Jennifer Naimo

Well yesterday we had our first rehearsal for our cabaret August 13th at ARS NOVA. The 4 JERSEY GIRLS and Travis Cloer (who plays Gabe and covers Frankie) are starring in this Journey of Jersey Boys directed by Des McAnuffs former right hand asst. Holly Anne Ruggiero and the music director is Jim Abbott, who just finished md-ing Tarzan.

We went thru our song choices yesterday..and we were all so enthusiastic and impressed with each other. We never get to hear each other sing. I mean yes, we’ve heard Travis’ glorious voice when he’s on as Frankie, and Sara nightly belts to the heavens Boyfriend’s Back, but I think you’re all gonna get a kick out of being part of this.

All of the sudden a quarter way thru rehearsal, we were all texting our loved ones, saying they have to attend. I even text Tim at work, and said “try to get that weekend off and fly in. It’s going to be fun. I’ll keep you updated as rehearsals progress, but keep Monday, August 13th open…

PS I love it..this week I’m seeing lots of Vegas callback kids watching the show in the back. This is the finals..with Des being here too. Good Luck you all.

Nothing earth shattering to report. I went up to my rooftop on the 40th floor and had a panoramic view of 5 different firework displays going on..It was beautiful, even though it was raining. It was just me and 2 Russian girls who live here. I had no idea I could see the Empire State bldg, GE, Chrysler…Brooklyn, Queens, NJ, East River..etc..gorgeous..UNTIL the security guards came and told us we’re not allowed up here. I had my JB cap on and kept my face low, in the dark, so as not to be recognized…I tuned into the Macy’s tv show just in time to hear JLY’s amazing rendition of “WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD”

Sometimes you become immune to the talent you work with everyday..and Ron Melrose and Steve Orich arranged this rendition..and it was stunning..hearing John sing something other than our nightly songs. I left him a bday message and a congratulatory one on his work.

The 4 Jersey Girls and Travis are preparing to do a one night only cabaret, to be directed by our former ass.director Holly Anne Ruggiero. It will be in August at Ars Nova..I believe Monday the 13th..following our path to and in this show.

At the same time, I’ve begun working on my own cabaret..I’m aiming for October..when everyone is back from summer vacation..I’ll let you all know when. My dear friend and colleague, Andy Gale, will be directing it and hopefully Daniel Reichard, producing it..Andy and I did Les Miz together, and he also did Rags, Side Show, and has directed I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change, among various shows..I’m excited to start this journey.

I had a fun week of auditions too, one for a reading of a movie/to be made musical…(didn’t get it, but it was ensemble anyway, as the lead was cast and she’s great), 2 a voice over for LOREAL where I had to talk about proxylane peptides, and hydrlauric spheres…and 3 a new Paul Giamatti film…this was fun…we’ll see what God has in store….

After last night’s, show I had the pleasure of speaking with an exceptional group of young fans of JB, who have weathered storms, late night/early mornings, sleepless nights, bouts of hunger, lack of toilets,and precious funds to gain a ticket to our show. Some have seen it over 13 times! Unfortunately, this is the only ticket price they can afford as they are still in school. And their enthusiasm and joy and eye for detail whenever someone on stage differentiates their performance, etc. is exceptional.

Anyhow, the Student Rush policy will be extinct after tomorrow, June 24th. I’m not exactly sure of the details why…But I saw first hand last night what happened to one sweet, young college boy. We all actually noticed him in the front row last night, as he had a huge white bandage under his nose…and after the show another covering a gash on his head. As he and others, including solid JB fans Elle and Hilary, waited for the tickets, beginning at 1am..these thugs came along and threatened them, and harassed them and tried to get them to leave their place so they could get the tickets, and even tried to convince the box office man that they were there before the early risers. Well, someone in that threatening group punched this young man, who was defending this young group, (from what I understand) and the police were called, but they ran away…and this young man’s father and mother witnessed their son being beaten up.

