By TR Robertson
Get ready for an iconic evening filled with memorable songs from the 1960’s as The Midtown Men return to Moonlight Amphitheatre for a performance on Monday, July 29th. The Midtown Men is formed by the Original Cast of La Jolla Playhouse and the Tony Award winning Broadway production of the jukebox musical “Jersey Boys”. The group consists of Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Robert “Bobby” Spencer, who portray the members of the 1950’s-1960’s singing group, The Four Seasons, including Frankie Vali, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVitto and Nick Massi. “Jersey Boys” won 4 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and 2 Drama Desk Awards. It premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2004 and opened on Broadway in 2005 at the August Wilson Theatre.
With the continued success of the performance of music from groups like The Four Seasons and other groups from the 60’s, the four original members decided to take the show on the road with the creation of The Midtown Men and present a show that would include a number of Greatest Hits of the 60’s. Since their beginning, some 13 years ago, The Midtown Men have performed over 1,200 shows around the country, bringing audiences to their feet with the energy, talent and for many in the audience, a flashback to a time when Rock n” Roll was taking over the country.
The Midtown Men will return to Vista, in the Moonlight Amphitheatre, on Monday, July 29th, in the continuance of Moonlight’s Concert Series. In a recent phone interview with Robert “Bobby” Spencer, who played Bassist Nick Massi in “Jersy Boys”, he expressed his delight and enthusiasm about bringing the sound of the 60’s back to Vista. Bobby said they are performing around 60-80 shows in the U.S. each year, traveling across the country. He also said he believes they are the only former original Broadway group that is performing a show like this for audiences. Bobby wanted everyone to know that the Midtown Men performance is unlike any other show, presenting music of the 60’s, that they will see anywhere else, and the show is for all generations to enjoy. He said his success in “Jersey Boys” led to another Broadway appearance as Dan Goodman, the father, in the award-winning play, “Next to Normal”, in 2009. It was in 2010 that the idea was born by the original members of the “Jersey Boys” cast to present an upbeat, show that would cover a range of popular songs from the 60’s and the ideas of Midtown Men was born.
The great voices and harmony of the original “Jersey Boys” cast will be on display in a variety of popular 60’s songs. Some of the songs the audience may hear on July 29th include “Get Ready by the Temptations, “Can’t Buy Me Love” by the Beatles, “Ain’t That Peculiar” by Marvin Gaye, “Up on the Roof” by The Drifters, “California Dreamin’” by Barry McGuire, “River Deep-Mountain High” by Ike and Tina Turner, “The Tears of a Clown” by Smokey Robinson, “Time of the Season” by The Zombies, “Groovin’” by The Young Rascals and many more will fill the sounds of Moonlight for the evening. The 90-minute performance will also include music provided by a 7-piece band accompanying the Midtown Men. Bobby wanted to make sure everyone attending knows dancing and singing along with the songs is permitted. Kids, teenagers, parents, baby boomers, grandparents, everyone will love the performance.
Tickets for the Midtown Men Concert performance on July 29th can be purchased at 760-724-2110 or go to www.moonlightstage.com . Enjoy an evening where the music will take you back to another musical time period and get away from all of the real world problems for 90 music filled minutes.
For more information go to www.jrobertspencer.com or www.themidtownmen.com
