|
 By
Judy Thorburn
Entertainment Reporter/Film Critic
Las Vegas Tribune
Owner/Editor in Chief/writer
www.theflickchicks.com
“Jersey
Boys” Makes Las Vegas Debut at The Palazzo
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons are one of the
most successful recording groups in history having sold over 175 million
records worldwide before they were thirty. Songs like Sherry Baby, Big
Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, and Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You are
among their list of numerous smash hits that have become engraved in our
pop culture.
Yet, while many fans that grew up with their music in
the 1960’s and younger generations who listen to classic rock from that
era are familiar with their songs, very few know the true back story of
the four young Italian lads from New Jersey who rose to international
fame as recording artists.
But, an insightful fact based account of the Four Seasons history with
their ups and downs, success, breakups, loves, losses, and eventual
reunion in 1990 after twenty years at their induction into the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame is just what you get from Jersey Boys, the 2006 Tony
Award winning Broadway musical that is now being presented inside the
1,650 seat custom built theatre at the Palazzo Resort.
Unlike Mamma Mia! the sensational musical that weaves a fictional story
based on the songs of Swedish pop band ABBA, Jersey Boys unfolds as a
biographical musical journey of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in
which four separate segments, or “seasons” are narrated by a member of
the group from their point of view. It’s the story that lays the
groundwork and the songs which can, and do, stand out as performance
pieces, are not just injected to fit the plot. In keeping the focus on
the characterizations, staging is kept to the minimal using metal
scaffolding, chain link fencing, skyline backdrops, comic book like pop
art projections and occasional archival footage from the 60’s with
audiences of screaming young female fans.
What attracted Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice to write the book for
the stage musical was the group’s history; a compelling rags to riches
tale in which a group of blue collar boys from the wrong side of the
tracks overcame adversity and achieved success. Featuring a collection
of oldies but goodies chart toppers that wow the crowd, the show became
a smash hit that audiences have been raving about since its Broadway
debut in November of 2005.
The Las Vegas production has not been cut short from the original, so
audiences can see the show in its entirety, and not as a condensed
version. Life can be complicated and so is the real life tale that
unfolds with all the drama of personal and inter-relationship conflicts
and this show is filled with plenty of gritty drama as well as over 30
brilliantly performed upbeat tunes from the Four Seasons catalogue of
hits.
As a fact based account of the group’s lives, the story begins during
their cocky teens and twenties on the rough streets of New Jersey when
petty crime led to jail time and they got involved in gambling and its
debts, dealings with a loan shark (Jason Martinez), a local mobster (Ken
Krugman) and a fellow named Joe Pesci (yes, the actor, before he became
a movie star).
Director Des McAnuff keeps a steady, nicely flowing pace throughout the
show. But, what drives the story are excellent performances by a
talented cast who portray the very different personalities that made up
the Four Seasons. Rick Faugno captures the falsetto voice as Frankie
Valli and brings down the house with his portrayal of the lead singer
who survived an early trip to the joint, a failed marriage to an older
woman, betrayal from one of his partners, and the death of his daughter
Francine. Jeremy Kushnier is terrific as Tommy DeVito the hard as nails,
band founder/lead guitarist who couldn’t stay out of trouble and as a
result was in debt to the mob. Jeff Liebow, lends heart to his portrayal
of the depressed singer/ bass guitarist Nick Massi. Tired from touring,
with no interest in drugs or groupies, and declaring himself the “Ringo
of the group” he decided to pack it in and walk away from success.
Rounding out the original Four Seasons, Erich Bergen gives a strong
portrayal of level headed Bob Gaudio, the songwriter who joined the
group after hearing Valli sing and declared he wanted to write for
“that” voice. The next step was hooking up with flamboyant
producer/lyricist Bob Crewe (during this performance he was played by
John Salvatore) and the rest, as they say, is history.
While the dialogue is laced with no holds barred foul language, there is
also humor interjected into the narrative including, but not limited to,
how Mary (Joyce Chittick), Frankie’s first wife came up with her
husband’s new stage name of Valli and why it had to be spelled with an
“i” not a “y’ at the end.
