BYE BYE BABY, BABY GOODBYE
Comments(27) It is with much love, pride, memories to last a lifetime, joy, bittersweetness, peace and blessings of Des, Rick and Marshall, and our wonderful producers, that I’m leaving JERSEY BOYS. And some of you thought I couldn’t keep a secret!!! After much pondering, and bi-coastal phone calls with Tim, we’ve given it much thought, prayers, tears, and it’s time.
As some of you know,Tim and I were trying for a family since we got married in 2003, but I kept getting jobs that took me away from him.”The Full Monty Nat’l Tour, Jersey Boys in La Jolla , and than here On BROADWAY!!.
So tick tick, we’ve been going through the adoption process and it’s come to a point where I need to actually be living with my husband, LOL, Tim (if I can remember what he looks like) and be in our house for the next level in this journey.
I don’t think I can put into my words what this amazing ride has been like. I had never originated a role before..I thought playing Eponine in Les Miz would be the high point of my career, and than along came Mary.
To create something with the writers and the director and choreographer and music director from it’s conception?? unbelievable..and I never dreamed it would escalate to these heights.
To record the cast album and have strangers and family hear me on something that has won the Grammy, gone GOLD, perform on the TONY AWARDS at RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, to meet the celebrities who I’ve grown up emulating, to establish relationships with new friends, some for life both in the cast and fans/friends,to have kissed 8 different Frankies (and secretly score their expertise) and conclude none compares with TIM’S, to have had so many occasions to dress up , be girlie, be silly ,be photographed, be BOTOXED (just kidding), to adore Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman, to cherish Des and his indefatigable spirit, to have witnessed Ron Melrose work so hard in La Jolla and now to reap the awards, to have been molded by Jess Goldstein, and crowned by Chuck LaPointe and nightly Amy…to have been guided by RIchard Hestor, and now Michelle Bosch and received house seat requests and weekly salary funds from Sandy Carlson, to have shared a cramped dressing room with Heather, Erica and Sara and crazy Kelly…to have had the great joy to swear on a nightly basis, and to change costumes 18 times, and to have met and known Frankie, Bob and Judy ….to have had the opportunity to bring my mom and dad, family and almost all 17 nieces and nephews into NYC and La Jolla to experience this theatrical wonder…
LIKE I SAID, WORDS CAN’T EXPRESS MY PRIDE, HUMILITY AND GRATEFULNESS.
TO SAY GOODBYE, I SHALL NOT, BUT EASTER SUNDAY WILL BE MY LAST SHOW, AND I CHOSE THAT BECAUSE IT REPRESENTS NEW LIFE, UNEXPECTED JOY AND MIRACLES. MAY EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU EXPERIENCE THAT TOO..AND I THANKYOU FOR THE BLESSINGS YOU’VE GENEROUSLY BESTOWED ON ME THROUGHOUT THESE 3 YEARS OF JERSEY BOYS…..XOXOXOXXO JENNIFER AKA MARY DELGADO
Jennifer,
I am crying while reading this. As always, you have touched me with your warmth, spirit, graciousness, and compassion. Words cannot express how much you will be missed, personally and professionally.You are a TRUE STAR, in every sense of the word, and will continue to shine brightly in your life journey. You and Tim will make wonderful parents to a very lucky child. I k feel blessed to have gotten to know you through Jersey Boys, and hope we will stay in touch. Thank you my friend, for being the special person you are, and giving so much of yourself, both on stage and off. Love ya, Pam
OK, Jen, I’m afriad I cannot write here all that is in my heart, but you my friend know all too well. As we keep saying “IT’S ALL GOOD”, and that it is. I’ve shed enough tears for the past 3 weeks, I’m sure there will be more, I’m trying to hold my own. I know we’ll be friends forever, but I will miss seeing your beautiful face up on that stage and all that you brought to JB, plus all the great times we’ve had together. Words cannot express what I feel, so I must leave it at that or write a book here, it’s hard to write thru tears……and I can’t see well anyway!!! LOL! God bless you and Tim always and here’s to your new exciting journey!!! Can’t wait to share in all your joy!! I love you my dear friend for always!!! Wanda
Jen, you wonderful. I hope everything goes well for you in the future. Make sure you keep intouch. You brought the womens view of jersey boys alive in all the years of hard work. Congrads to you bright future.
love
liz
Dear Jennifer,
I knew this day would come…& got a hint from you on my birthday. I don’t remember the exact words you said when you first joined us at the table, but did think this is what you meant. I didn’t say anything to you later that night in hopes that it wasn’t true. In a way I am glad to hear this after seeing you recently. The tears would have flowed & not stopped.
