Meeting Frankie Valli

Ok - while I've got a minute, here's the scoop:

I'M MEETING THE REAL-LIFE FRANKIE VALLI THIS WEEK!

As you may know, he and his band (The Four Seasons) are still touring the world, performing many shows a year. Well this week, that tour brings him to Casino Rama in Orillia, ON, about 90-minutes north of Toronto.

Well, JERSEY BOYS TORONTO managed to get a sit-down with the two of us during the afternoon before his show. They're driving me up to Casino Rama in the morning, and then we'll meet, take a few photos, and chat. The main event will be being interviewed together by Richard Ouzounian for an upcoming piece in the Toronto Star! A "Frankie Valli" meets Frankie Valli kind of thing.

Unfortunately, neither Frankie will be able to see the other's show. I'd love to stay and watch this living legend perform, but I have to get back to do our show Thursday night. And, I'd love to have him see me "play" him in JERSEY BOYS, but he has tour dates for Friday and Saturday and has to leave town. It just wasn't able to work out, this time around, anyway.

I'm so stoked. I met him, briefly, at my final audition in New York City last October. But our conversation was very short, as I couldn't think straight since I was focusing so hard on trying not to pee my pants. I was a little nervous, you see, with the little matter of trying to win the lead role of a lifetime. Turned out OK in the end, I guess. I wonder if he'll remember me?

OTHER NEWS THIS WEEK

1) My car and I are being interviewed and photographed this week for an article in the Globe and Mail - more info on that later. Yes, I said my car and I.

2) My Radio interview will be aired this Sunday morning at 9:00am on 103.9 FM. This is the interview about my Top 5 Musical Theatre songs of all time. It's a small radio station, which can be heard in the GTA area only, so I don't think it'll be online. If you're in the GTA, check it out. (It'll be repeated again the following weekend if anyone misses it.)

3) Tickets are still available for the fundraiser I'm doing on behalf of Acting Up Stage theatre company. This coming Monday night, 8pm at Bathrust Street Theatre in Toronto is The Sound Of Silence, an evening of Musical Theatre stars performing the hits of Paul Simon with a live band. it's an awesome lineup, and you don't want to miss it. I'm doing "Cecilia" and "The Only Living Boy in New York".

PUT ME IN, COACH

I'm Ready to Play

Tonight was my first show back since *THE PLAGUE*.

Note the use of those asterisk(s). They are meant to scare you away - Danger, people. Like, the word PLAGUE on its own (capitalized, no less) isn't warning enough. But I digress.

(Wow, what an odd opening. First of all, what's the plural of asterisk? But I digress again...)

(Hey, what's the plural of digress? Uh oh...)

OK - So, to catch you up, I missed my first three shows this week due to *THE PLAGUE*. (*THE PLAGUE* that I had was actually an ornery intestinal track bug that I named Harper, if you must know).

Seriously, folks, I want to apologize to those of you who bought tickets for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday hoping to see me as Frankie Valli. Believe me, if there was any way I could have done the show, I would have been out there. But, we're all human, and some times these things are unavoidable. When both my kids got it, it was only a matter of time. Sorry!!

It wasn't until noon today that I knew I had the strength to get back at it. And I'm so glad I did. I LOVE doing this show. I just love sharing the stage with my incredibly talented castmates, especially in front of a nearly sold out Friday night crowd. Man, it felt good to be back out there tonight!

I mean, I was a bit shaky. I'm not gonna lie. But, that's hardly a surprise, after spending three days moving between the Holy Trinity of the Bed to the Bathroom to the Couch, (it is Easter, isn't it?) I had actually lost five pounds. And on me, that's a lot.

Since I've only been on solid food for a day and a half now, I was lacking a bit of my usual strength and endurance. You know, there were a few moments where I was a tiny bit out of breath, a few moments where the choreo was a bit ooh, how do I say it nicely... wooden. A few pitchy notes up in the falsetto. These mostly all occurred in the "Big Three", actually (Sherry, Big Girls, and Walk Like a Man). But, all in all, I was really happy with how I got through it.

It actually reminded me of my first show as Frankie Valli, December 12, 2008. I wasn't sure how that night was going to go - none of us were, really. I mean, it was only our 2nd full run through of the show with full tech. So, there were a few Bunny-in-the-head-lights moments that night, and maybe one or two tonight as well.

Oh well, it's all good. We received a full standing ovation tonight, just like we did for our first show, and every single show since. JERSEY BOYS is huge and unstoppable. Just like Harper, aka *THE PLAGUE*.

More Good News

IF you have nothing planned this Easter Weekend, why not come see JERSEY BOYS? I know it's last minute, but there are super-reduced prices available for both shows Saturday April 11th and the Sunday April 12th 2pm matinee. (Remember, I do not perform in the Saturday matinee).

Call Dancap directly at 416-664-3665 and quote FRIENDS AND FAMILY DISCOUNT to get your $25 and $50 tickets.

Hope to see you there!

Proper Perspective

DRAINING
This past week was a rough one for me and the family.