Baby boomer fans of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons are going to love
this dynamic show that pays tribute to the legendary singing group. East
Coasters, especially those from New Jersey have a special connection.
But the question is if Jersey Boys can transcend that niche and appeal
to a wider range of Las Vegas audiences. Here’s hoping the New York
success and longevity will extend to the Las Vegas production, a rarity only Mamma
Mia! and Phantom: the Las Vegas Spectacular, have been able to achieve
on the Vegas strip.
Note to the powers that be: the way too short eight minute intermission
just won’t cut it, especially with the lack of enough nearby restrooms.
Two unisex restrooms located outside the theatre on the upper mezzanine level
are not adequate to handle the onslaught of guests during the break, and confusion
regarding the search for other available restrooms in the lobby does not
help the situation.
Ticket prices for Jersey Boys range from $65, $95 and $135 plus a
service fee. Call the box office at (702) 414-9000 or toll free (866)
641-7469 for more information.
The
Palazzo Hosts Gala Celebration for Jersey Boys’ Las Vegas Premiere
Jersey Boys celebrated its official Las Vegas opening at The Palazzo
with a Star Studded Red Carpet, Gala Premiere and After Party on May 3.
Making red carpet appearances were Frankie Valli and the surviving
original members of the Four Seasons; producer/songwriter Bob Gaudio and
Las Vegas resident Tommy DeVito, producer/lyricist Bob Crewe, Jersey
Boys' co-writer Marshall Brickman, director Des McAnuff, cast members
Rick Faugno, Erich Bergen, Jeremy Kushnier, Jeff Leibow, Joyce Chittick,
Ken Krugman, and other celebrities including John Cleese, Ugly Betty’s
Michael Urie, American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, John O’Hurley, Sex &
the City’s Willie Garson, Wayne Brady, comedienne Rita Rudner, The
Phantom’s Brent Barrett and his leading lady, Kristi Holden, Blue Man
Group, Gennifer Flowers, Defending the Caveman star Kevin Burke,
Morel's Executive Chef Eric Bauer, music arranger Artie Schroeck
and his wife, “Jingle Empress” Linda November, President of Las Vegas
Sands Corporation Sheldon Adelson and his wife Miriam, among others.
Frankie Valli
Frankie Valli, Bob Crewe, Tommy DeVito and Bob Gaudio
Erich Bergen, Jeff Leibow, Rick Faugno and Jeremy
Kushnier
Rick Faugno and Frankie Valli
Joyce Chittick and Rick Faugno
Mike Backes, Ken Krugman and Graham Fenton
Jersey Boys co-writer Marshall Brickman
Jersey Boys director John McAnuff
John Cleese with daughter Camilla
Michael Urie
Nigel Lythgoe
John O'Hurley
Willie Garson
Wayne Brady
Rita Rudner
Brent Barrett with Kristi Holden
Blue Man Group
Gennifer Flowers
Kevin Burke
Linda November and Artie Schroeck
Morel's Executive Chef Eric Bauer
Sheldon Adelson and wife Miriam
Cast of Jersey Boys with Frankie Valli
Fountain at The Palazzo
Above photos by Judy Thorburn
Click Here for Dianne R. Davis' Red
Carpet Video Interviews
Following an exciting Opening Night performance, Valli and his former
band mates and invited guests headed over to the VIP Gala celebration
where the stars of Jersey Boys in Las Vegas led the crowd in a special
rendition of “Happy Birthday” as Valli was presented with a large
record-shaped chocolate cake in honor of his 74th birthday.
Bellagio
Aims to Set World Record for World’s Tallest Chocolate Fountain.
The Bellagio aims to set a “sweet” new Guinness World Record with their
presentation of the World’s Tallest Chocolate Fountain. Designed by
award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Philippe Maury along with
Norwood and Antonia Oliver Design Associates, Inc., the first of its
kind, glass-enclosed floor-to-ceiling chocolate fountain displays a
spectacular series of melted chocolate cascades.
