Hodges and Hodges Set the Stage for JERSEY BOYS Coming Soon to Broadway San Jose!

Hodges and Hodges Set the Stage for JERSEY BOYS Coming Soon to Broadway San Jose!

If you're looking to rock out and do the twist then Jersey Boys is the show to see. This musical tells the story of the 1960's rock 'n roll sensation The Four Seasons and their rise to stardom. They were just four guys from Jersey, singing under a streetlamp and from that humble beginning they became an international sensation. The show is presented in four "seasons" in which each band member takes a turn telling their tale, giving their own insights into the band's music and inner conflicts. Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical for 2005, Jersey Boys was recently released as a film!

What to watch for - from Nick:

With a show that's based on a real group, you've always got to be watchful of two things; whether or not they can match the real band's distinctive sound while being able to inject a new vibe to old tunes to keep current audiences interested. We've heard the songs a thousand times. Now we want to hear them like it's the first time.

What to watch for - from Linda:

Choreographer Sergio Trujillo was nominated for a Drama Desk and Laurence Olivier Award (the British Tony) for Choreography. Watch for smooth moves with lots of energy; song and dance is what it's all about, especially with this jukebox musical. And be on the lookout for the Joe Pesci cameo (no, not the actual star, Joe Pesci). He was a friend of band member Tommy DeVito's and introduced him to future band member Bob Gaudio.

Get pumped and primed for Jersey Boys ahead of time.

Get into the mood by singing Karaoke! With songs like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," you and your friends will be singing the night away even before you get to the theater. Which one of you can hit those amazingly high notes and sound like a star!? Who's got the best Franki Valli falsetto? San Jose has an assortment of karaoke bars to visit like 7 Bamboo, Music Tunnel KTV Cafe, and Kor Karaoke. Hit the mic and hit the stage before you hit the show!

"Do" it up right. If you really want to make a show of going to the show, then doing your own do in an iconic 60's hair style is the way to "grow!" With styles like the Bee Hive, the Bob, and the Bouffant, (lots of "B" hairdos) make a 1960's splash and enjoy the looks of astonishment as you strut into the theater looking cool.

Going out for dinner before the show? Italian-born lead singer Franki Valli says that there wasn't an Italian dish that his mother couldn't make so why not start you evening with some go Italian food? San Jose has some amazing Italian restaurants and an assortment of Pizzerias. Before they were The Four Seasons they were unknown and poor. So, if you want to experience some great Italian in San Jose on a budget then check out Paradiso Delicatessen & Restaurant, Tony Dimaggio's Pizza, or Tony & Albas Pizza & Pasta. Labeled as the "Best Italian in San Jose" on Yelp, these are Italian joints you can't miss with.

In 1960, after a failed audition at a bowling alley called "The Four Seasons," the band (who were then The Four Lovers) took the bowling alley's name as their own and soon shot into stardom. Paesano Ristorante Italiano in San Jose is an elegant Italian dining establishment that the band might have frequented when they made it big. A beautiful venue with great Italian food.

Knock over a few pins in honor of the Four Seasons. Looking to capture a bit of fun along with an historical twist? 4th Street Bowl in San Jose is a great location to imagine what it was like for The Four Lovers to fail an audition for a bowling alley lounge!

Looking to stay indoors before going out to the theater? Brush up on the 60's with a classic movie or TV show. We recommend "My Cousin Vinnie," starring none other than Joe Pesci! And you can't go wrong with other Pesci favorites, "Once Upon a Time in America" and "Casino." If you're just looking for a Jersey laugh, check out re-runs of "The Jersey Shore" and see how things have changed in Jersey since the 60's.

And for dinner? Italian of course. To start you off, here's Frankie Valli's own secret recipe for Meatballs!

A "whole-lotta" fresh breadcrumbs (about 1½ cups)
About 1 cup milk (warm)
1 lb. ground beef
½ lb. ground pork or veal
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons dried oregano
About 2 cloves of minced garlic
1 extra-large egg, beaten

Step (1) Remove all jewelry, especially rings -- wash hands
Step (2) Soak breadcrumbs in warm milk for a few minutes
Step (3) Add the remaining ingredients and combine with jewelry-free, clean hands
Step (4) Roll mixture into sizeable balls (about 2 inches in diameter)
Step (5) Brown meatballs well in frying pan with olive oil finish cooking in a simmering pan of Italian gravy (i.e. tomato sauce)
Step (6) Serve meatballs (garnish with parsley, freshly grated parmesan) over pasta with a piece of crusty bread on the side.

Now that's Italian. Enjoy...and see you at the show!

Broadway San Jose present JERSEY BOYS, July 15 - 20, 2014
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio and Lyrics by Bob Crewe
Original Director, Des McAnuff
Original choreography by Sergio Trujillo
www.braodwaysanjose.com/jersey-boys/

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