Alright I’ve been putting off writing about my last day, last show etc… cuz I’m still savoring and reflecting on it, in between unpacking 8 boxes of ‘things’ I’ve somehow accumulated over the past 2 years and 7 months.
I still marvel at how Tim and I agreed I would give it 6 months, and as we approached the Tony Award Season it lingered on longer, as hopes of a Tony circulated, and than the Grammy’s, and singing on the Today Show, Letterman Show, performing on Radio City’s Stage and on TV for everyone I ever knew, those who raised me, taught me, befriended me, crossed my path…could see on National TV.
Meeting Frankie Valli, Bob and Judy Gaudio, Tommy Devito, Joe Pesci, Robert DeNiro, Martin Scorsese, Tom Hanks, Kevin Costner, Bruce Willis, Bruce Springsteen, Bettte Midler, Diana Ross, Susan Sarandon, Sara Jessica Parker, Goldie Hawn, Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas, Antonio Banderas, Glenn Close, Robin WIlliams, Betsey Johnson, John Stamos, Dion, Richie Sambora, Nicole Kidman…etc.. come on…this is ridiculously cool…and the hundreds who didn’t come back stage for whatever reason..
The friends I made in the cast will always be part of my DNA, how could they not. Starting at La Jolla, when things could change on a daily basis, One time I came back for lunch and was suddenly assigned the lead on My Boyfriends Back..that was always a bit tricky in La Jolla, because I have the fastest quick change in the show of 9 to 11 seconds, to throw that costume and wig off and get into my Mary Delgado robe and hair and attack Frankie…to disguise me in La Jolla they had me wearing sunglasses in that scene for a while..singing and dancing that song..lol.
The wardrobe and hair department and props become tight family too, because your very life depends on total trust in their competence..and they were the best. The hardest workers around, with no time for whining or complaining. And we all bonded even more during the 3 week strike. In fact it was a wonderful opportunity to actually have that length of time to get to know about them and their families, who we would meet on the strike line.
And the 4 of us girls, in the smallest dressing room in the theatre. But very close to the stage so we wouldn’t have to climb the stairs in our 3 1/2 inch heels. If the audience could see the hijinks, and drama that occurred backstage and even in our dressing room? priceless ..
To all the Frankies I kissed before…starting with David Norona who’s now in Lipstick Jungle.. Dominic Nolfi who is our unsung hero from La Jolla to now, JLY serious and dreamy and consistently fantastic, Michael Longoria, hilarious comedian backstage than pulls it all together to become Frankie, Matthew Scott, so young, great actor, lovely voice, Travis Cloer..whose voice must surely reflect Gods..effortless, fun, on stage and off..a true buddy, Cory Grant..who I loved doing the scenes with ,cuz he surprised me with little details that no one else played.. and Eric Schneider..who sadly I never got to play with because he hasn’t gone on yet… What a lucky girl am I?
Our stage mgrs..PSM Michelle Bosch , who has invited me over to every major holiday to feast on her unbelievable dinners and baked goods and hospitality, to tall Reupert who makes me laugh, and does her job effortlessly and always with a sense of humor, to sweet Jason who has photos of his little girls placed everywhere, that gives him balance and perspective, and Richard Hestor , who used to run our ship but did his job so impeccably that now he masters all the JBOYS ships… to Sandy Carlson our fearless company mgr, who I adore.. she and Tim Sulka have always come thru with getting me last minute house seats.. and all the details of their job done w/out complaint. And Sandy always went the extra mile with me and made this transition so easy and enjoyable.
To Michael David, and Lauren Mitchell and Sally Morse and Ed Strong.. what can I say.. I worked with them years ago as a young girl during Big River, but this time as an adult I can truly appreciate them and see the love they have had and the belief in this show since its conception..and look how it payed/paid off…
To Des, who looked beyond my natural personality, and somehow saw I could play a sassy, bitch with a heart of gold. Who inspires me continuously with his ideas and ever moving work..and energy…and joy. To Ron Melrose who went days without sleep to construct and form the music along with Steve Orich (who I also adore) in La Jolla, and before Broadway with Bob Gaudio.. I see how hard work can truly pay off.
To Bob and Judy Gaudio.. whom I had the privilege to get to know. His ear and eye for detail, untouchable; her taste and wit so fun to be around. To Frankie Valli , who has always known who I was, and the week before I left , left me with unforgettable words of praise , wisdom and direction…I was humbled but what I garnered from him.
To the fans, some who have become my life long friends…you know who you are… I love you dearly.. Thank you for your support, emails, letters, gifts, showing up at my cabarets, showing up nightly..going broke to show up for us.. thank you..I wouldn’t be writing or performing without you. Thank you
I’m sure i’ll remember more and talk about the last show and stuff as time goes by..but that’s a good start.. Thankfulness..and Love , JENNIFER NAIMO MORALES
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