Chocolate Fountain Display at Bellagio
On April 26, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and Nevada
State Senator Steven Horsford were in attendance as witnesses when the
measurements were taken. The official height of the fountain came to 26’
3 3/16”. Documents were then signed and submitted to Guinness. However,
approval and certification as the new record holder can take up to six
weeks.
Nevada
Residents Receive Awards for Excellent Artwork on Display at Springs
Preserve
On May 1, a private reception was held in the Big Springs Gallery of the
Springs Preserve and awards were presented for excellence to
participants in the 2008 Nevada Watercolor Society Spring Show. The
exhibit represents the best of the Nevada Watercolor Society 2008 Spring
Show and showcases the art of over 50 local watercolorists utilizing the
colors of the desert to explore subjects as varied as still life,
abstracts, portraits, and landscapes, and is the largest art exhibit to
date in the ORI•GEN Experience at the Springs Preserve.
Taking home first place was Dottie Burton for her painting, “Ray of
Confidence”; 2nd place was Shelia Spargo for “Tropical Fun”, 3rd place
was Mary Heinrichs for “Sounds Fishy to Me”. Receiving Honorable
Mentions were William Hill for his painting titled “Tranquility”; Aileen
Dike for “Saguaro Blosssoms” and Karen Lassen for “Spring Fantasy”. Jan
Schaeffer was presented with the Creative Award for “Dancing in the
Dark” and Edwin Hoag received Best of Show for “Della Saluta”.
Jan Schaeffer was presented with the Creative Award for “Dancing in the
Dark”
Best of Show “Della Saluta”
by Edwin Hoag
First Place - Dottie Burton's “Ray of Confidence”
3rd place - Mary Heinrich's “Sounds Fishy to Me”
Honorable Mention - Aileen Dike's “Saguaro Blosssoms”
Honorable Mention - Karen Lassen's “Spring Fantasy”
Honorable Mention - William Hill's “Tranquility”
2nd place - Shelia Spargo's “Tropical Fun”
Located in the Big Springs Gallery of the ORI•GEN
Experience building at the Springs Preserve, the show runs from May 1
thru July 31, 2008.
Celebrities
Scoop Ice cream for Charity at Ben & Jerry’s 30th Annual “Free Cone Day”
Several local celebrities showed up at Ben & Jerry’s at the Galleria
Mall at Sunset on the afternoon of April 29 for the purpose of helping a
good cause. It was the ice cream shop’s 30th Annual “Free Cone Day” to
benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and local
celebrities including Henderson Mayor Gibson, Hell’s Kitchen winner Chef
Rock Harper, The Scintas, FOX 5’s Monica Jackson and Rachel Smith, and
James and Juan of The Chippendales took time out of their busy schedule
to scoop ice cream for visiting patrons. All small cones were FREE with
no purchase obligation necessary, but patrons were asked to make a
donation to the local charity of choice and were encouraged to sign up
to support ONE in an effort to decrease extreme poverty.
The event was a huge success, raising more than
$1,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Additional
current and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas include:
The UNLV Jazz Studies program, part of the Department of Music in the
UNLV College of Fine Arts, announced that on the weekend of April 26,
its Liberace Jazz Quartet earned first place at the prestigious 46th
Annual Reno Jazz Festival. The group consisting of Otto Ehling on piano;
Julian Tanaka on saxophone; Andy Roberts on bass; and Abe Gumroyan on
bass, competed against 17 of the top university combos from the western
states, including California, Oregon, and Washington. The students
performed among more than 10,000 participants and guests.
On April 26, Best of Bands.com registered artist, The Underground
Rebels, won the Live Indie Rock Wars competition at Lake Las Vegas. As
winners, the band received a two-year $50,000 recording, promotional and
management contract including $25,000 worth of studio recording time
from Black Mountain Records as well as a media package from Coast to
Coast Public Relations and Vegas Rocks Magazine. Originally open to
thousands of bands throughout North America, Live Indie Rock Wars
allowed the finest, unsigned rock musicians to compete for a chance to
appear live in front of more than 500,000 fans worldwide, and become
well-known globally.
