Just back from the show, and it was really surreal to see an entirely new cast just two days after seeing the closing of the Sherry cast in SF.
A few thoughts:
Jeremy Kushnier's interpretation of Tommy was very similar to Deven May's in many respects, but like a somewhat toned-down Deven May as filtered through Kiefer Sutherland (and that's a perfectly good thing). I loved his "mrow" hands at "You sounded like a cat in heat the last time."
Jarrod Spector has a really smooth and easy falsetto, and although I think Chris Jones brought more to some of the acting, he has some lovely facial expressions, especially the pained ones during "Fallen Angel."
Drew Gehling was pretty impressive. I think he was more convincing as the guy who never loved the spotlight-- I love Erich Bergen in the role, but he always seemed as if he was perfectly happy to be in the spotlight.
Steve Gouveia... I don't know. It's hard to compare anyone to Michael Ingersoll, but Gouveia was coming off to me like a regular guy who just happens to fix his cuffs alot. He's not doing anything wrong, really, and I actually think that he has a more natural bass sound then Ingersoll, I just miss the quirky, loveable OCD thing that Ingersoll brought to the role.
The girls seemed older and... pointier than the previous cast. Jenny Lee Ramos was an interesting Mary; her Mary really did seem to hit the booze pretty hard and to get embittered.
Craig Laurie cracks me up. He's much more bitchy queen and less flamboyant than John Altieri, but it works. His freak out at "play the song already" was fantastic and completely unexpected. I do think he should get some earplugs that aren't bright orange for the "Frankie goes jewelry shopping" scene, though.
Other/Random: Rashad Naylor was hysterical as the DJ. Eddie Driscoll is kind of scary as Gyp DeCarlo. He definitely brings a more "don't mess with me" attitude to the role.
Along with the sad removal of the Siberia line, now they are apparently saying "Some guys have run for president on less" instead of "been elected." Also, I wonder if Des McAnuff is the cause of the "calmer" Joey, because I thought Courter Simmons seemed more subdued the last time I saw him, and the "run for president" was changed on Thursday as well.
'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."'
~Lewis Carroll
I loved his "mrow" hands at "You sounded like a cat in heat the last time." I liked that little touch from Jeremy. He even made a slight hissing cat noise when I saw him this afternoon.
I do think he should get some earplugs that aren't bright orange for the "Frankie goes jewelry shopping" scene, though. I noticed those the second he turned his head. And I couldn't stop staring at them.
I actually like Steve's Nick. I was pit off at first but it grew on me. The explaination is in my review a few post up. But it's interesting how him and Michael have two completely different interperations on how Nick should be.
And I have to agree with you on Eddie's Gyp. He did come off as the mobster you don't want to mess with. Joseph Siravo's was more like a mobster that has a softer side to him.
Well, as this is the cast's second show and I knew I'd have the previous casts' line deliveries and whatnot in my head, I'm trying to be fair and not compare them too much. But maybe I'm failing. I think that Gouveia's interpretation varies the most from the previous cast, so it was the most jarring for me.
'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."'
~Lewis Carroll
Jarrod wasn’t on as Frankie, instead it was the alternate John Michael Dias. Holy S***! This guys voice is amazing. The moment he stepped on the stage during “Silhouettes” I was blown away, and every single number after that I kept getting impressed.
I rushed today and got in line during "Sherry." And, as I'm sure you know, you can hear that pretty well from the lobby. I was really impressed. I thought it was Jarrod until I saw the board that John Dias was on. I'm glad it appears John is on during the weekend; it means I can actually see him!
We got kicked out to the sidewalk by the time "Oh, What a Night" rolled around. Someone needs to tell the box office people and ushers to not tell the rushers two different things...
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
You know what kinda sucks with the new cast. I don't think anyone of them keeps a blog. That's one of the things I thought was cool about the Sherry Co. because you could hear things from their perspective, and get hints to inside info.
