Hey, I thought this might be a cool idea: post any questions you might have about the show, The Four Seasons, me, etc, and I'll try to answer a few to the best of my ability!
Leave your questions in the comments. I will reply in the comments thread.
UPDATE: Please leave your name or something. It makes replying easier.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Question time?
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78 comments:
Any possibility, however remote, of you joining the Vegas cast?
Is CKJ leaving the tour?
Several dear...
1. Is Zach Prince taking over for CKJ?
2. Who will be the new 2-show Frankie (any possibility it's you?)?
3. Any other big changes?
and most importantly...
4. How are you and the rest of the cast doing, today, and all the rest of the time?
Have you gone on in all the ensemble tracks yet? Which is your favorite, if you have one?
Which cast or crew member steals the most hotel soap/lotion/stationary?
Okay, I'll answer things to the best of my ability.
@anonymous1: Gutman moved to Broadway, and there's always possibilities of cast members moving around. As for me, there has been nothing discussed.
@anonymous2: Is CKJ leaving? All the information I have is that he is doing a production of Joseph ATATDC at Stages, I believe, in St. Louis this summer.
@anonymous3: 1) I have no information. 2) I have no information 3) I have no information 4) We're fine, enjoying life on the road. St. Louis has been very kind to us. Expect an update in the next few weeks on our experience in St. Louis.
@anonymous4: 1) I cover Frankie, Joey, Hank, and Barry. Each track has a special moment for me. For Barry, I love the rap, and playing the cop. For Hank, it's being Hank (which I think is enough explanation), and being the Bass player at the end (and I get to live out my Rockstar dreams). For Joey, it's dancing in the opening, and doing the Joey scene work. 2) I don't really know. I don't see anyone leaving with handfuls of stuff, but I do know one guy who still has moisturizer from a year ago.
Do you keep in touch with the original Sherry cast who have left?Have you heard from Deven? What is he up to?
@anonymous5: 1) I do occasionally talk with Deven. I saw Melissa Strom in LA a few months ago (She's doing a show at the Falcon Theater in Los Angeles). Gutman and I talk every so often, he's on Broadway, and has been a lead fill-in a few times already. Nathan Klau and I keep in touch. I talked to Michael Ingersoll briefly over the phone a while ago. I catch up with Doug Crawford every once in a while, I think he's doing Tommy in the LA area soon. 2) Deven, I believe, is currently living in LA, and is involved with various projects.
You are one generous and patient dude. Thanks a million for doing this. What do you do to decompress after the evening shows? "Rinse out your socks?" Bar hop? Have a nightcap?
Do you write songs? What's the extent of your musical endeavors?
How did you become such a Mac geek? (This is someone whose first computer was a Mac SE.)
@anonymous6: 1) Thanks man. I appreciate your kind words. 2) Sometimes, a few of us will go to a bar and have a drink, but mostly, I'll just go home, catch up on news, do some work on my computer (I'm a bit of a tech geek), play video games, do some photography work. I like to be busy. But my decompression usually happens during the day. Yoga, working out, and taking photos decompresses me.
@anonymous7: 1) I wish I wrote songs! I don't quite have the musical vocabulary to write music (Still learning the guitar after many years. I play well, but I need a lot of work for soloing and composing). And my lyrics are a bit stale. I plan on (in the far future) writing something. But for now, I enjoy interpreting the works of others. AND, I've always wanted to learn to play the theremin!
@anonymous8: I don't really know. I know my dad bought a mac when I when I was ten, and I started to learn BASIC in 4th grade. I went to computer camp a few years later, and did a week of computer programming classes. Then in High School, took a computer science AP class, and realized that I'd rather be on the stage instead. But until mid-way through high school, I wanted to be in the computer industry. But I still tool around with various things. I'm currently trying to learn Python, but I have so many other things I'm learning (Photoshop, Digital Asset Management, CSS, etc, etc). I've always been fascinated by the things you can make with code.
@anonymous8: side note: is this your Mac SE?
Hi Taylor...saw the show and Tampa loved the cast! Will you still be with the tour in Orlando next May?
Ha! It could be. I have no idea where that SE is now. Thanks for answering my q! - anonymous8
What's the strangest thing anyone's ever asked you at the stage door?
- Little Sally
@anonymous9: If I told you yes or no about Orlando, I'd be incorrect, because in this industry, you'll never know where you will be in a week. So I'm going to go with "maybe".
