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By Carole McCabe Joy
Jersey Boys is the smash Broadway musical that just recently celebrated its first year anniversary at The Venetian. Once you see the show and hear the songs, it is astounding how much of an impact Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have been to music. Since they debuted in the early 1960s, songs like “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry”have touched the lives of people around the world.
Frankie Valli is an iconic figure in music history. When asked “How has Jersey Boys changed you?” Rick Faugno, who has been portraying Valli on stage, answered. “It has been pretty amazing to play Frankie and one of the most important aspects of this role is how close of a friend that Frankie has become. I approached this role very seriously and did a ton of research on his mannerisms. I watched a lot of film footage, so it has really enhanced me as a performer. Physically being on stage six nights a week for a year has been an experience also!”
Rick now performs four nights a week and it gives him a little more time to enjoy Las Vegas. For example, he enjoys the twenty four hour lifestyle here. One of his favorite restaurants is Rao’s at Caesars Palace. Being able to visit Paris and St. Marco’s square in one city is still a thrill for him.
One interesting aspect we talked about is the difference between Broadway and Las Vegas. Rick mentioned how on Broadway they have some opening night traditions. For example; on opening night there is a “Gypsy Robe” and whoever has performed the most gets to wear the robe. They had that ceremony for the opening of “Jersey Boys” here.
If this opening night tradition was to generate good luck and success, it has certainly succeeded. All of the responses to the show have been positive and all of the cast members do such a fantastic job of taking us through the history that is Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons! |
