Just four months after earning his bachelor’s degree from Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Russell Fischer makes his Broadway debut this week as Joe Pesci in the hit musical Jersey Boys.

It’s an opportunity that almost didn’t happen since he spent the first month after graduation performing with other Westminster students and alumni at the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, S.C., and he missed the show’s casting call.   Determined to at least give it a try, he sent a letter, resume and photograph to the casting director – just in case.  Apparently the producers liked what he sent, and he was asked to come to New York for an audition.  He said that he and the other performers had no idea for which production - Broadway, Las Vegas, Chicago or the tour — they were auditioning. 

“I went into audition totally prepared,” he says, noting his belief in the value of hard work.  “I couldn’t believe it when they called and wanted me for the Broadway cast!”  he exclaims.    In addition to the role of Pesci, he will also understudy the lead role of Frankie Vallie.

Fischer is the second Westminster graduate performing in Jersey Boys.  Ron Melrose, who received his master’s degree from Westminster, is the musical director.

Read about Russell in the Jersey Boys Blog

Read about Russell on app.com.