Two on the Aisle: an interview with Nathan Lucrezio of “Jersey Boys” at Paper Mill Playhouse

Nathan Lucrezio, appearing in the new Paper Mill Playhouse production of Jersey Boys, has been a working entertainer for over 15 years. The Cambridge, NY native began dancing at age 11. Shortly after earning his BFA from Penn State’s Musical Theater Program, Nathan was cast in the national tour of A Chorus Line.

Nathan’s online music video series led to the 2019 release of his solo album Nathan Lucrezio Covers Vol. 1. In 2022, he premiered his one-man cabaret show The Rifferdancer, featuring music by such artists as Adele, Sam Smith, and Beyoncé, in New York. He followed that in 2023 with an industry reading of his original musical UnHeard, inspired by his own life story. 

He recently starred on Broadway in The Who’s Tommy and Diana The Musical, and was featured in Billy Porter’s The Life at New York City Center in 2022. As Jersey Boys heads towards its first preview, the handsome and multi-talented Nathan took time from his busy schedule to answer a few questions.

What was it that got you interested in show business? Who inspired or encouraged you most?

Nathan Lucrezio:  I’ve always had an interest in theater and performing. Ever since I was three years old, I would dance around my house and sing, so it didn’t come as a surprise when I started going down the showbiz route. My older sister was involved with the high school theater department, and she played Anita in West Side Story. From that production on, I was hooked. 

My parents truly fostered my talent and let me dream big growing up. They always supported whatever endeavor I wanted to pursue and considering they are musicians themselves, they welcomed any performing opportunity that I was passionate about. 

Take me through a day in the life of an ensemble member of Jersey Boys.

NL: Daily life is quite simple, to be honest. It starts the night before when we get our daily call from the stage manager. Whatever my call time is the next day, I plan to go to the gym before. This usually involves a stretching warm up, cardio, and a brief lifting session to get myself warmed up. 

Then it’s off to our rehearsal studio. We start with learning the specific scenes on the list for that day and if it involves me as my character Norman Waxman or others, I’m up and doing my job. When I’m not in the scene I’m usually watching the two other principal tracks I understudy, Bob Crewe and Gyp DeCarlo. I’ll sit and write notes in my tracking sheet I’ve created so I stay up to date on everything. Twice I’ve already had to fill in for those characters at rehearsal so it’s important to stay ahead of the game! 

Then after rehearsal it’s off to review material from the day, or catch up with friends or other work I need to get to in the evening. And that’s a day at Jersey Boys!

What do you enjoy most about doing Jersey Boys here in New Jersey?

NL: What I enjoy most is that I’m getting the chance to do Jersey Boys IN New Jersey. I’ve always wanted to work at Paper Mill Playhouse and do Jersey Boys, so it’s two new opportunities at the same time! I’ve seen many shows at Paper Mill, and I think the town is quite charming so I’m just excited to be here for this season. Plus, this cast is incredible and the Jersey crowd is in for a real treat.

I notice your biography mentions your original musical UnHeard. Can you tell us a little more about it, and what the next step in the process is?

UnHeard is a musical I’ve been developing over the years based on my story as a cancer survivor. When I was 19 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent chemotherapy as well as an abdominal surgery. The show takes place over these events and how cancer manifests into an actual character behind the trauma. Our next step is to do a second developmental reading and then package the show in such a way that it can be brought to a commercial audience. It has been a labor of love putting this musical together and I’ve had some incredible actors take part in the process. I can’t wait to see where it goes in the future! 

Do you have any advice for young LGBTQ people who want to have a career in show business?

NL: The same advice I would give to anyone who wanted to have a career in show business — it’s all about perseverance! Work hard at your craft, and enjoy the process along the way. If you are passionate about what you do, you’ll find a way into this business that brings you joy and a group of incredible artists! Theater loves the young LGBTQ people, so know that you are very much accepted into the fold and that it wants to hear your story. So share it!

What is the one question you wish someone would ask you, but nobody has?  (And, of course, what’s the answer?)

NL: Did you ever live in New Jersey? The answer is …Yes! For three years in my early 20’s, in Union City. 

You can see Nathan Lucrezio in Jersey Boys at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn through Nov. 3, 2024. For more information about the show, visit papermill.org. For more about Nathan, visit his website at nathanlucrezio.com.