HEARTBREAK EXPRESS
Comments(20) OK 2 Nights at the Upright Cabaret in West Hollywood, were a blast. Shane Scheel and Chris Isaacson are these young,hot producers who started this whole phenomena. It was a riot being part of it. The 1rst night about 19 performers sang all songs of Dolly Parton. I hadn’t heard of most of them, including my own. The band was under Chris Brattens mighty direction and called the “Brat pack”.A lot of my new friends from the Les Miserables Production at the Hollywood Bowl were in it. Including Tom Lowe, who was Enjolras, and Marius in the West End production, Julie Garnye, Leslie McKinnel..it was so nice to hear them sing outside of the show. Leslie sang a haunting version of Little Sparrow which was beautiful…watch out NYC she’s coming out there next month, and Julie who used to live in NYC and is a regular at Upright, sang Heartbreaker, with such a nice belt/mix range.
Everyone was really into it..it was actually the 1rst time I went to the restroom and the Mens room had the longer line.. But a lot of fun people sang and were in the audience. The 2nd night I followed my former Doody from Grease on Bway, Ty Taylor. Some may know him from that reality show a few years ago, Rockstar INXX…his voice….glorious. I’m like ‘I HAVE TO FOLLOW TY/DOODY?” But mine was a very upbeat song luckily after his ballad…and it couldn’t have been a better 2 nights and debut there. I hope to be there again..such fun..Here’s a little taste of my song, I learned in a few days…enjoy
Jen, I watched the Youtube of you. WOW!!!! I realized how much I miss watching you do your thing!!!! Loved it Jen, what moves, what a voice! Watch out Dolly, Jen’s in the house
Really do miss you, take care…
Love, Jody
You so totally rock girlfriend!! Miss your cabarets here in the city. Maybe you’ll be doing one at the Upright when I come out to see you and Tim! That would be so fun! But, just looking forward to spending time with you! Miss ya lots girl! Keep on singing and doing what you do so very, very well. Love ya lots!! Wanda
Well Jennifer, I just watched and listened to the video and you are just “born to the (show)business!” Soooo fun to watch. You’re a joy! Fabulous job with Dolly’s “Heartbreak Express.” Maybe some day the two of you will perform together. Think Dolly would LOVE you! (like the rest of us)
And btw “Detour Ahead” totally fabulous…..and then some!
XO
Your fan Zanna
Loved it, loved it, loved it! And you look like you were having a great time!!! I hope one day to see you perform live…book something in Florida!
Have a great weekend!
Hi Jen,
I just want to second Jody’s comment. Since you left, everytime I have since Jersey Boys I always think of you and realize how much I miss seeing you in that show. Watching this video heightens that feeling even more!
Ok, Jen, you probably don’t even remember me, but you showed my husband, Ed and I backstage at Jersey Boys. I told you we honeymooned at Mohonk back in the day! Anyway, whether or not that rings a bell, I check your blog often and thoroughly enjoyed your rendition of Dolly’s song! You rock!
Another fan,
Doreen
P.S. Looking forward to seeing you on F/X!
Awesome! Entertaining! What great friends you have on your blog. Way to keep showing your talent. You always seem to be able to light up an audience, even if the venue is new to you:)
It’s hard to tell who was having more fun…you or the audience. You owned that stage and the reception from the audience proved how much they enjoyed it, too. We miss you here on the East Coast, but glad the West coast appreciates your talent! I’ll be in NY seeing Christian’s and Micheal’s last show this weekend. Somehow I just know your name will be brought up in the conversations that begin with “remember the original Broadway cast.” God bless, Lulu
Jen, I too will be in audience this Sunday, Sept 28 2008 to see MikeL and CHoff’s last JB show. A double whammy of emotion, huh?
And a “season of firsts” for me because will be lst time seeing show w/o you in it and also lst time I’ve seen last performance(s) of original cast members. ML and CH will both be singing songs about themselves now: Bye Bye Baby, Stay, Just Hang On, My Eyes Adored You, etc.
Both guys have been absolutely spectacular.
Think it might be just a tad bit emotional.
XO
The Sept. 28 Bdwy JB show was fabulous!
Frankie Valli was there, for real! Got to area early so I could walk up & down side streets, like a tourist, taking pix of theatre marquees of shows I’d seen shows I hadn’t. Got carried away in my nervous anticipation & almost used up all film in camera bought just for purpose of taking JB pix.
Inside theatre bought another JB mug ($20 there, but cost more on net). Got my seat in Mezz. Wondered who was there. Soaked up every nano second of that show. Immensely enjoyable & emotional. Down front right orch was very happy vocal group. Fans? Friends? Families? JB crew? Red t-shirt Jersey Girls (cute gals)?
