Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
popular_elphie
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/3/05
#1Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 1:30am
Got this email from Michael:
"Hey Family, Friends, and Jersey Boys Fans,
I know many of you have been patiently awaiting the news as to what the deal is regarding my future with Jersey Boys. So here is the official news. I will take over the role of Frankie Valli in Broadway's Jersey Boys starting November 27th, 2007. Thanks for all the love you guys and gals have sent my way on my comments page for the last year... I hope those of you who didn't get a chance to catch my Valli during the matinees this past year will come see me at night now!
(he has links to youtube stuff which I won't link to)
Love
-Michael Longoria"
As much as I love love love Michael, I really think they should'
ve given it to someone else, especially Travis Cloer or Jarrod Spector. Michael is way too good a Pesci to get this, and he just looks too young as Frankie to grow in act two.
Otherwise, I do wish Michael the best of luck as he takes on this great role. Break a leg!
#2re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 1:32am
I think Longoria will be incredible as the full- time Frankie Valli.
Just curious... will he have an alternate?
#2re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 1:33am
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/112682.html
He's going to have to have an alternate. I don't think there's anybody out there who should be singing that role 8x a week.
popular_elphie
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/3/05
#3re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 1:33amWait - November 27th? Who plays Frankie between the 21st and 27th?
#4re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 2:14am
Yeah I was going to ask the same thing. Is JLY's exit being pushed back to the 25th?
I bought tickets for this Thurs. 11/15 to be able to see JLY before he leaves (I saw it with Michael Longoria about a year ago...).
Becasue of the strike, I have a feeling that I won't be seeing it on Thursday. Hopefully, JLY will still perform once the strike ends and that I will be able to see him before he leaves!!!
popular_elphie
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/3/05
#5re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 2:21amAnother thought - will JLY's last day be pushed back because he won't be able to perform because of the strike? He's not contracted by week, but for a certain number of performances.
#6re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 2:24am
Yeah, that is not only what I am thinking, but what I am hoping!
The question is do shows cancelled due to a strke count as shows not performed?? I don't think anyone but him, his agent and the producers know what is written in the contract. It could say number of performances but only based on an actor's decision to miss (i.e. illness), not if the show is cancelled...
We'll see! Fingers crossed!!!
popular_elphie
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/3/05
#7re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 12:02pm
Word from the man himself on his blog:
Some of you have been asking if any cancelled performances due to the strike will effect my final performance date at JERSEY BOYS. From what I understand, it will not: so it's probably safe to expect my final performance will still be November 21st.
#8re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 4:59pmThis maybe a really silly question but how come the role of Frankie Valli has an alternate on wednesday and saturday for the matinee's? do the other boys have alternates? Just thought i would ask! :)
popular_elphie
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/3/05
#9re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 5:01pm
Frankie is a really challenging role vocally. The character sings most of the songs in the show, and in a high range, and someone could blow their voice out doing that much. All JERSEY BOYS productions now have alternate Frankies.
There are no alternates for the other characters.
#10re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 5:06pm
Congrats to him!
I'm firmly planted in the Travis Cloer for alternate camp.
shesamarshmallow
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/06
#11re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:21pmHe's a sweet boy and talented but... lame.
#12re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:31pm
He was fantastic as Frankie when I saw the show. Admittedly, I haden't seen JLY in the role live before, but Michael's performance completely exceeded my expectations. And they were pretty high expectations.
Congratulations to him!
mll85
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/06
#13re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 9:25pm
The article about it on Theatermania.com says that Longoria will be having an alternate, but that person is TBA.
Wonder if the Broadway company going to continue what they've been doing and have the person playing Joey be the alternate. Or are they going to do what the tours are and hire someone specifically be the Frankie alternate/1st standby and another person for the Joey track and be another Frankie cover.
theatermania article
#14re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/10/07 at 11:42pmI'd think they could increase their pool of people if they don't keep with the "Frankie alt must also be Joey" theme. I can think of a few people who would be great alternate Frankies but not such great Joeys.
#15re: Michael Longoria to Replace John Lloyd Young
Posted: 11/11/07 at 1:24amI've seen JLY three times, Michael Longoria once, Jarrod Spector once and Rick Faugno once. JLY is far and above my favorite, but Michael was very good in the role. I still prefer Jarrod to Michael because I think Jarrod plays a grittier Frankie, much like JLY does and his voice is a bit raspier, which I prefer. However, I think Michael completely deserves the role for all of his hard work. He is also an absolute sweetheart.
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