Although I only had the privilege of meeting her once, no book about Jersey Boys would be complete without a mention of Lindsay Thomas. Lindsay appeared a few times in my journal entries before I knew her story. But her story has since touched every member of the Jersey Boys family.
Lindsay was born in Edmonton, Alberta and attended the famed musical theatre program at Sheridan College in Toronto, Ontario. Shortly after graduating, Lindsay earned a role in Hairspray, performing the show on Broadway, in Toronto, and on the US National Tour. She came back to Canada to perform for several seasons at the Stratford Festival, leaving only when she was cast in Jersey Boys: Toronto as Francine.
I am told that her smile around the theatre was infectious, that her laugh filled the entire (very long) hallway. I am told that she treated everyone with respect and admiration, from her directors to the lady who cleaned her dressing room.
But there was something wrong. While she was in great shape and could sing the hell out of anything (especially “My Boyfriend’s Back”), Lindsay was feeling sick. Unusually sick. She had a cough that would not go away, and it was not explainable until her doctors discovered Stage IV lung cancer in this 31-year-old girl who, according to her friends, didn’t even smoke.
Lindsay whipped off her wig during the few minutes I was able to meet her, glad to show off her funky, bald look. And I’m not going to lie, she looked pretty cute bald. She was feisty, that’s for sure. But sadly, she lost her battle with cancer on February 3rd, 2010.
I do not feel right sharing too much about Lindsay, for I am not one who knew her well. But I can attest absolutely and wholeheartedly to the effect she has had on those who work for Jersey Boys. She was loved, and she remains loved. She has made many people reconsider their own outlook on life and its uncertainties. She has made many people re-visit the love in their life. And she has made many people appreciate their time in the show, appreciate being able to live their dream while they can. And whenever something seems impossible, all we really need to do is remember Lindsay and all that she could do (all that she could sing) while fighting her faltering health. She sang with love and a smile. Would that we could all manage to do just that.