‘Jersey Boys’ cast member Jeff Leibow summons the crew for a worthy cause

By John Katsilometes

Friday, June 10, 2011 | 2:17 p.m.

It’s a disease whose very name is almost indecipherable and unpronounceable at first glance: neurofibromatosis.

But sadly, Jeff Leibow of the cast of “Jersey Boys” at the Palazzo and his wife, Melody, have become experts on the condition. The description is painful even to read: “NF,” as it is commonly known, is a genetic disorder that attacks the nervous system to the point that the tumor suppressor gene is disabled. That means, without warning, tumors can surface and grow on any nerve in the body.

The Leibows’ daughter, Emma, who turns 2 on June 28, suffers from NF. She was diagnosed at 9 months old, and Jeff and Melody have been immersed in her care ever since. Doing what he does best, Leibow is doing the song-and-dance thing Sunday at the Las Vegas Hilton in the first “NF Hope Concert” at the Hilton Theater.

The show starts at 1:30 p.m., and tickets are $39 (absent fees). Call 732-5755, or go to the Las Vegas Hilton Web site.

Improv comic Matt Donnelly and KTNV Channel 13 anchor Lisa Remillard are emceeing the show. Leibow has summoned his “Jersey Boys” cast mates Rick Faugno, Deven May and Peter Saide to perform “When You’re Smiling.” Leibow also has lassoed Rich Little (whose run at Riviera ends Sunday night), Golden Nugget’s Gordie Brown, Imperial Palace’s Human Nature, members of “The Lion King” at Mandalay Bay and “Phantom -- the Las Vegas Spectacular” at the Venetian.

A silent auction, filled with tickets to shows and coupons for restaurants, hotel stays and spa visits, also is on the table.

“We just wanted to raise money and awareness for NF Inc.,” Leibow said, referring to the national organization assisting those affected by, and afflicted with, NF. “We’re doing what we know how to do, which is bring performers together to raise money.”

Aside from raising money to help a disease that has stricken more than 100,000 people nationwide, Leibow has a clear objective entering Sunday’s show.

“We want to make this an annual event,” he said, “at least as long as I’m here.”

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