The reason I'm asking is that when we went to see the show (my second time seeing JB, first on Broadway and the second time in SF), I enjoyed it, but I was SHOCKED when my husband and sister-in-law said that this show was the best show they've EVER seen
To tell you the truth I think one of the reasons people keep going back to the show and say it is the best show it not because of the show it's self but because of the cast. All of the cast are amazing, not just in their acting but in the way the treat their fans.
You know what kinda sucks with the new cast. I don't think anyone of them keeps a blog. That's one of the things I thought was cool about the Sherry Co. because you could hear things from their perspective, and get hints to inside info.
I know Jarrod said he is planning on setting one up once he gets his web site up. I am also going to ask Craig to set one up.
Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together."
"I'd like to ask people who have seen JB in SF numerous times. Would you have seen it if there was no rush ticket?"
Personally I never would have seen it 10+ times if there were no rush tickets. At most, if I had to buy full price tickets, I would have seen it twice - once in previews and once during the end of the run. I love the idea of sitting so close to the stage that you feel like you're in the show, as well as the cheap ticket prices. I have time to wait for rush, but I don't really have the money.
However,that still means I've spent over $250 on tickets! eek. That explains my bank account. But it's so worth it, being able to sit in the front row! And I also understand how it's comforting - it was a great out for me. I found myself itching to go to the Curran Theater for an escape when things were stressful at work/school. I only do this when really good theater is in town.
For the performers too, it must be a lot of fun to have an enthusiastic front row. So in my opinion, everyone wins! So producers (aren't they the ones who set ticket prices?), please don't get rid of the rush policy!! Updated On: 5/6/07 at 12:23 PM
I definitely would not have seen this show so many times if it weren't for the rush tickets, and I don't think it's the greatest show on earth. It does have, however, one of the most talented and cohesive casts I have ever seen, and some of the kindest actors. The show is a feel-good show, the triumph of the underdogs, and like others have said, it's a comforting show to go to, to be in the front row and sort of be in the action.
'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."'
~Lewis Carroll
I love the idea of sitting so close to the stage that you feel like you're in the show, as well as the cheap ticket prices. I have time to wait for rush, but I don't really have the money.
Same here. I don't live that far from downtown SF these days, the show is fun, the cast is great, waiting in line doesn't take up my ENTIRE day...so it's worth it. I like the show, but I wouldn't be spending $90 a pop to see it this many times.
"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt
I don't know why I'm thinking of this now, but there were a few costuming changes, like different ties (Tommy's and Frankie's in the beginning), and suits. I also don't know why I noticed this (except maybe I'm OCD too. ), and not like it really matters; a suit is a suit as long as it seems period-appropriate.
'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."'
~Lewis Carroll
they probably couldn't find the same one...which makes me think if all the costumes were made from scratch...i.e. tailored or just bought by bulk someplace and then altered :P
I actually wouldn't mind wearing some of those bright and multi-colored shirts that they were wearing specially the pink and blueish stripped long-sleeves that Bob wears :)
Anybody spot those same kinds of clothes at the store? Updated On: 5/6/07 at 04:05 PM
I actually wouldn't mind wearing some of those bright and multi-colored shirts that they were wearing specially the pink and blueish stripped long-sleeves that Bob wears :)
I love their shirts. I think the shirts they wear are similar to some of the stuff Penguin and Ben Sherman put out, not exact copies but inspired by that era.
Ugh... SO pissed cause I was gonna audition for this but I never saw a call on Equity... Anyone know which agency casts for Jersey Boys?? I guess I'll just have to send my resume for a replacement...
Christmas 42
Now that there is a Vegas and also Toronto sitdown that's supposed to happen....better get a good agent to get you a part!
Does anybody know if there is any video of the Second National Tour floating around YouTube or any other video-sharing website? I'd like to see a little preview before I catch the show next month.
Also, does the real Erich Bergen post here? Does anybody else from either Tour post here?