Broadway's Rock Star - J. Robert Spencer

For J. Robert Spencer, the journey from eager kid with a drum set and aspirations of rock super-stardom to a leading role in one of the biggest Broadway smashes of recent years was one of hard work, humor, inspiration and a dollop of irony. Long before he received accolades for his on-stage portrayal of a rock star, Spencer longed to be a rock star himself.

"When I first heard RUSH's song "Tom Sawyer" on the radio as a kid, that made me want to play drums" explained the remarkably modest actor during a recent backstage visit. "My parents were cool enough to hook me up with a drum set early on, and I started the journey that led to JERSEY BOYS, because if my folks hadn't given me my first set I wouldn't be in this show. Being a musician really helps me on all levels because it's music, it's entertainment, it's art, it's so crucial for the upbringing of someone who wants to pursue these dreams."

Spencer essays the role of real-life rock star, and founding-member of The Four Seasons, Nick Massi with remarkable depth, musicality and a hint of danger. The real Nick Massi was a talented but troubled performer who passed away in 2000 at the age of 73. "He was in and out of jail over something like a 16-year period," said Spencer, "all the way until 'Sherry" broke. It's interesting because I'm a crazy, fun guy and to do this guy is very different for me. That's what I love about it so much."

The troubled personal history of the original band members is unflinchingly portrayed throughout the JERSEY BOYS production. "It works because it's honest," opines Spencer, "it goes back to bravery. Tommy [DeVito] and Frankie [Valli] and Bob [Guadio], just told our writers, Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and our director Des McNuff the stories. There was a lot of ugliness involved, but the only reason this show works is because it not sugar-coated and the audience knows that, it really is real, and it's raw and it happened and that's why it works."

For Spencer, not much has changed since the production departed San Diego for Broadway. "The book was so solid," observed Spencer "the only true difference was John Lloyd Young coming onboard, he wasn't there at La Jolla, but it all worked out great. We all have great chemistry together onstage."  Indeed, the on-stage chemistry between the four actors is reminiscent of the original Four Seasons members themselves.  However, according to Spencer, there are no "rock star" egos amongst the lead performers: "Just like a lot of people, you're in the background, the guy up front is the one getting laid, he's always making more money and everybody wants to do that.  As my character Nick Massey says 'Everybody wants to be up front.' That was Nicky's thing.  What the hell?  You can't have that attitude," Spencer said disapprovingly, "as an actor for a role like this you really have to have no ego.  I once heard a famous actor complimenting another actor," Spencer said recalling a personal anecdote that has served as an admonition, "he said it's not a great role, and he knows this but goes about it with no ego at all and that's why it works.  You have to serve the work, you have to serve the piece, and you can't serve yourself. You have to listen." 

J. Robert Spencer's recent triumphs have come after years of tenacious struggle common to many aspiring performers.  "It turned out so incredible" said Spencer reflecting upon his early performing years, "I was starting out here in New York, everybody auditioning, running all over, getting up at 6 A.M. to stand in line."  Spencer's first break came on the 1997 production of Krieger & Russell's SIDE SHOW. "I was a swing on that show and I remember sitting out in the lobby, watching it all come together, making changes like that," Spencer recalled as he snapped his fingers in the air."The creators working it out right up until the opening. I was like, 'wow, this is how it's done.'  You don't realize this how it happens, you see the genius up close. Then you work on a workshop piece or something, and the writers think they know it all, they won't collaborate, won't change something if it's not working," said Spencer, wincing as he recalled an early bruising experience."  And you know that kind of person is going to be hosting at California Kitchen for the remainder of their life," he said laughing, "collaboration is so important in the art form. It demands it." 

Collaboration is clearly one of Spencer's passions and he shares his success with his longtime friends who are still struggling towards their goal of being performers, writers and filmmakers.In fact, filmmaking is something that Spencer holds as one of his ultimate aspirations. "I could never be seen for film, for whatever reason, I didn't have the right representation, I didn't have this, or whatever."  So when my wife and I went out to LA in 2001," he continued, "I went there solely because I had friends out there writing screenplays, I had written stuff before and I always wanted to write films.  My friends, Jeffrey Schecter (currently starring in the Broadway-bound A CHORUS LINE) and Joshua Wade Miller and I wrote a comedy and for the last three years we've been trying to get the thing financed, but you know "suits" get involved, and suits only get "money", they don't get art."  