@Little Sally: I don't have anything totally strange, but I think I felt strange when people started asking to take pictures with me or get my autograph. I had never had that happen to me before!
1. How prepared do the swings have to be before each show as well as during it to make sure that they are ready if they need to go on?
2. What do you do backstage when you aren't performing?
3. I've heard that members of the cast are singing off stage, how do they coordinate it?
Thanks!!!!!!!!!
Do you or your colleagues read the Jersey Boys Forum or the Jersey Boys Blog? Are you aware of the huge and rabid fan base the show has developed across the country?
Who is taking over Jenny Lee Stern's place in the Chicago Cast? Are you an outside runner? If so, do you have a hard time finding places to run on the road?
@anonymous10: 1) We always have to be prepared with all our roles, to go on at a moments notice, even during a show. That's why we know them cold, and can hit the ground running. 2) I make sure I have the show in my head, which means watching the show, going over scripts, etc. If we're solid on that, we'll read, some people do sudoku, or do various other business.
3. Usually, the people singing backstage stand near each other, in a group, and watch the conductor monitor backstage. They often also run through choreography while they sing to sync up, and practice if they're an understudy.
@stubbleyou: 1) Yes we do. Sometimes, we get information about things from you guys first! 2)And walking out of the stage door every night, we are very aware of our fan base. We love you guys, and you're the reason we keep on going strong. Thank you so much for your constant support... we wouldn't be here without you!
@anonymous11: 1)That's for me to know, and for you to find out :) 2) I am not an outside runner (as I just started fitness running recently.. swimming and elliptical usually other times). But as for finding things in cities (such as routes), you make things work, and it's amazing how we're able to make things work with ease.
This isn't really a question but I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your performance as Frankie while you were in Minneapolis. I saw the show 4 times and this was the first musical that moved me beyond belief. How do you and the other cast members keep your roles fresh each night?
What would you like James Lipton to ask you, and what would the answer be? - Hope Cladwell
What were you doing when you found out you were cast in Jersey Boys? Did you drop everything and scream or was it a bit calmer than that? :)
What's been your favorite airport (in touring life) so far? - Lockstock
To @anonymous11, its been out for a month that Michelle Knight is replacing Jenny Lee Stern in Chicago. But anyway, Taylor here are my questions.
1. Of the cities the tour has been to so far, which have been your favorites and least favorites?
2. What songs get heavy play in your MP3 player?
3. Is there any role you're dying to play?
- M
Have any of the surviving Angels seen JB, and if so, what have they said about their portrayal in the show? - Fipp
@lori: 1) Thank you ever so much. I can't tell you how much that means to me. 2) Acting in the moment keeps things fresh. Listen, react, and live. Each night is different, and you have to be ready for everything.
@Hope: "What is your favorite word?" Defenestrating.
Side note: Why is everyone using Urinetown names? You guys are conspirators!
@Lockstock: 1) I found out during the intermission of Mama Mia in London. I turned to the guy next to me (a stranger) and told him, called my parents, then went home with a big smile on my face. I think there might have been a few fist pumps in there somewhere, and a few tears of joy. 2) My favorite airport is LAX, because it means I'm home.
@M 1) I can't pick one! It's like picking your favorite child! But I'll say this: if transportation is easy, I like it. 2) I kind of go through phases: I've been listening to Coheed and Cambria a lot right now. Before that it was The Mars Volta. 3) I'm not really sure. There are so many things I want to do! I would really like to do Frump in H2$ again.
@Fipp: I think that would be a Broadway question. But I'm pretty sure the answer is "Yes, they have" and that they did enjoy it.
I remember meeting you at the SF Curran Theatre stage door very early 2007. Thanks to the 1st Nat'l Tour Cast, you guys jump started my family into being dedicated fans and it's the only musical we watch! We are "Jersey Boys Blog Fantastic Fans" and watched every US cast!
Would there be a repeat return engagement of the 1st Tour back to SF?
How has life on the road been since you left SF?
Have you gone on as a principal during the tour so far?
Thanks and keep up the excellent work! I'm glad to hear of any news of the 1st Tour on the blog!
Break a Leg tonight in St. Louis!! I saw the show on April 27th and I was just wondering if all of you have enjoyed your time in St.Louis so far??
