Arts & Entertainment
Crewe club
Gay actor plays fey in long-running ‘Jersey Boys’
Jonathan Hadley as Bob Crewe in ‘Jersey Boys.’ He says the long-running show has been a blessing. (Photo by Joan Marcus; courtesy Center Stage Marketing)
‘Jersey Boys’
Through Jan. 7
National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
$36.50-$151.50
800-447-7400
nationaltheatre.org
After four years playing in the Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys,” gay actor Jonathan Hadley shows no sign of slowing down.
“My entrance line is, ‘Watch your mouth Toto, you’re not in Newark anymore.’ How great is that?”
Based on audience reaction, it’s pretty great and so is Hadley’s performance as Bob Crewe the flamboyant manager of the legendary Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Hadley’s is a showy supporting part in a terrific production that follows the professional and personal fortunes of the group’s members over four decades (approximately1963-2003). A little limp-wristed and plenty camp, the Crewe character is an integral part of the dream machine that catapults four streetwise Italians boys from New Jersey to the stratosphere with songs like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Stay.”
“Today we’d identify Bob Crewe as a gay man,” Hadley says. “He dated women but he had boyfriends. What’s extraordinary to me is that these tough straight guys totally click with this sort of Paul Lynde type. They accept him for who he is — a talented and brilliant producer, manager and lyricist.”
Without Crewe, there would not be the mega-success and long careers. In addition to managing the group, Crewe wrote great lyrics, Hadley says. For instance, late one night while admiring his sleeping boyfriend, he jotted down a little something titled “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” The song was a huge hit, arguably one of the biggest pop songs ever and unbeknownst to most, it’s basically a gay love song.
Hadley first played Crewe on Broadway, then in Vegas, and for three-and-a-half years he’s been on the road with the national tour.
“It an adjustment. At times [the cast] feels like carnies. But for me it’s been really interesting not only exploring the country but observing how the show plays in different regions. In the Northeast where there are a lot of Italian Americans, audiences totally get the humor. In the South, they sometimes get upset with the language — we’ve had to modify the script in some places. In the Midwest, they respond to the music. They were wild in Omaha. Wherever we are audiences always leap to their feet to applaud at the end.”
He says the music is a guaranteed pick me up.
“Touring can get tiring, but once you’re onstage and the music starts, you get on that train and ride for two-and-a-half hours. Also, it’s easier to remain engaged with ‘Jersey Boys’ because the book is so good. Every night we tell a story about people living their dreams, seeing them fall apart and putting them back together again.”
Hadley has no plans to give up the role anytime soon. On tour breaks back home in New York City, Hadley sometimes stops by Splash for a drink. Out-of-work actors with an eye on playing Crewe will ask if he’s ready to leave the show. He simply says “Not yet” and buys them a drink.
Growing up in Charlotte, N.C., as part of a theatrical family — more academic (instructors and heads of drama departments) than show biz — Hadley began acting in plays as a child. He did a lot of community theater before studying classically at North Carolina School of the Arts. After graduating, Hadley headed to Broadway and began working right away.
His first job was “Into the Woods,” the famous Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical.
“I thought, ‘Hey, I can get used to this, and I’ve been doing the New York thing ever since,” he says.
Although Hadley has never met Crewe in person (they’ve exchanged e-mails), he has studied his voice, photos and quotes.
“Crewe started out as a model in L.A., and despite wanting to become a star, he ended up behind the scenes,” Hadley says. “I’ve heard that he’s very pleased with ‘Jersey Boys’ because he’s finally a star. And I like that I play a part in that.”
Friday, April 17
Center Aging Monthly Luncheon With Yoga will be at 12 p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. Email Mac at [email protected] if you require ASL interpreter assistance, have any dietary restrictions, or questions about this event.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Social in the City” at 7 p.m. at Hotel Zena. This is a chance to relax, make new friends, and enjoy happy hour specials at this classic retro venue. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Trans and Genderqueer Game Night will be at 7:00p.m. at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. This is a relaxing, laid-back evening of games and fun. All are welcome and there’ll be card and board games on hand. Feel free to bring your own games to share. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Saturday, April 18
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11 a.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
The DC Center for the LGBT Community will host “Sunday Supper on Saturday” at 2 p.m. It’s more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and invest in something meaningful, and enjoy delicious food, genuine laughter, and conversations that spark connection and inspiration. For more details, visit the Center’s website.
Sunday, April 19
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Lunch” at 11 a.m. at Federico Ristorante Italiano. This fun weekly event brings the DMV area LGBTQ+ community, including allies, together for delicious food and conversation. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Monday, April 20
“Center Aging: Monday Coffee Klatch” will be at 10 a.m. on Zoom. This is a social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults. Guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice. For more information, contact Adam ([email protected]).