“Fallen Angel” especially emotional. Kleenex always comes out at that point. (In past have seen grown men tear up at “Sherry Baby”.) All 4 guys sang (a part of) “My Eyes” this time. Or did I imagine that. The new Joe Pesci is real cute & a keeper, did a fab job.
Half JB (Bdwy) audiences are usually lst-timers & other half “multiples.” Half laugh out loud at gun shot & other half jump out of their seats wondering why others laughing at killing. Never fails, every time. Christian having fun; MikeL as lovable as ever. Audience loving everything.
Patiently wait at stage door after. Talk to very nice JB fans. Everyone has a different favorite Frankie so all you Frankies are loved.
Hear that the REAL Frankie Valli is there & wonder if he was in audience or backstage? And Bob Gaudio! See JLY come out, take quick pic. My head spinning trying to grasp all the Frankie Vallis & Bob Gaudios going in & out. See tall thin mysterious guy in dark suit & shades w/attractive blond go in & out. Wonder who? At home later, figure out, Bob Gaudio?
In midst of this, laundry truck comes by to pick up 4 giant red bags of JB laundry. Burly guy gets out of truck goes into theatre & hauls them out. Life goes on.
ML & CH come out sign everything, are super wonderful w/fans, hugs, kisses, pix. I tell (His Cuteness)ML he deserves vacation in Hawaii & he says he’s going to Vegas next wk. I snap whatever pix I can of ML & CH & vow to save last one for Frankie Valli, himself, who comes out last, befittingly. Snap pic & nada. Film all used up. He brushes by me on way to waiting limo. Before getting into limo, he turns & waves to all. That guy is still cute, & does indeed move like an energizer bunny.
Oh, & I got one of the girls to sign my playbill! Heather, I think. Tall, very pretty redhead. Thanks Heather, icing on the cake.
There’s your review. Take care Jennifer. XO
I was there too, and there were some wonderful but bittersweet moments, knowing we might not all be together in the same place again. The noon brunch was terrific, and Christian came with Melissa’s 89-year old granddad (who’s in far better shape than I am) and her brother Tim.
Lulu read a beautiful tribute from Rick Elice, with the best part describing his first meeting with Christian, “This California guy strolls in with his curly blonde hair and his surfboard and I’m thinking ‘this is the guy Des is raving about???!!” (OK, the surfboard part was an afterthought, but the rest is true!!)
So may of the West Coasters (if I recall correctly, Jen, isn’t that to whom you directed the Dolly Parton show…I felt included since I live on the West Coast of Staten Island) were there…and I know I’ll forget someone…Lucy, Linda, Rosemary, Vanessa (west coast of Jersey City), Lulu (west coast of VA), Charly (charming as always…don’t know why you’re not on stage?), new fans Tina and mom, and so many more.
Zanna, for the record, Heather Ferguson is one of my favorites too…. And she signed your playbill? Last I saw on eBay, Heather’s autograph was worth $$$$$!!! (well, it will be after more fans meet her!!!)
But Jennifer, most important, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY tomorrow. Please celebrate with those of us who have become so honored to know and love you and your marvelous Tim. Many, many more….we have many more stories and great friendships to share in the years ahead.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
You deserve All of the Best in your new year..good health, good fortune & personal fulfillment.
The time of your life matters…Enjoy!
So much fun yet bittersweet…the 28 September matinee in NYC will be one I will never forget along with seeing so many of our true blue JB Fans once again…and yes Howard you are definitely a fav!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR SWEET FRIEND JENNIFER, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!! HAVE THE BEST DAY EVER MY FRIEND! WILL CALL YA LATER WHEN I KNOW YOU’RE UP!!!! WAY TOO EARLY NOW!! LOVE YOU LOTS AND MISS YOU TOO!!! WANDA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Have a beautiful day Jen
Enjoy and have lots and lots of fun!!!
Love ya, Jody
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER, you lovely Libra.
Have the best day and year ever.
And thanx for your nice little notes and enjoying my little review.
XO
Z
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN!!!!!!! Much love, good luck and thanks – Hope your year is brilliant as you ARE!!!
Kevin
Happy birthday to my birthday twin! I hope everything is going well! NYC misses you!
Hey Jennifer,
Sorry this is a day late, but I hope you had a very HAPPY & WONDERFUL birthday. I planned on writing you yesterday, but things got crazy around here again. In a few words Diana had another seizure early in the morning & got Pete & I walking on egg shells. It was her 4th in just over a month. Then had to get her to Manhattan to have her fitted for her new back brace( she doesn’t like it) Then the rest of the day watching her to make sure she doesn’t have anymore problems. I’ll try to email you more information later.
XOXO,
Stacey
HEY KEVIN!!!!! How are you???
Hi Jen,
Happy Happy Birthday,,you know I miss you IDOL.
Been reading all your blogs and I’m so happy with everything that you’ve been doing.
You know New York misses you alot too.
Take care,,,again Happy birthday,,,,