What is "defenestrating"? I can check with Mr. Webster, but wants the Sternberg definition.:)
@Mike B: 1) Sure. Although, I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere. I assume, just like shows like the Lion King, a tour will probably float through there again. Once again, your information is as good as mine. 2) We've been to many cities, and we've been received so well. It's such a pleasure to be part of a great show. 3) Yes! I've been on as Frankie a bunch of times, and in fact, I'm going on tonight as Frankie in St. Louis!
@anonymous12:1) Thank you so much. I'll have a lot of fun tonight! 2) Expect a blog post in a few weeks to detail my St. Louis experience. But we're very well received here, and playing to such a big house is amazing.
@anonymous13: From Wikipedia (which pretty much sums up what I was going to say, but in a more concise, and professional manner): "Defenestration, from the Latin de (from; out of) and fenestra (window or opening), is the act of throwing someone or something out of a window." I find it a silly, yet entertaining idea and word.
What's it like to work with your cousin? Had you and Zach done any productions together before JB?
- broccoli
@broccoli: To be quite honest, it isn't much different than working with any of my other friends. The only difference is that our family will come see the show on the same night! But he's great, does great work, and I'm glad he's here. And this is the first show we've ever done together.
Are you single? Sorry, I had to ask.
@anonymous14: I am not married.
I did not know that Michelle Knight was replacing Jenny Lee Stern in the Chicago Cast and it has been out a month? No kidding! You learn something new everyday. Taylor, do you think that you will stay on this tour till it ends or will you leave before then?
What -- type-wise -- completely inappropriate role would you like to play? And/or what would you sing in MCC Theatre Company's Miscast benefit given the chance? :)
1. What's the one item you own that you can't live without while your on tour?
2. Do you have any hidden talents?
3. How long do you plan on keeping this Q&A thing going?
- M
@anonymous15: I will refer you to my response to anonymous9.
@teehee: 1) I think I would, permitting I was born with the voice, to play Kate in Lippa's 'The Wild Party' 2) I would love to sing "Big Black Man" from The Full Monty.
@M 1)My computer. It is my gateway to so many things. But that's boring. I always travel with my rollerblades for instant transportation! 2) I do a mean Christopher Walken impression. 3)I'm not quite sure... we'll see!
Are there any dream role you hope to play in the future?
-Amanda
@Amanda: I think there is, but right now, I'm glad to be where I am. That's with true honesty.
thank you for your kind words about my cousin John--everything you said was true--he was pure light.
love his cousin, Sue
Just want to commiserate with you re John. His Crewe had me laughing the heartiest laughter I've had in a theater. He will be missed and never forgotten. -- laboy
Taylor,
What was your favorite show that you did while you were in high school and college?
Has there been any onstage flubs that have been major enough that the cast would keep talking about days or weeks after it happend?
@June: I really liked doing Blood Brothers (I was the narrator), and I had a great time with H2$ as Frump. In college, I enjoyed doing Urinetown as Officer Barrel and The College Boy in Hello Again.
@anonymous16: Well, there was the sad mishap in LA, where Erich Bergen tripped as the pit descended (right after "Let's Hang On"). As soon as that happened, we had to stop the show, and Eric Gutman went on as Bob, and I went on for Joe Long. Also, I think when we stopped the show because of an earthquake in SF. Those stand out in my mind as bumps in the show that I will always remember.
how old are you? if you don't mind my asking. are you older or younger than Zach? you have a striking resemblance, btw.
--laboy
@laboy:1) I'm old enough. 2) Zach is my cousin.
Did you go to Frankie camp? What exactly do they do there? How long is the camp?
When are they going to update the Chicago Cast at http://www.jerseyboysinfo.com/chicago/
They still have some of the old cast members who have left listed and not the current ones
@anonymous17: I believe I auditioned before Frankie Camp was created. But I was told a few things about it: they sing songs, roast marshmallows, and tell scary stories.
@anonymous18: I don't know. I just sing high.
What's the highest note you can sing?
Do you room with another cast member or do you all have your own room/place on the road?
...curiousjbfan
@curiousjbfan: 1) I believe, on good days, I can sing an A above high C. 2) Sometimes we live together. I shared a condo with a few guys a few cities back. Sometimes we live separately. Depends on the living arrangements in each city.
Who's the Tommy(slob/not too neat) and Nick(neat freak)in the company?
do you surf?
thank you:)
...curiousjbfan
"...roast marshmallows, and tell scary stories." Ha ha ha.
Sometimes the guys come down the staircase pretty fast. Has anyone ever fallen? Has any Frankie ever skidded off the front of the stage when dropping to his knees in C'Mon Marianne? And thanks for answering my q the other day.