My eldest daughter Sydney got sick again, for the fourth time this winter. She caught the flu this time, and being 2.5 yrs old, this meant she needed round the clock care. Vomiting, high fever, diarrhea, you get the picture. Which makes it difficult for my wife and I, because her one-year-old sister Emily still needs round the clock care, too.

Since flu in a one-year-old could be very serious, with dehydration being a major concern, we tried to keep the girls apart as much as possible. So, either one or both of us were up with the girls several times a night. Thank goodness we had Christine's Mom Ilse help out doing the occasional overnight baby duty. And it worked, to an extent. Emily didn't get the flu, just some light fever and a bit of a cold. And as of today, Sydney seems to be back to normal. We're almost through it. Phew.

As any parents of young children will tell you, even with healthy kids it's a struggle to get things done properly or on time. When they're sick, it can be a nightmare. Schedules go out the window, and you get into survival mode. So, nothing got done this week. Nothing.

Personally, I could feel that as the week wore on, I was fighting the flu off, too. From the occasional queezy stomach, to occasionally seeing stars, I could feel it coming on. I was sure I was winning the fight until Sunday afternoon's matinee. My legs were jello, my hands were cold and clammy, and I had no strength. Luckily my voice was ok, and I made it, but I seriously don't know how I got through the show. When I got home, I immediately crashed - I mean it - no dinner, just fell into a deep sleep at 6pm! I've spent at least 15 hours asleep since then. It's the weirdest feeling. I just hope I'll be OK in time for tomorrow night's show.

DEMANDING
The biggest challenge I face right now is balancing the demands of being a father with the demands of playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. It's ironic, that when I have the single most challenging role of my life, I have the least energy left over to do it!

To perform optimally, I've discovered (the hard way) that I need at least 6 hours of sleep and a light physical and vocal warm-up mid-day. On top of proper nutrition and supplements of course. If not, the show is like running up a mountain for 2.5 hours. It can be done, but not to my standards.

UNDERSTANDING
Christine is incredibly understanding and supportive of my needs, and I do my best to give her as much of my time as I can afford to help with the kids and errands. She is an incredible woman, and an amazing mother. And being home with my kids during the days - even when they're sick - is an amazing experience. Playing with them, watching them grow and learn, struggle and fall, it's incredible.

Even though it's hard right now, I've got to remind myself - I'm a really lucky guy. I'm living the life I always wanted to have. I've got a great wife, great family and a great job. What else could anyone ask for?

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GOOD NEWS
Jersey Boys has been extended again till June 28th, 2009.
Call DANCAP at 416-644-3665 or 1-866-950-SHOW to book your tickets.
So, make sure to plan your trip, bring your friends, and come see the hottest show in town. Just remember, I only do the EVENING shows and the SUNDAY matinee.

The Follow Up

I must apologize for the lengthy four-week delay between posts. It seems that being a full-time Frankie Valli and a full-time Daddy Madden is leaving me plum tuckered out. (And from the deep South, apparently). I just don’t feel like writing very often when I’m that drained. You understand, right?

It’s not that there isn’t a lot to talk about - far from it – I could probably write three or four posts a week with all the things that are happening around JERSEY BOYS TORONTO and in my life. But, it’s just as well for you not to be inundated with the mostly trivial travails of my life.

So, here we go – The Follow Up.

1. Singing the National Anthems at the Raptors Game was pretty cool, if a bit underwhelming. As you all probably know by now, we weren’t aired on TV, which kinda defeated the whole purpose of it. However, you can now check us out at this link: ANTHEMS. Let me know what you think. I think we sounded pretty freakin' good.

2. I have decided not to Twitter-ize my life. I mean really, who has the time (or desire) to run to the computer every time they have a thought to share with a bunch of other technophiles vacantly staring at their computers when they should be doing something more productive. (Um, everyone on the planet, apparently.) Well, I don't; not now anyway. I will however, occasionally write a 'Tweet' or two on behalf of Dancap. So for those of you who are trying to ‘follow’ me – sorry. ‘Follow’ Dancap instead for all the latest on Jersey Boys. TWITTER. Or better yet, just read my blog.

3. Tis the season for Fundraisers. I will be performing at two fundraisers on behalf of two theatre companies that I believe in and respect very much. On April 20th, at the Bathurst Street Theatre in Toronto, I will be singing two songs at "Acting Up Stage"’s evening of Paul Simon music, called “The Sound Of Silence”. They specialize in contemporary musical theatre, and they like to do fundraisers where musical theatre artists sing new arrangements of Pop-Rock songs. Right up my alley. I’ll be among an awesome line-up of 10 theatre talents including Thom Allison, Blythe Wilson, and Michael Therriault. For more info and to buy tickets, check out their website at Acting Up Stage.