I hope to see JB’s for many more times, but it won’t be the same without you. You have allowed Pete & I to become your friends through the show & emails. Your love & thoughtfulness to us & the kids is very special to us. I will cherish the time we have talked & all the written words shared. You will always have a very special place in our hearts.
I have told you before that you & Tim will make fantastic parents. Everything you have expressed in words, actions, in person along with everything you have told us about Tim prove that.
Any child that becomes part of your family will be blessed with two of the most wonderful people put on this earth. Two who have more love to share than anyone I have ever met.
You have had a wonderful journey in the crazy world of acting with JB’s being the current icing on the cake. There will be much more I am sure. For now, let this next step in your life be just as and more wonderful than the last three years at JB’s.
I hope we will keep in touch and look forward to hearing all about this new and exciting step in your lives. May god bless you, Tim and the little ones to come.
XOXOXOXOXO,
All our love always,
Stacey, Pete, Diana & Peter.
Hi Jen!
I am so happy for you! One of the hardest parts is actually getting to a decision that will be the best for all involved; long-distance makes that definitely more challenging.
OK Wanda…it sounds like we will be planning a Baby Shower in the near future! And I am definitely planning my way back to NYC for Easter Weekend…for sure!
Memories are forever…along with your JB family!
All the Best!
NewJerseyLasagna
NewJerseyLasagna, YOU’VE GOT THAT RIGHT!!!! I hope to see you over Easter weekend!!! Wanda
[...] This is another tough one to report on JB Blog! On her blog today, Jennifer Naimo has announced that she will play her final Jersey Boys performance on Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008. [...]
Jennifer,
You are a sweetheart – gorgeous in mind, body and spirit. You have been so welcoming of all of your fans. Of course, you will be greatly missed but you have a golden future ahead. What loving and adoring parents you will be. Not only will you spoil that baby but can you imagine what all of us will do to SPOIL your gorgeous baby.
God Bless you always! Please keep posting on your blog.
Buz and I come to California a couple of times a year and hope to see you on one of our trips.
Love,
Irene Eizen
Jen, what wonderful news for you and your fans alike…because we want what is best for YOU! You have given us so many memories of your original-like-no-other-Mary Delgado in JB…you gave us even more to enjoy in “Journey To the Jersey Boys” … and your cabaret shows (and now I AM kicking myself because I missed them!) and you wowed the crowd just last week at Travis’ show with your duet with him, “The Prayer.” I think your prayers have been answered…a peace within yourself, and the decision you and Tim have made to begin a family. Thanks for sharing your time and talent onstage, and your friendship offstage. I know your name will be up in lights again sometime …and your fans will still be there to follow you. God bless you, Lulu
Hi Jenn,
Joe and I are very happy for you and Tim.
O.K. your leaving the show for something as beautiful as a child so I forgive you..lol
We will both terribly miss you. You are irreplaceable as Mary. We will always remember your kindness, warmth, and loving spirit you have shown towards us as fans. You deserve all the happiness life brings, both you and Tim. We will always remember you and hope when the time comes for you to return to New York, you will always remember the so many fans who’ve loved you as Mary and more importantly as you, Jenn. People such as you and Tim deserve all the happiness life brings. Love you lots and we’ll see you on Tuesday March 18th at the theatre.
Love,
Damaris and Joe
Jennifer, I too was moved to tears by this wonderful post and with the bittersweet news that you will be leaving the show.
Not only have you created memories for us fans that we’ll never forget, but you’ve always been supportive and generous to the newer members of the cast, who have all admired your work ethic and tremendous professionalism.
Finally, you’ve given us all many laughs with your great wit, but behind it all there has always been a wonderful human being who is humbled and grateful for her success these past three years.
I am much richer for having spent time with you and your wonderful husband Tim. One memory that I’ll always have of Tim is his call to me on my cell phone at 5:45 AM West Coast time to be the first to wish me Happy Birthday (a day that I share with Tim’s dad).
