Monday, June 12, 2006

“We Are Most Happy”

From the New York Times:

Despite the carping about jukebox musicals and a contest that seemed to gain heat by the minute, “Jersey Boys,” the surprise hit about the Four Seasons as told through their songs, won the big prize — best musical — at last night’s Tony Awards, as well as three more, including best actor for John Lloyd Young [left] and, in one of the night’s several upsets, best featured actor for Christian Hoff.

“On behalf of the entire and most jubilant ‘Jersey Boys’ family, our profound thanks for this honor,” said Michael David, president of Dodger Theatricals, a producer of the musical. Mr. David also thanked the three living members of the Four Seasons, onstage with him, who “actually lived the story we told.”

“Many of you fought in the trenches with us this season fighting for your own dreams,” Mr. David said to the audience. “We are most happy.”

[…]

Mr. Young, who plays Frankie Valli — and, yes, he hits all those notes — came out on top in a tough category that included a major Broadway player in Michael Cerveris (“Sweeney Todd”) and a concert star in Harry Connick Jr. (“The Pajama Game”). He also won over Stephen Lynch (“The Wedding Singer”) and Bob Martin (“Drowsy”), who, like everyone in the category but Mr. Cerveris, were making their Broadway debuts.

Yip yah!