Nevada Ballet Theatre has been invited to perform at The Kennedy
Center’s 24th Annual Open House Arts Festival, entitled “American
Stories, Songs and Steps” on Saturday, September 13, 2008. The Open
House is part of The Kennedy Center’s season opener, “Prelude 2008: Arts
Across America,” presenting over 35 performances showcasing artists from
all 50 states. This is a milestone for our company,” says Nevada Ballet
Theatre Co-Founder and Co-Chairwoman Nancy Houssels. “To witness Nevada
Ballet Theatre performing at The Kennedy Center has been a personal
dream of mine for many years.”
Beginning May 1, 2008, all shows produced by David Saxe Productions will
offer a very special rate to locals, with a portion of each sale going
to Opportunity Village through May 31. Show goers must present a valid
Las Vegas ID at the V Theater and Sahara Box Offices to receive a
special $25 ticket price for all shows produced by David Saxe
Productions including V - The Ultimate Variety Show, Gordie Brown, Toxic
Audio, and Gregory Popovich - Comedy Pet Theater at the V Theater inside
the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood; and Trent Carlini: The Dream
King, and Fab Four Mania at The Sahara Hotel & Casino. David Saxe will
then present a check to Opportunity Village during the KTNV Channel 13
Telethon on June 18 for the amount raised during the month of May.
On Saturday, May 10 from 2 – 5 p.m. DKMS Americas, a non-profit
organization and accredited NMDP National Donor Center committed to the
fight against leukemia, and Jillian’s Las Vegas will host a donor drive
to recruit potential life-saving donors for patients such as Erica
Murray who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and is in
need of a bone marrow transplant. Jillian’s is located downtown, in the
Neonopolis structure. Registration only requires paperwork and simple
swab of the inner cheek. Tissue typing will be anonymously listed on the
national registry, National Marrow Donor Center (NMDC), where doctors
search each day looking for a life saving match for their patients.
Donations are requested to cover the $65 registration cost, but no one
will be turned away.
Cupcakes from The Cupcakery will be provided and every attendee will
receive a card for a free cupcake during their next visit to The
Cupcakery
Sunday, May 4 MAMMA MIA! marks another milestone as the longest-running
Broadway musical on The Strip as the show celebrates 2,000 successful
performance at the Mandalay Bay Theatre. The smash hit musical based on
the music of ABBA recently celebrated five record-breaking years in Las
Vegas and is slated to run through January 2009.
This month the Miracle Mile Shops celebrates its one year anniversary
inside Planet Hollywood. Once known as The Shops in Desert Passage,
Miracle Mile Shops has come a long way since its Arabian-themed origin.
In May 2007, the shopping destination adopted a contemporary design and
became Miracle Mile Shops which has since grown into Las Vegas’ ultimate
shopping and entertainment complex featuring streamlined and modernized
storefronts, people movers, a backlit sidewalk water feature, crystal
chandeliers, contemporary, color-coded kiosks as well as 170 specialty
stores, 15 restaurants and live entertainment.
On Tuesday night May 6, Las Vegas headlining comedian/ magician Mac King
will make a guest appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. King
will perform as part of “Magic Week,” which will feature a different
magic act each night of the week beginning Monday, May 5 The Late Show
airs on CBS at 11:30 EST/PST.
Silverton Casino Lodge is inviting women to two nights of Pink Poker, 6
p.m., Wednesday, May 7 and 14. Hosted around special pink felt tables,
Silverton Casino Lodge’s Pink Poker Nights feature an assortment of pink
decorations, pink poker chips and complimentary cocktails. Included with
the price of a buy-in is a free poker lesson, a designated number of
playing chips, one specialty cocktail and one goodie bag. Following a
poker lesson and warm-up round, ladies compete for chips in a live poker
game.