Best wishes to both you and Tim, Jennifer. I can’t think of a baby that will have two more caring and wonderful parents.
Jen–Thank you for the talent, exuberence, warmth and caring that you have given to JB and to your fans. I feel so fortunate to have seen you as Mary Delgado seven times, to have attended one of your cabarets and to have met you. You are not only a special performer, you are a special person. I wish you all the best. Sharon
Hey Jen,
I am so happy for you…..Mary Delgado was indeed the professional role of a lifetime but your role as Mom will be unsurpassed.
Thank you for all the wonderful performances. You will always be Mary Delgado. I loved your Cabaret and I am crossing my fingers that you might book dates here in LA when you’re ready.
All the BEST to you Lovely Lady. I plan on being there for your last 3/23.
Much Love & Blessings,
Charly
Jen,
What a heartfelt and touching blog entry. I reread it 3 times.
Congratulations that you are going through the adoption process right now. I know you will be a loving and caring mother full of compassion, fun, and smiles. I am sure Tim will be an excellent father also..you and him are quite a special team.
I am very sad to see you leave Jersey Boys though..but you will always be Mary Delgado in my eyes. Every performance of Jersey Boys I have seen, you have been the only one who has been always in the show. I can’t believe this new change of lifestyle is actually happening and that on Easter, you will spiritually and emotionally begin a new step of life.
I know your new position as Mom will be very rewarding. From my point of view, you have a special quality that is necessary to be a Mom..and its compassion. You were forever grateful at the stage door and to me. I know your son or daughter will be proud to say, “That’s my mom”. And I will ALWAYS be proud to say that I have met and grown to know Jennifer Naimo..and I KNOW we will meet in person again..whether in the near or distant future.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Talk to you real soon!!!
Love you!!
A
Jen,
From the time I first met you at the August 2005 cast album recording session to this day you have treated me as as if I was a childhood friend.
As for your role as Mary Delgado, it will pale in comparison to your role as a Mom. What greater role can you possibly play?
From the bottom of my heart, best wishes to you and Tim on your starting a family, and may nothing but good fortune shine upon you.
Frank
I have seen you in the show 5 times and I loved each minute. My fav is the scene in the pizza joint and the first kiss with Frankie. I am an adoptive mother of 2 and a social worker. Your child will be born of your heart and you will be rich in love. The journey is worth each step along the way. Wishing you and your husband the best! Gayle Kamen-Weinstein
Hi Jennifer!! OH WHAT A NIGHT!! My 10th time seeing the show yesterday with my BFF Stephanie was like seeing it again for the first time! What a treat!! I’ll never get tired of Jersey Boys..but I’m so sad that you’re leaving the show. It’s not gonna be the same without you. I know I’m biased but there will never be anyone who will play Mary Delgado as good as you…the truth is I think I’m still shocked from last night when you told me you were gonna go and leave us… but at the same time, I am happy for you and Tim for adopting a child who really needs a loving family. God bless both you! By the way…I just booked two tickets for the 19th (matinee),hopefully my mom will be able to come this time! I also booked a ticket on Easter. I will not miss that final show! So here I am writing this with a heavy heart and just looking forward for your return…all your fans are gonna be waiting !!! All my love, prayers and good wishes for my number one idol!!
Love,
MACK your number 1 fan
8 Frankies, huh? Let’s see (in order of appearance)…
1) David Norona
2) Dominic Nolfi
3) JLY
4) Michael Longoria
5) Matt Scott
6) Travis Cloer
7)
8) Cory Grant
who did we miss?
I’d be willing to pay money to see that scoring card.
Miss ya already, Jen.
Gary….I think the other Frankie could either be whoever was the understudy for David Norona while still in La Jolla or from the current cast on Bwy, Eric Schneider.
Jen…who is the last Frankie?
Stacey
Hey Jen! I’m in tears here. I knew this day would come but it still saddens me so much. I wish you nothing but the best of luck in whatever you do next. I will be working my way back to the August Wilson to see you one more time in two weeks and it’ll be so emotional for me. Again, best of luck in whatever you choose to do! We love you!
