Considering that Broadway shows come and go in Las Vegas,
“Jersey Boys,” the award-winning musical about Frankie Valli and The Four
Seasons, now running at the Palazzo Resort and Casino, is a tremendous success.
“Jersey Boys” has been entertaining audiences for over a month to sellout
crowds.
The recent Saturday-night red carpet event brought together
Frankie Valli, with the original Four Seasons: Tommy DeVito, credited for
starting the group, Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi.
Receiving rave reviews as far back as November 2005 when
the musical opened on Broadway in New York City, it was a natural for the
producers to bring it to Vegas. When you consider Valli, who recently celebrated
his 75th birthday, along with The Four Seasons, sold over 175 million records
worldwide before any of them turned 30, that was, indeed, remarkable. That’s
what makes them one of the most successful pop groups of all times.
Their hits included, “Walk Like A Man,” “Sherry” and “Big
Girls Don’t Cry.”
Valli, who has appeared in Las Vegas many times, stated,
“This is as good as it gets.”
When asked recently if he would appear in Las Vegas to do a
solo concert, he said, “I don’t think so.”
He has definitely had his ups and downs in life, and he is
truly a family man. When I interviewed him a few years ago at the Riviera, he
had his son with him.
Tommy DeVito, who had his share of misfortunes was also in
good spirits. It was a great night for Tommy who remembered all the way back to
when he was a blackjack dealer at the Sahara Hotel. At that time, he had left
the group because he had a big gambling debt to pay back. But as fate would have
it, DeVito ended up with his own recording studio producing musical groups.
Wayne Brady, headliner at the Venetian, said he enjoyed the
musical and songs like “Sherry” which will never die. Other Frankie Valli
classics can be heard on national commercials. Celebrities seen on the red
carpet were Rita Rudner, John O’Hurley, John Cleese, Nigel Lythgoe, Willie
Garson, Michael Urie, and Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Adelson.
For ticket information, call 888-283-6423. Tickets for
“Jersey Boys” range from about $75 to $250 for a VIP package that includes a
private entrance and other special benefits.
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My book of poetry
entitled "Messages" was inspired by my dear friends C.J. Cansler along
with Victoria Boone and Beryl Warren.
The group of poems
along with some beautiful photographs are to inspire the reader.
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