Las Vegas Weekly

August 10, 2009 · 6:30 AM

Las Vegas offers Four Seasons for Jersey Boys star Deven May

By Robin Leach

Deven May and Tommy DeVito during Jersey Boys' first anniversary celebration. Deven portrays Tommy in Jersey Boys at the Palazzo.

Photo: Kirvin Doak Communications

While Mr. Vegas DeLuxe Robin Leach is on vacation and attempting to work as little as possible from afar, Vegas DeLuxe will be featuring celebrity guest columnists for the first half of this month until Robin’s return. If you’re knowledgeable about Las Vegas, the names should be familiar. Today, it’s talented actor Deven May, who portrays Tommy DeVito in the award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys in the Palazzo.

By Deven May

Hey, guys, Deven May from Jersey Boys here offering you a little glimpse into my life in Sin City.

What it’s like backstage before starting Jersey Boys

It’s 6:30 p.m., and the half hour has just been called, meaning Jersey Boys is about to rekindle days gone by for some 1,700 audience members at the Palazzo (the show is dark Wednesdays). It’s amazing and exciting to hear the roar of the crowd before we start the show. Clapping, whistles, the sounds of anxious patrons ready for a good time. I just hope they’re not expecting something like Thunder From Down Under. Every night, it’s a rush to star in this show and tell the unknown tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

Photo: Kirvin Doak Communications

Jersey Boys cast members Jason Martinez, Erich Bergen, Travis Cloer and Deven May flank Carrie Underwood.

The best part of being cast in the Las Vegas company

One of the best things about playing Tommy DeVito in Las Vegas is getting to hang with the real Tommy DeVito -- talk about a history lesson! I had the pleasure of going to lunch with Tommy and former Four Season band mate Joe Long. It was like the Joe and Tommy Show. They were cutting up, hitting on girls, and in case you’re wondering, yes, Tommy still has it. Good times. Getting to meet celebrities also is a hoot. We have met sports greats like Pete Rose, sirens of country music like Carrie Underwood, and everyone in between. It’s a real treat to get to sit down and chat with them about, well, anything they want really. Let’s just say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas … oh, yes.

Viva Las Vegas … of course!

I love Las Vegas. Do I need to say anymore? OK, I will. Working here is like giving a kid a million bucks to buy toys. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want. The regular tourist in Las Vegas sees a lot, but not the whole shebang. Only the most cunning of weekenders has the lowdown.

Life away from the Strip: a confession

Photo: Kirvin Doak Communications

Jersey Boys cast members Travis Cloer, Jeff Leibow, Deven May and Mike Backes flank baseball legend Pete Rose.

Living in Las Vegas isn’t only about the allure of the casinos and nightlife. I have a little confession to make: I love yoga. Bikram yoga. I know, you’re probably saying to yourself, “Yoga? In the desert in August?” And I say yes! Yoga allows me to eat at some of my favorite places and still fit into my costumes each night. I can’t get enough of the nature trails and hiking throughout the valley. A great place to go is Gold Strike Hot Springs, a hike of about 5 miles there and back with the reward of dipping into the cool Colorado River and seven natural hot springs. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a rush.

Life away from Jersey Boys

One of my proudest achievements here in Las Vegas is my work with PBS. I have started to work with their program to fight obesity in the Las Vegas valley. I am of the belief that everyone can achieve a healthy state no matter what his or her obstacles are. I hope that the generations to come can keep mindful of their bodies so they can use their minds to the fullest.

Photo: Isaac Brekken

Jeff Leibow, Rick Faugno, Erich Bergen and Deven May in Jersey Boys at the Palazzo.

Insider tips from a Jersey Boy

My favorite home away from home is First Food & Bar in the Palazzo. You can see any, if not all, of the Jersey Boys there most nights of the week. But for luxurious treats, I can’t get enough of Woo just upstairs from our theater. One word: Delish!

I love the possibilities that Las Vegas has to offer. Not only am I part of a show that is rocking the Strip, but I get to work with some of the best up-and-coming entertainment producers in this part of the country. Erich Bergen, who plays Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys, is producing a Michael Jackson charity tribute concert on Mr. Jackson’s birthday Aug. 29 at the Palms. Check it out, peeps! It’s going to be a magnificent celebration of Michael Jackson’s life and work.

Photo: Isaac Brekken

Rick Faugno, Erich Bergen, Deven May and Jeff Leibow of Jersey Boys in the Palazzo.

It’s a dog-eat-dog world, as our guest celebrity columnist Napoleon will tell you as he talks about his owner, Peepshow star Holly Madison. Don’t worry, though: Napoleon’s bark is louder than his bite!

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

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