Arts & Entertainment

Crewe club

Gay actor plays fey in long-running ‘Jersey Boys’

Published

14 years ago

November 17, 2011

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.”

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FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Calendar

Calendar: May 1-7

LGBTQ events in the days to come

Published

29 minutes ago

May 1, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Friday, May 1

Go Gay DC will host “First Friday LGBTQ+ Community Social” at 7 p.m. at Silver Diner Ballston. 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.

“Illusions The Drag Queen Show Washington, D.C.” will be at 7 p.m. at 2323 18th St., N.W. Come see this amazing D.C. drag show and laugh all night long while being amazed by the stellar performances in tribute to some of your old-time favorite classics as well as the latest pop favorites. Come see the likes of Madonna, Cher, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, Beyoncé, Pink, and many more. Tickets are $12.97 and are available on Eventbrite.

Saturday, May 2

Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Community Brunch” at 11:00a.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.

Drag Queen Sip and Paint Washington DC will be at 4 p.m. at Town Tavern DC. This event combines the joy of painting with the lively energy of a drag queen, offering an hour and a half of fun, creativity, and entertainment. Participants paint a canvas while enjoying cocktails, all under the guidance of a glamorous drag queen host. Tickets are $47.19 and are available on Eventbrite.

Monday, May 4

“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, May 5

Universal Pride Meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This group seeks to support, educate, empower, and create change for people with disabilities. For more details, email [email protected].

Wednesday, May 6

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.

Center Aging Women’s Social and Discussion Group will be at 6 p.m. on Zoom. This group is a place where older LGBTQ+ women can meet and socialize with one another. There will be discussion, activities, and a chance for guests to share what they want future events to include. For more information, email [email protected].

Thursday, May 7

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 p.m. 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.

Photos

PHOTOS: 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch

Logan Stone leads new show at Red Bear Brewing

Published

2 days ago

April 29, 2026

Michael Key

The inaugural 90's Flahsback Drag Brunch was held at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The new monthly 90’s Flashback Drag Brunch premiered at Red Bear Brewing Co. on Sunday, April 26. Performers included Logan Stone, Tiffany D. Carter and Charlemagne Chateau.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Celebrity News

Madonna makes rare club appearance in West Hollywood

Gay icon brought ‘Confessions II’ to The Abbey

Published

3 days ago

April 28, 2026

Alexander Rodriguez

Madonna takes the dance floor at The Abbey in West Hollywood, Calif., on April 25, 2026. (Los Angeles Blade photo)

A line of celebrities, “Drag Race” queens, influencers, media, and West Hollywood socialites lined the block around West Hollywood’s The Abbey, all clamoring to get into the invite-only celebration of owner Tristan Schukraft’s birthday. The rumor, which became verified gossip, was that Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself, would be taking the stage. Of course, the Blade had to be there.

With disco balls and Abbey statues covered in pink chiffon, it was clear. This party was a direct tie-in to Madonna’s much-anticipated “Confessions on A Dance Floor” album sequel, “Confessions II.” That night, the Abbey also unveiled its remodeled dance floor, a fitting collaboration.

The club was filled to capacity with a completely open bar, keeping the crowd liquored up. Go-go dancers in black leather collars and thongs lined the room, and celebrities that included Lilly Allen, Bebe Rexha, Tori Spelling, Julia Fox, Sam Asghari, Daniel Frenzese, Cynthia Bailey, Meredith Marks, Tom Daley, and more filled the VIP booths alongside World of Wonder personalities. It was a veritable who’s who of queer folk and allies.

The lights began to dim, the dance floor began to rumble, and Madonna graphics hit the screens. At around 1 am, it was time. Introduced by Addison Rae, Madonna grabbed the mic and started chanting, welcoming her “gays.” The venue resounded in thunderous chants of “freedom,” “mother,” and “bitch.”

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Madonna was not there to perform. She was there to dance. She took the stage for about 15 minutes, keeping the crowd going with her naughty and fun commentary. There is no list that needs to be provided on how Madonna’s career has become part of queer culture. Going back to her dance music roots and going back to her gay fans is smart.

Released in 2005 (yes, it has been that long), “Confessions on a Dance Floor” was an instant hit, with four singles from the album being released. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” topped the charts in 41 countries with Billboard calling it the most successful dance song of the decade. The album had hints of 60s and 70s flair, mixed in with dance music prevalent at that time. The music still dominates at queer clubs across the globe.

Madonna knows we need a little queer joy; she also knows that fans miss the Madonna we all knew and loved. With the nation in such turbulence, we all need some comfort, and going back to a time when we felt safer and had more to celebrate just feels good. For the new album release, she has even partnered with Grindr for a limited edition vinyl release and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Her night at The Abbey presented snippets of her new music mixed in with some of her classics. The new material sounded good, sounded familiar in an exciting way, and shows that this diva has still got it.

“Confessions II” releases on July 3.