I was shocked and horrified. I had no idea what you all really went through to see our show. I am humbled and so very thankful for all of you, especially the ones who struggle to make ends meet, and somehow choose to spend your hard earned money to see us!!!!!????????? perform…THANK YOU. I hope we will see you again, and they can come up with some way so all can afford to go to the theatre. I know I wouldn’t be able to see shows at this price…and to that young man, who had this sweet, swollen smile on his beat up face and said “It was worth it, because the show was really good tonight.” God bless you…..

WOW Our producer, Joe Grano and his beautiful wife Kathy ,invited the entire cast and crew of Jersey Boys and our families to their lovely, amazing ESTATE!!!!!!!!!, in New Jersey. They chartered 2 luxury buses for us that we took from the theatre. When we arrived , golf carts were waiting to bring us to the entrance of their home from the street. We were overwhelmed by the beauty, size and meticulous detail and landscape of the 14 acres and the home itself.

From the backside , there was a man made pool/lake , tennis courts and enough land to build a golf course, a huge patio that could contain a few NY apts where the caterers were busy preparing AMAZING appetizers that never ran out even during the dinner, which again was outstanding..bbq chicken halves, mahi mahi, grilled steak, italian sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers ,onions and peppers all on the grill, and several beautiful greens, fruits, orso, etc…

The specialty drink appropriately enough was called JERSEYGIRL..and it was frozen pina colada and strawberry daiquiri and it was delicious. Joe graciously took us on tours of his home, that seemed to endure for an hour…we continually got lost…and there had to be at least 10 different restrooms each with it’s own style and design…the molding was hand done, granite, paintings, floor and ceiling fixtures flown in or purchased from around the world..His own pub..We were breathless and in awe and wanted to hide somewhere and make it our home…

It was so nice to see everyone from every area of our show from the backstage crew, to the front of house, the cast and musicians to RIck Elice and Marshall Brickman , BOb and Judy Gaudio, ROn and ALex Melrose, to our producers, Michael David, Lauren Mitchell, Ed Strong and his darling wife..Joe Piscipo and family..and 2 of our Jersey BOys Christian and Bobby brought their amazing wives and littles ones. just a blessed,beautiful day.

I left with Christian and his wife Melissa and baby Elizabeth and their asst Emily and drove back to NY and went with Christian as he opened up( magnificently  I might add) Florence Hendersons cabaret at Joes Pub…Jerry Saviola and his sweetie wife Mary, invited me to be their guest for both shows…Let me say..she is gorgeous..that Mrs. Brady..drop dead gorgeous and tiny.. It was a wonderful evening of song and self revelation of the different cycles of her life. We know mostly of her tv career but she was the lead in so many Bway and touring musicals..and she has 4 children..so interesting..ANd to see another side of CHristian…was wonderful. He’s so charming and such a leading man..I met Judge Judy there.. My mom loves her…and alot of celebs came to support her and adoring fans.. Thankyou Jerry and Mary and Christian and JOe and Kathy for a perfect day off.

I’m so excited to watch the Tonys tonight. Fortunately I don’t have HBO so I have no dilemma about the other ‘TONY”…which I’ll watch later on DVD>>>The 4 Boys are doing the first whole hour of untelevised awards which they’ll than announce the winners during the live telecast and they’ll sing at 10:05 TONIGHT>.so tune in

Happy 34th Anniversary to Doreen and John from West Point NY..thankfully they found 2 tickets after a 3 hour wait in the cancellation line. This was their 9th viewing..And they are sweethearts.. I also must have run out to fast after the matinée yesterday, cuz I missed the FRANKIE and his 2 adorable sons..Frankie wanted to bring them to Oceans 13 but they chose instead to see JERSEY BOYS…now that’s good taste..

Tomorrow the whole cast and crew are invited to one of our generous producers home for an all day party to celebrate and say thank you. I can’t wait..and than later a few of us are attending Florence Henderson (Carol Brady) ‘s cabaret, which Christian Hoff is MC-ing…talk to you soon.

