Most people know Erich Bergen as one of the stars of the popular TV show “Madam Secretary,’’ or from the 2014 movie “Jersey Boys,’’ where he played the role of Bob Gaudio — a role he also brought to the stage on national “Jersey Boys’’ tours. The New York City native (and current resident) is a testicular cancer survivor. He will be in Boston May 1 to emcee the 11th annual Music Heals the Soul fund-raiser at the Fairmount Copley Plaza. He will also perform songs from “Jersey Boys’’ at the event that benefits the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “Music was instrumental in my healing process,’’ said Bergen, 32. “My first job after going through surgery and chemotherapy was the film of “Jersey Boys,’’ so the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons changed my life a few times. I think all art has a way of healing — but especially music. I’m not religious in any sense, but that sensation you feel when a chord changes from major to minor, or when a song can make you cry or make you feel empowered . . . that’s the perfect combo of science and God. That and a little bit of luck can get you through almost anything.’’ We caught up with Bergen to talk about all things travel.
Favorite vacation destination? I think it’s in the future. Truth be told, I haven’t vacationed much in my life. I decided to change that recently and I’m taking myself on vacation to Italy next month for the first time. I haven’t even been yet, but I can already tell it’s going to be my favorite travel destination.
Favorite food or drink while vacationing? Anything with extra gluten, sugar, and calories. Because scientifically speaking, food eaten on vacation doesn’t count.
Where would you like to travel to but haven’t? There’s a place called Giraffe Manor in Kenya that is my idea of heaven. It’s a small hotel but also serves as a home to many giraffes that put their heads through your hotel window and lick your face to wake you up in the morning. I think giraffes are the most magnificent and hilarious creatures in the world and I think I’d like to co-habitat with them for a moment.
One item you can’t leave home without when traveling? Headphones and whatever adapter Apple is making us buy so you can actually plug the headphones in.
Aisle or window? Aisle because I’m 6-foot-3 and unfolding me in and out of plane seats is hard enough as is. At least with the aisle I get a little head start.
Favorite childhood travel memory? Every time my mom and I traveled together on a plane, she would buy a whole set of toys and things for me to play with for the ride, but I wouldn’t get to see what they were until we were on the plane. Right after we got into our seats, before takeoff, I’d lower my tray table and be given the presentation of all these new fantastic mini-toys to occupy my brain for the next several hours. Magical times and a very helpful tip for anyone traveling with kids.
Guilty pleasure when traveling? Honestly, I miss SkyMall. Now where am I supposed to buy a replica of King Tut’s throne and a portable spa all in one shopping trip?
Best travel tip? Take photos, yes, but don’t forget to take some mental photos as well. Put the camera down, stop, look, and breathe. You want the memories, not just souvenirs.
JULIET PENNINGTON
