In a move that is a surprise to anyone except those close to the production, Erich Bergen has quietly left "Jersey Boys," the Frankie Valli and the Four Season production at the Palazzo. Bergen was publicly active in his role as Bob Gaudio as recently as Sept. 9, when the cast appeared on "America's Got Talent," but word from those familiar with the show is that his departure was long anticipated. It was first made public today on a Twitter update by KVBC Channel 3 entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs.
No official reason was given for the decision to remove Bergen from the cast, but a spokeswoman for the production said the terms of his departure are being negotiated between him and the co-producers of the show, BASE Entertainment and Dodger Properties. Both sides have agreed not to discuss details of the turn of events outside those negotiations (Bergen did not return a phone call for comment today).
Bergen is one of the more active entertainers on the Strip, frequently performing outside his "Jersey Boys" portrayal. He's been instrumental in staging charity showcases at the Liberace Museum and recently helped produce the Michael Jackson tribute at the Palms, which reportedly raised more than $100,000 for arts programs in the Clark County School District.
Update: The original version of this story reported BASE Entertainment as the sole producer of the Las Vegas version of "Jersey Boys." Dodger Properties co-produces the production at the Palazzo.
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