeks ago and thought he was fantastic...glad you got to see him in the role!

#8

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/26/06 at 2:38pm

JLY is really working himself hard.

Michael is a fantastic Frankie! The only thing I find is he doesn't do the aging as well as John Lloyd. Still, he's a fantastic actor.

#9

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/26/06 at 2:49pm

WOA! I recognized the name,,, but couldn't place it! I know this guy LOL, I haven't seen him in like 5 years. Woa.. so happy for him. I gotta send him and email.

#10

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/26/06 at 6:43pm

What a great show. Review will be up later today.......

#11

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/26/06 at 8:14pm

Michael and John Lloyd are both fabulous! John Lloyd says in an interview that his voice teacher is an absolute goddess and has her own ways of making a voice last. He sounded really worn out in all of those pre-Tony publicity events, so I'm glad he doesn't have to do as much!

#12

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/26/06 at 11:20pm

"Her Own Ways of Making a Voice Last" ain't lasting for eight shows a week, and although Longoria is wonderful, does the real paying public have a good chance to see JLY?

#13

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/27/06 at 12:55am

I haven't seen Michael Longoria on as Frankie (I had a full cast in when I saw the show a few weeks ago,) but he was terrific as Joe Pesci. Certainly a stand out in an already stellar cast. He stole practically every scene he was in.

---

Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.

Updated On: 7/28/06 at 12:55 AM

#14

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/27/06 at 1:01am

Michael was fantastic as Frankie! I had my heart set on seeing JLY, but after Michael sang "Silhouette," the rest was history haha

#15

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/28/06 at 4:12pm

How long has Mr. Young been out this week? I saw Mr. Longoria last night. He was fantastic. The show was incredible. Bette Midler was there, too. She liked the show and all the cast members were thrilled to meet her.

What a night. Mr. Longoria was excellent.

#16

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/28/06 at 4:17pm

I walk past the theatre on my way to work, and JLY has been out all the performances so far this week. Michael's been going on for JLY, and Dominic Nolfi has been going on as Joe Pesci.

Anyone think they might give the role to Michael once JLY leaves?

#17

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/28/06 at 4:19pm

When does John Lloyd Young leave? Michael Longoria can certainly handle the role! He's incredible. I would love to see him full time in the role.

#18

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/28/06 at 5:15pm

According to articles about his upcoming TV gig, John's last day performance in Jersey Boys is on October 1.

---

"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli

#19

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/28/06 at 6:19pm

"According to articles about his upcoming TV gig, John's last day performance in Jersey Boys is on October 1."


At his website, he says October 6, 2006.

I hope JLY knows his own contract end date because I have tickets for 10/4/06.

#20

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/29/06 at 12:31am

Yes, I do think we can trust JLY more than variety Sorry, didn't realize he said that on his site.

---

"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli

#21

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/29/06 at 12:53am

Any update on whether John was in the show tonight or not? Usually he tries to do the weekend shows...

#22

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/29/06 at 1:02am

I am very disappointed to hear that. I loved Michael Longoria, but JLY did win the Tony, and I would have loved the opportunity to see him do the role.

Where is someone with the ethics and stamina of Ethel Merman when we need him?
Let's Name A Theater for Ethel Merman

#23

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/29/06 at 1:16am

Let's hope they give the role to Michael.
he at least shows up for work.

#24

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/29/06 at 9:52am

Damn Right!!!

#25

re: Michael Longoria in Jersey Boys Tonight

Posted: 7/29/06 at 10:20am

Was Michael Longoria in for John Lloyd Young last night?