The other fundraiser is the following Monday April 27th at Georgian College Theatre in Barrie, called “The Stars Come Out”, on behalf of "Theatre By The Bay". They are a fantastic outdoor Shakespearian summer theatre festival run by a great friend of mine called Larissa Mair. Lots of top talent will be there including fiddler Ashley MacIssac and performers from most of the ‘Big Shows’ in Toronto. I’m going up to the event with a few of the Jersey Boys, and we’re singing a medley of “Jersey-esque” hits. I’ll probably also sing something from my CD, TAKING THE WHEEL, too. Should be a lot of fun. For more info and to buy tickets, check out their website at Theatre By The Bay.

4. And lastly, remember when I mentioned I was doing that radio interview where I had to pick my Top 5 Favorite Musical Theatre Songs? I wanted to thank those of you who added your own fav’s. Some awesome songs, to be sure, and some surprises too. Which is exactly what I tried to do with my personal list.

So, here’s my Top 12… You’ll have to check out the Radio program (date TBA) in April to learn which are the Top 5. In reverse-chronological order (he he), they are:

(song title – show it was from – composers)
The Beauty Is - The Light In The Piazza - Adam Guettel
Popular - Wicked - Stephen Schwartz
Moving Too Fast - The Last Five Years - Jason Robert Brown
What Is It About Her? - Wild Party - Andrew Lippa
Your Daddy's Son - Ragtime - Ahrens and Flaherty
La Vie Boheme - Rent - Jonathan Larson
How Glory Goes - Floyd Collins - Adam Guettel
The Riddle Song - Floyd Collins - Adam Guettel
Stars And The Moon - Songs For A New World - Jason Robert Brown
Bring Him Home - Les Miserables - Schonberg and Boublil
If Ever I Would Leave You – Camelot – Learner and Loewe
Maria – West Side Story – Bernstein and Sondheim

As always, I encourage your comments about these or any other topics. Just click on "Comments" below, type in your comment and your name (or do so anonymously) and hit publish. It's that easy. And, it's more fun for everybody.

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A GOOD PUB

NATIONAL ANTHEMS, NATIONAL TV

Last week I met Toronto Raptor Jason Kapono after he saw JERSEY BOYS. This Sunday at 12noon EST, I’ll be seeing him again, this time on his turf.

I’ll be singing the National Anthems with seven of my favorite Jersey Boys at the Toronto Raptors basketball game! This is totally cool. As many of you know, I'm a huge sports fan, and so I’ve heard countless anthems sung at sporting events both live and on TV. Strangely, I always had a feeling - I just knew - that one day I’d be the one singing them.

And, now I will. We’ll be singing live in front of 20,000 fans 'a capella', higher than hell, with tight harmonies, as arranged by our Music Director Ron Melrose to sound like the Four Seasons. We have a rehearsal coming up this week to learn it.

Here’s the best part: The game – and the anthems! - will be televised live nationally on CBC (to maybe a quarter of a million people), this Sunday March 8. Check your local listings. If the broadcast starts at 12 noon EST, you’ll hear us live. If it starts at 12:30pm, you’ll hopefully hear us ‘taped’ very early on. Set your alarms, west-coasters!

Watch it!
Can’t watch it? Record it!
VCR still flashing 12:00? Get a digital PVR!
Don't know what a PVR is? Wait until it goes up on YouTube.
Please tell me you've heard of YouTube...
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I'M A TWIT
Do you Twitter? I might be doing a little Twitter-ing myself, on behalf of JERSEY BOYS. We’re having some talks this week to see how this might benefit selling the show. They think it might be interesting to let people know what’s going on in my/Frankie Valli’s daily life.

Should be cool. Hey, these new social networking sites are taking off, just look at Facebook. Actually, don't. You'll never have free time again.
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MY DIARY
Anyone read the National Post? Yours truly may very well be a guest columnist. Well, sort of.

In their Arts and Life section they have a feature called My Diary. Each week, they hook up with an artist who writes five short daily diaries to let the readers learn what it’s actually like to live the life of an artist. Since I have this blog, and am basically doing it anyway, it seems like a nice fit.

I’m really excited about this project. I believe the diaries will run in the Post starting April 27. I’ll keep you posted, as we get closer to the date.
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RADIO GAB-GAB
Another interesting publicity outing I’ll be doing this week is a radio interview with Mark Andrew Lawrence for his weekend show, Front Row Centre on 103.9 Proud FM. Mark had been a big supporter of mine over the years and has featured songs from my CD "TAKING THE WHEEL" several times on his show.

This time, he’s going to interview the Toronto cast’s Four Seasons and get our Five Favorite Show Tunes. Should be fun and interesting. I'll let you know when the program will air.

I’ve been trying all week to pick my favorite five, but it’s actually been very difficult. I gave up on my ‘short’ list when it got to 20. I started again, and got it to 12 before getting stuck again. They are all so meaningful to me in different ways. The interview is tomorrow, so I better figure it our soon. I'll post them as soon as I'll figure it out.

YOUR TURN –
1. Will you watch the Raptor's on Sunday?
2. So seriously, have you heard of Twitter? Are you signed up? Would you be interested in getting updates on a regular basis?
3. What are some of your favorite Show Tunes? Comment below!