"I believe, on good days, I can sing an A above high C."
Impressive.
Read that the London Frankie wears knee pads and CKJ uses "knockers" for the Brill building scene. How about you? Any other tricks you use to avoid pain and injuries?
How about Steve? Does he not get concussions and brain injury plonking his head on the table in the "pee-in-the-sink" scene every night? (I've heard some OUCH-inducing thuds:)
You are one cool dude for answering my q's
....curioserjbfan
Hey Taylor!! Thank you for signing my poster after the show last night. You were amazing! I am glad that I have gotten to meet and talk to you! Hope you come back to St. Louis!
Rosie
Who is your least favorite idol contestant? Who is your favorite person to give a scarf to? Be stuck in a photo booth with?
Geek.
@stubbleyou: There haven't been any bad falls, but I have slipped coming down the spiral staircase. I just skipped one stair, nothing too drastic. And to my knowledge, no one on the Sherry Tour has slid off the front of the stage.
@curioserjbfan: All the Frankie's wear kneepads (especially for the C'mon Marianne knew slide), and we all have a flesh colored carabiner to make the loud knocking sound on the brill doors. But that's all I can think of. How about this: Frankie wears soft bottom dance shoes! And Steve has a system down, as do all of the Nicks. The middle of the table is also made of wood, and they pump up his mic to make the thud sound louder. So his head is okay after 500+ performances.
@Geek: If you want to ask me questions, just call me. And if you want to pretend to be anonymous, don't be signed in to the Blogger service as MICHELLE K. Hope you're enjoying Chicago Ms. Knight. We miss you.
Who wanted to be anonymous? I just wanted some questions answered...which you failed to provide...
Boo.
And geek was not a signature as much as a label I needed to give you.
And I miss you guys SO much. No one verbally jousts with me like you.
"So his head is okay after 500+ performances."
lol. good to know about Steve's head :)
You missed these q's, or do you refuse to answer as it might incriminate yourself? :D
Who's the Tommy(slob/not too neat) and Nick(neat freak)in the company?
do you surf?
gracias.
...curiouserandcurioserjbfan
Why do you think Michelle K. think you're a geek?
@curiouserandcurioserjbfan: I don't know how to answer your question, because we're not all living in the same room. But I know that I tend to be sloppy at times, and clean when I want to be. And no, I don't surf, even after living in a beach community for 8 years!
If you are the best in your class at Frankie Camp, then at graduation do you get to be Valli-dictorian? Ha ha ha...
Why CKJ leaving the tour? last day is June 15...
are you going to be a part of the Toronto company?
--a fan
@anonymous 19: CKJ leaves at the end of Cincinnati. I think that's common knowledge now.
@a fan: please see my response to anonymous9
are the four seasons really playing their instruments during the show or are they faking it?
Hi, Taylor - I'm "sending" some friends to the show on the last day (June 15) of the Cincinnati run, which is of course CKJ's last day too. They chose the 1pm matinee. Will they see Chris' last show? Or will it be Zach or ???
Thanks in advance.
Taylor,
Will there be a wrap party for CKJ after the Sunday performance?
I'm a Cincinnati-native and would like to recommend Adonis Nighclub on Kellogg Ave. - It's a very large venue with VIP rooms and a HUGE dancefloor. They are open to the public on Sundays, but it wouldn't be as crowded as a Friday or Saturday night.
@anonymous20: Sometimes they play for real, sometimes not. In dance numbers where the dance is often too complicated to play and dance at the same time, they do not play live. But rest assured, we all know the charts, and are plugged in when available.
@stubbleyou: I think it's a CKJ show.
@meisterlegion: Thanks for the tip. We usually plan these things on the fly, but I believe we may be watching the Tony's together, while celebrating Chris' accomplishments and future.
Seen any of the Tony-nominated shows? Any Tony predictions?
--jboy
Does the person playing Bob play the piano live during Cry For Me?
-anonymous20
@jboy: I saw Passing Strange, but that's about it. Although everyone is talking about In The Heights in terms of winning best musical.
@anonymous20: The baby grand is not mic'ed
What did you think of Passing Strange? --jboy
Do you read reviews of the show and your performance? How do you handle negative reviews (some of those critics can be bitchy!)
--- joisyboi
This Q&A has been a great idea; thanks for doing it. Q: Isn't it about time you updated your blog?
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