As the holidays approach, the center is thrilled to welcome The Midtown Men for a night of festive fun! After originating the lead roles of Jersey Boys on Broadway, The Midtown Men formed their skilled vocal group, specializing in 1960s hits, and of course, holiday favorites. They became the first vocal group formed from the principal cast of a successful Broadway show. We asked the group — formed by Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard, and J. Robert Spencer — a number of questions about their lives, careers, and love for holiday hits. Here are their answers.
How did your group have to adapt during the pandemic?
The Midtown Men: We had been touring together for over ten years; so at first, it was a relief to have some more time at home with our loved ones. As the months went by, we had to keep the music going in our heads while at a standstill.
Could you talk a little about how the group met and your time spent on the Broadway show Jersey Boys?
The Midtown Men: We were all cast in the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys together. Throughout our time on Broadway, we enjoyed the thrill of telling the story of the Four Seasons together night after night, as well as performing on some of the biggest television programs at the time. We were living the dream, and every night we had an amazing celebrity or show business icon in the crowd, and it was just fun. It was also a lot of hard work, and it’s been that way on the road too.
How did the group decide to create Midtown Men?
The Midtown Men: By the end of our time on Broadway in Jersey Boys, people started asking us to sing at their events. We then started getting invited to sing at casinos and then performing arts centers. It just happened. After a little while, we had a show that we hadn’t even known we’d been creating. Then we hit the road and have performed in more places than we could have dreamed.
Since your show at DPAC is centered on holiday hits, what’s the group’s favorite holiday song to sing together?
The Midtown Men: We love them all for different reasons, but one we particularly enjoy is the hit song “All Alone on Christmas” by the E Street Band’s frontman Stevie van Zandt. We recorded it with him, as well as members of the E Street and Saturday Night Live bands.
Does the group have a shared favorite or memorable performance thus far?
The Midtown Men: We sang at the White House for the National Christmas Tree Lighting one year with the likes of Jason Mraz, James Taylor, and others. Our first big show in NYC was at the Beacon Theatre, and that was a dream come true since many iconic artists — such as Steely Dan and Adele — have played in that room. Our engagement at the Kennedy Center with the National Symphony was also a highlight.
What’s your advice to aspiring artists, specifically those pursuing a career in Broadway?
The Midtown Men: You have to get to know the music and history of Broadway, from the classics to what’s going on today. Be a sponge. Learn a lot. Take classes. Take lessons. Be open-minded. Be yourself!
We are so grateful to every member of The Midtown Men for their fascinating and thoughtful answers, and we can’t wait to welcome them to the DPAC stage on November 28! Remember to reserve your tickets soon for a song-filled kick-off to the holiday season.