Tuesday, April 21
Center Bi+ Roundtable will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is an opportunity for people to gather in order to discuss issues related to bisexuality or as Bi individuals in a private setting.Visit Facebook or Meetup for more information.
Senior Self Defense Class with Avi Rome will be at 12:30 p.m. This inclusive and beginner-friendly class, led by Instructor Avi Rome, offers a light warm-up, stretching, and instruction in basic techniques, patterns, and striking padded targets. Each session is designed to be adaptable for all ability and mobility levels, creating a welcoming space for everyone to build strength, confidence, and community through martial arts. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Wednesday, April 22
Job Club will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom upon request. This is a weekly job support program to help job entrants and seekers, including the long-term unemployed, improve self-confidence, motivation, resilience and productivity for effective job searches and networking — allowing participants to move away from being merely “applicants” toward being “candidates.” For more information, email [email protected] or visit thedccenter.org/careers.
Asexual and Aromantic Group will meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space where people who are questioning this aspect of their identity or those who identify as asexual and/or aromantic can come together, share stories and experiences, and discuss various topics. For more details, email [email protected].
Thursday, April 23
The DC Center’s Fresh Produce Program will be held all day at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. People will be informed on Wednesday at 5:00 pm if they are picked to receive a produce box. No proof of residency or income is required. For more information, email [email protected] or call 202-682-2245.
Virtual Yoga Class will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This free weekly class is a combination of yoga, breath work and meditation that allows LGBTQ+ community members to continue their healing journey with somatic and mindfulness practices. For more details, visit the DC Center’s website.
Out & About
Team DC’s annual gala set for this weekend
LGBTQ sports organization to hold annual ‘Night of Champions’
Team DC will host “Night of Champions Gala” on Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. at the Georgetown Marriott.
This will be an evening of celebration and inspiration as Team DC honors remarkable individuals and supports the next generation of LGBTQ student-athletes.
There will be opportunities to support Team DC through auctions. The Silent Auction items will offer an array of unique goods and experiences. Additionally, Team DC will feature an exclusive selection of live auction items for those looking to make a significant impact.
This year, Team DC will recognize six outstanding awardees who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community and sports:
- Trailblazer Award – Adam Peck, District Wrestling
- Most Valuable Person Award – Sean Bartel (posthumously)
- Champion Award – Dan Martin
- Clark Ray Horizon Award – Manuel Montelongo, aka Mari Con Carne
- Bernard Jude Delia Award – Dr. Sara Varghai
- Platinum All Star Award – Centaur Motorcycle Club
To purchase tickets, visit Team DC’s website.
Television
‘The Pitt’ stars discuss what season two gets right about queer representation
Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden spoke with Blade in LA
As season two of “The Pitt” comes to a close this Thursday, stars Noah Wyle and Taylor Dearden are looking back on what this season got right about queer representation.
“There is some intentionality behind it, but it’s not necessarily for the representation to be anything other than human or ubiquitous to anyone that would come into an emergency room,” Noah Wyle, who plays Dr. Robby, told the Los Angeles Blade at PaleyFest event in Los Angeles on April 12. “I know that we’ve done some storylines with some gay couples, and we did a storyline in season 1 where a woman comes in who’s cut her arm, who’s trans. But in both of those storylines, that wasn’t the point.”
Wyle continues, “In doing it that way, and not making a point of orientation being part of the problem that brings you to the emergency room, we have been told in feedback that that has been extremely revolutionary, almost, and extremely appreciated. But that’s true whether we do storylines with any kind of minority or a person with a disability. We try to have a cosmology of cast and representation on the show that’s indicative of what you find in Pittsburgh.”
Dearden, who plays Dr. Mel King, echoed Wyle’s sentiment: “I think constantly battling tropes is always important. It’s not a show about romance; it’s a show about real life and a shift in the ER. The more we represent everyday people going through everyday life, they just happen to be queer, they just happen to be trans, and making it not the plot, is putting everyone on equal playing [field]. You don’t have to have a big coming out scene.”
Queer representation on “The Pitt” is also notable through the actual actors themselves, including openly queer actor Supriya Ganesh, who plays Dr. Samira Mohan (who didn’t attend PaleyFest after the news that she is not returning for season three), and Amielynn Abellera, who plays Perlah Alawi.
“Doctors don’t put value judgments on who they treat,” Wyle concludes. “That’s not a luxury extended to them, and so that’s not part of our storytelling.”
The season two finale will air Thursday, April 16, on HBO Max, while season three has already been confirmed and is currently being written.
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