Despite his inability to find the right producer for their film, Spencer persevered with ultimately happy results.  "I happened to find a guy that does understand art, has a big heart," said Spencer approvingly, "he loved the script and is funding us this movie. We'll be shooting here in New York City.  It's a feature film; the guy is giving me total control. I'm writing it, acting in it and directing it. He trusts me, and he should!" laughed Spencer.  "I'm finally getting a chance to direct a feature film and I'm doing it my way, but I still have to bust my ass!"  

Spencer's struggle and work ethic are frequent themes that serve to keep him grounded both as a performer and as a person.  Clearly, he feels grateful for the success that has been afforded him thus far.  "People in this gig have to work hard at not taking it for granted, really work hard to appreciate it, because you know there are a lot of guys that they saw for this role, and I'm very, very lucky and I know that. When you get in a situation like this there's just nothing but top-notch people, wonderful people involved.  I have been in casts before where people have this negative attitude and it's like if your not happy doing what your doing, don't do it, don't bring that into anybody's environment.  It's important to remain optimistic and positive through it all.  We're fortunate enough to be in this career, we're gifted and blessed and I couldn't be more grateful that I am right now.I want this message to get out there," said Spencer emphatically."  "I want everybody to feel that way.  I want everyone to feel grateful." 

It is this overwhelming feeling of appreciation for his current success that has driven Spencer, and the entire cast of JERSEY BOYS, to various charitable causes. Collectively, they have appeared at the "Nothing like a Dame" concert, "Broadway Cares", "Broadway Barks", and the "Easter Bonnet" among many other events.  He admits it's been a thrill to be able to do it as a part of the talented quartet that make up the four leads in the hit show, "That's what's been great about the show, being able to do it as a group."Yet Spencer still felt the need to make a donation of his own individual talents.  "I really wanted to do something as well on my own," said Spencer, "my wife, Jenny Lynn Spencer and our friend came up with the idea of a 'JERSEY BOY' helping a "Jersey Boy", and that's what it was, my friend knew some people at Red Bank", (the Red Bank Regional High School in Little Silver, New Jersey) "so we did it there."  Contestants were required to submit essays in response to the query 'Why I Want To Be A Broadway Actor.'  "To be an artist," said Spencer elaborating on why he wanted to reach out to young, aspiring performers, "you have to be brave, have no inhibitions, be very courageous, that's so important to know". 

Spencer smiled widely when relating why Dennis Chambers of Red Bank, New Jersey was ultimately chosen, "…his letter was from the heart, and when we met him the passion was there." Once the group had their winning contestant, everything else seemed to fall into place. They received help from all over the acting community, "we were very fortunate to get help from everywhere, and one of our producers, Ed Strong provided two house seats to our show for Dennis and his aunt, Liz Chambers. Gina Franano, who handles my P.R., secured Sardi's for us for lunch."  Jodi Moore of HAIRSPRAY contributed musically and The Sopranos actor, Dominic Chianese lent his talent in working with the actor in scene study. 

J. Robert was touched at the out pouring of support, "Dominic heard about what we were doing and wanted to be a part of it, he knows how underprivileged the arts are in education, everybody gave and it changed the kids life...and it changed my life too.  I always felt because of the amount of availability you have once you get in a position like I'm in now, it's not really about me anymore.  When you are unemployed it's all about you, because you want that gig, so you can have what every actor dreams of, a single gig in the arts. Actually getting paid for what you love to do, and I always said to myself, as soon as I'm there, 'I've gotta find a way to give back.' 

Still, with all his Broadway success one wonders if Spencer still longs to fulfill his childhood ambition of being a bone fide rock star: "I started out thinking I was going to be a rock star, because I love music so much, then the rock star thing didn't work out so then you cut your hair and cruise back into the acting and then all of a sudden you are in this phenomenon and you're a rock star! But the rock star happens in a completely different way that you thought it was going to.  It happened through being an actor in a show about a rock star and all the dreams I had about being one, the fans screaming, the autographs at the door, the car waiting to ride you home, being on an album that's cruising up the Billboard charts, it's crazy, it's so rock star right?" 

"Yeah," he said with a smile "I'm a Broadway rock star."