Entry fee is $20 for May 7. Tournament buy-in on May 14 will be $30. For
more information or to register, please visit 1027fresh.fm.
Flamingo Las Vegas has announced that siblings Donny and Marie Osmond
have signed on as headliners of the Flamingo Showroom beginning Sept. 9.
Their 90-minute show will highlight Donny & Marie’s greatest hits in a
multimedia spectacle presented on a custom designed stage with multiple
video screens and a large cast of dancers. This will mark the first time
in 29 years that they will have performed an extended residency
engagement in Las Vegas. Tickets for Donny & Marie are now on sale and
priced at $85, $99 and $115 (plus tax and fees).
The touring stage version of Disney’s “High School Musical” will be
stopping in Las Vegas for performances at The Theatre for the Performing
Arts at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. High School Musical will play
Wednesday, June 4 through Sunday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. with additional 2
p.m. matinee performances on Thursday, June 5, Saturday, June 7 and
Sunday, June 8. Ticket prices range from $26.00 to $61.00, with a
limited number of premium seats available at $123.00. Tickets are
available at the Theatre for the Performing Arts box office.
On May 30 and 31 award-winning stand-up comedian and writer, Robert
Schimmel, returns to the Lance Burton Theatre at Monte Carlo. Show times
for both nights are 9 p.m. Tickets are priced at $49.50 inclusive for
the main floor and $38.50 inclusive for the mezzanine and balcony.
Guests must be 18 years of age to attend. For more information or to
purchase tickets please call (702) 730-7160 or visit
www.montecarlo.com.
Celebrity
Sightings:
On Sunday, April 27 Wilmer Valderrama, Lil Jon and Criss Angel
experienced ‘daylife’ at Wet Republic at MGM Grand – Las Vegas’ first
ultra pool. The stars arrived at the new adult pool destination
separately around 2 p.m.
Wilmer Valderrama kicked off his Sunday afternoon by partying in one of
the tricked out cabanas with a group of friends, including master
illusionist Criss Angel. After starting in the cabanas, Valderrama made
his way up to the bungalows to enjoy the panoramic view of the venue
with Lil Jon and Criss Angel.
Lil Jon partied all day in one of Wet Republic’s exclusive bungalows.
The pioneer of ‘crunk’ grabbed the microphone to work the crowd and then
made his way down to the custom DJ booth to leave his mark on the
turntables.
Additionally, Criss Angel was also spotted in a bungalow sipping Bacardi
and diet coke while taking advantage of the beautiful day. The Mindfreak
spent his afternoon sun bathing on one of the chaise lounges while
overlooking the beautiful crowd at Wet Republic. Angel also chatted and
partied with Valderrama and Lil Jon, posing in pictures together and
greeting fans.
Wilmer Valderrama and Criss Angel
Lil' Jon and DJ Jingat
Lil' Jon
Last Monday night, punk princess Avril Lavigne was
spotted at Tabú Ultra Lounge in MGM Grand for Rok Box - Las Vegas’
original rock and mash-up party. Lavigne arrived at Tabú at 1 a.m. with
her entourage and enjoyed Grey Goose and O.J. in the venue’s exclusive
Tantra room. Lavigne and her girlfriends danced into the early hours of
the morning like true rock stars, even jumping onto Tabú’s tabletops
when songs by Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Madonna came on. The
group called it a night and left around 3 a.m.
Also spotted partying at Tabu’s Rok Box was none other than Dennis
Haskins – also known as Mr. Belding from the popular 90’s teen classic
sitcom “Saved by the Bell.”
Late Tuesday (4/29) night Palms owner George Maloof celebrated with
multi-platinum singer Avril Lavigne at Moon nightclub after her sold-out
‘The Best Damn Tour’ show at The Pearl Concert. After the 90-minute show
Lavigne treated herself with a cupcake from The Cupcakery, a locals and
celeb favorite, before heading down to the gaming tables with three
bodyguards.
I’ll be back next week with more of what’s “happening” in and around Las
Vegas.
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