Jennifer, As the original Mary and the longest-running Angel (the only one who made it out of La Jolla!), you have done as much as anyone to make Jersey Boys the phenomenon it has become. We long-time 4 Seasons fans will always be grateful for how you helped bring our music to a new generation. Hope you didn’t get tired of it! We sure didn’t get tired of you. Our eyes — and ears — adored you every show. If your wonderful solo shows are any indication, you’ll be fabulous in your next act, whatever it is. But, first, best of luck with that family project. Remember, your child’s first album has to be Jersey Babys. He or she will need to wait a while for the OBC album, since you dropped an F-bomb in it. On second thought, a couple of edits will take care of that. Have fun. Bless you for the gifts you have given us.
Don’t you just hate it when you post a comment, and two minutes later you think of a better kicker. So, Jennifer, he’s take 2 of my ending:
YOU’LL ALWAYS BE AN ANGEL TO US!
Jennifer, I am so happy for you and Tim. It’s a wonderful journey that you are embarking on. I can only imagine how hard it has been for you two to live apart these 3 years. You will be missed terribly on that stage, but you will always be in our minds and our hearts. I am so happy I had the chance to meet you. You are a wonderful, caring, sincere person, and you will always be at the top of my list of dearest Broadway memories.
I wish you and Tim the best of luck. Please don’t be a stranger.
Love, Melissa
I don’t even know where to being, Jennifer. My thoughts are so scattered after reading this post. I’m going to miss you more than you even know! Your kindness and energy and your endless talent… I’ve always been so floored by it all. You truly are one of the kindest people I’ve met.
Good luck to you and Tim. I know from personal experience that the adoption process can be hard (three of my brothers and sisters are adopted), but I can’t imagine a better home for a child than yours.
I’ll definitely be by the stage door to stop by. Possible will be able to see the show, but who knows with my crazy schedule. So I will see you soon!
–Devon
Ciao Jennifer,
Congratulations on a job well done! What a ride you have had with JERSEY BOYS. I got to see you as “Mary Delgado” almost two years ago (2x) and you surprised the heck out of me on complimenting me on my haircut after the show and squeezing my hand! Thank you!
Congratulations to you and to Tim on taking a life-changing, monumental task! (To say the least!) The bambino/bambina will be so lucky to have you as his/her mama and you will be a great mama! Tim will be a great papa! Break a leg to both of you as you embark on the parental journey.
Ciao and Best Wishes!
Hi Jen! I Miss YOU So Much!!!
Oh! It was last time to see your performance last New Year’s Eve. I love Maria. Every time I saw you.(I saw JB 11 times and every time you play as Maria.)You are so powerful and cute!!! I think You as Maria are The best in the world. Thank You, Thank You so MUCH.
Good luck to you and Tim.
HI AUNT JENNIFER!!
). I have always wanted to be JUST like my aunt Jennifer! And that was BEFORE the original role on Broadway in a Tony award-winning musical!!! And this time, I was old enough to have friends who were up on the Broadway scene and I was overFLOWing with pride! “Yep. That’s my aunt. Right there! The little, short one with the tiny little legs!” Lol. I couldn’t have stopped bragging about my Broadway-actress of an aunt if someone had a gun to my head! You have always been and will continue to be my greatest musical influence and my biggest inspiration, Aunt J. Words can’t express just how proud I feel to have you for an aunt let alone a god mother!! Not only have you done such an amazing job at your job, but you have never ceased to be the sweet, caring, religious, considerate, thoughtful, AMAZING person that you have always been. I know you know that I love you, but it’s always nice to be reminded, isn’t it?! 
I hope you are successful in your attempts to pack up 2 1/2 years of stuff (I remember doing that when I left Chicago…not fun!) and I can’t WAIT for this new little Naimo-Morales to join our family!! I have no doubt that he/she will love you and look up to you just as much as we all do. You are amazing.
It’s been such a long time since I’ve talked to you and even longer since I’ve seen you. As I read this blog, so many things happened to me all at once. I had to fight back the tears (as I’m at work and I didn’t think that’d be best place to turn on the wetworks!), I got the best feeling chills I’ve ever had, and I was filled to the brim with an overwhelming sense of pride in my auntie! I can never tell you JUST how proud I am to be your goddaughter. My entire life, I have looked up to no one as much as I look up to you (except for maybe my mom
Love you so so much!
Molly