When I arrived at the Majestic on the second night of Jersey Boys, I was running late. It was wild and crazy, but I made it and was put outside to make sure the lines to enter the theater moved quickly. I was also shouting to people to make sure they had their tickets ready and that no photography would be permitted in the theater. One of patrons approached me and told me I sounded like I was part of the Jersey Boys' cast "pretending" to be from the east. I told him I was from the east and he laughed. He said something like, "No, really. Do they pay you to sound like that?" I had to laugh at that one. Pay me...I just get paid by seeing the show. I don't think I convinced him that I was really from the east, but at least he got a kick out of it.
The audience entered and seemed jubilant as they prepared for an evening of entertainment. When showtime came, I was moved to the inside to help seat the last minute arrivals. As the lights dimmed and the show began, I wasn't sure what to expect. But, as the actors came on stage one by one, I knew the audience was in for a rare treat. Joseph Leo Bwarie who plays Frankie Valli blew me away as he sang his first song. He has an amazing voice and tons of acting talent. All of the actors seemed to work well together and had the audience mesmerized from start to finish. There are some great scenes that make you cry and cry and cry (at least me, heck, I cry at Hallmark commercials on TV).
This show did have a lot of cursing in it which may have bothered some, but the performance was phenomenal and the history was epic. There were some younger audience members, but I think it would have been better to leave the young ones at home and enjoy and evening of adult entertainment.
One night, Deborah worked with me at Jersey Boys. Deborah cracks me up the way she is there. We worked in the orchestra area in different rows, but sat together when we were dismissed. When we were doing the preparation for the show (which includes counting out playbills and stuffing them with various leaflets about upcoming shows), Deborah decided she had a more efficient way of doing it. She tried to convince the other ushers who have been doing it the same way for twenty years, but very few listened to an 18 year old girl. Bless her for trying. She has her mother's genes and always wants to help people out. She hasn't yet learned that sometimes people don't want your help. I know she loved the show too. She told me she cried during the emotional scenes too (again, the mother's genes).
Another night Dawna worked with me. We worked in the bar area that night which meant we helped with the lines for the ladies' room during intermission too. What joy it is to tell the ladies they have to wait in this gigantic line and be back in their seats in time for the second act. Most understand (the line moves fast, but looks very daunting). I love to see people attempt to cut in line and convince others that they deserve to go first. One lady told us she deserved to because she had an aging mother waiting for her at the seats and she needed to get back to her. But, as usual, Dawna always handles the patrons very kindly and is so patient with them. I love the way she talks to them softly even if they are being nasty. But, it is worth it because she got to see Jersey Boys and loved it as much as me.
I am convinced that Jersey Boys is the best Broadway show I have ever seen. If you ever have a chance, go see it!
Next time...Bryan Adams and Beauty and the Beast.
As a volunteer usher at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, I have the chance to see Broadway shows. The Symphony, Chicago, Kelly Clarkson, Lynyrd Skynyrd & others also perform. This is my way to relax & experience new things. These shows are performed by some of the most talented performers. I’m amazed by the God-given gifts these people have & I admire them. I hope to continue to do this for many years & share my experiences.