We had such fun. Yesterday before the matinee the Jersey Girls got to perform this year. Every Broadway musical and straight play were invited. So cool to see Martha Plimpton, and Jennifer Ehle and Kevin Spacey backstage. And than we met the new stars of GREASE …the winners from You’re the One that I want..Max and Laura..what sweethearts. Our number was a parody of Walk Like A Man into Boyfriends Back. Unfortunately the sound of 2 of our instruments weren’t turned on till midway thru the song..so it sounded like we were singing accapella.The last number was from Spring Awakening..Laura Pritchard and John Gallagher sang Spring and Summer and his amazing song.. We love them….their voices…amazing. Anyway it was so much fun. Thank you for all who attended.

I also had the great blessing of meeting Paul Williams. Donnie Kehr invited him for a future project (which is going to be amazing) He was so kind. He wrote the majority of songs in my favorite show musical back in high school, A STAR IS BORN, with Barbara Streisand…among millions of other songs…what a day…

Here’s me, Max Crumm and Heather Ferguson and Laura Osnes (You’re the One That I Want)

and Me and your new Danny Zuko

Hi, no new news except I caught Legally Blonde this morning on the View and they were wonderful. I loved that show and cannot believe it isn’t up for Best Musical for the Tony Awards. A lot of our cast got to see the final dress rehearsal and we were smiling from ear to ear. I loved the leads, but also the ensemble…I loved following the different characters they created and need to see it again to keep track of who’s who. I appreciated their work even more because of what the 3 of us women create in our show. I especially loved watching the actress Kate Weatherhead (sp??) all of her roles were honest and organic, and I adore Jerry Mitchell…He was our choreographer for the Full Monty..a joy and genius..

Every now and than I’ll add some videos via YouTube and fans…and photos of fans that send me photos of us together. Enjoy…

Cry For Me Video

Antonia

Hi all Still no way to reply to anyone on my normal email..so know I”m not ignoring you. Heather Ferguson sent me this funny video. There are tons of them out there I guess. Yahoo or YouTube. We were all looking at some of these videos before the show started last night. ..and we were blown away by some of the production values, and touched that Jersey Boys is reaching and touching so many people. Keep up the videos… PS Last night I had the honor of meeting director Joe Mantello (Angels in America, Wicked) and his guest, none other than Stockard Channing (the original Rizzo, West Wing) and an incredible body of work.They could not have been more kind, humble and shy…and she is gorgeous..tiny…Are they all tiny????

Well, I just got home and have to head back to the show. We worked with Sergio for five hours today changing a few things in the choreography. Now I’ve been in this show since La Jolla and so it’s going to take me a bit to get this into my body…since my best dancing is done with a gun to my head, but it was actually fun. The whole cast and Sergio were in great spirits. He thought the show looked pretty good except for a few tweaks. Bobby ‘s wife Jennylyn and Geddy came by as did Jack Noseworthy and their friends from Mexico…I believe the actresses’ names were both Angelica and one is on the Spanish version of Ugly Betty and the other is their Meryl Streep equivalent. Very nice and saw the show four times already.

I’m also writing to tell everyone I can’t seem to reply to any of my emails…my computer expertise is on par with my dancing…so give me time to bring it in to get it fixed and know I’m not ignoring any of you. Also, GLENN CLOSE came to the show again last night with her new husband. He brought about 30 people from his job who work at an amazing pharmaceutical company in NJ…She is tiny, beautiful and her enthusiasm and joy fill the entire theatre. Such a pleasure to talk with her again…OK off to tonights show and try as I may I’m going to remember some of the new choreography…

While I was away I learned from Danielle Gaudio that the real Mary Delgado, Mary Valli, passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. I only wish I could have met her face to face. I am blessed though to have met Frankie and their daughter Toni…May we do you justice on stage. Love, Jennifer

P.S. It’s an honor playing you every night.