JERSEY BOYS, the classic musical about The Four Seasons, is returning to Sydney in September next year. It is great news as the big musicals always present opportunities for young Australian music theatre talent.
Early in the week the producers announced the performers who have been selected to play the four band members who came from the wrong side of the tracks and went on to achieve world-wide fame. Following on from the announcement the promoter organised the lucky four to do a series of media interviews.
I pitched up a little early for my interview slot, with interviews held at the Sofitel Wentworth. The boys arrived a tad late from a radio interview they had on 2CH with one of the icons of Sydney radio, Bob Rogers, who still has a prime time spot on mainstream Sydney radio in his early nineties!
They did get around to having a brief chat with me and their enthusiasm for the production shone through.
WAAPA graduate Bernard Angel will play the prized role of Frankie Valli, who readers may be interested to note is still performing in his eighties. Bernard was fresh out of acting school when he scored the role of Joe Pesci in the original Australian cast production of Jersey Boys. Since then he has performed in many touring musical productions such as My Fair Lady and The Lion King. Bernard said that with the experience that he has gained he feels that he is ready to play the major role.
Thomas McGuane is looking forward to playing the role of Bob Gaudio, the last member to join the band, and the one whose songwriting talents were a vital ingredient in the band’s success.
The role represents Thomas’ first professional engagement. Born and raised in regional Victoria, he is his final year of his BFA in Music Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts.
Well seasoned television and stage performer Cameron MacDonald, who is currently a part of the musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical will play the role of Tommy Devito.
WAAPA graduate Glasson Toft will play the role of Nick Massi. It is a role that he is familiar with having played the part in the 2009 production of the show during which time he amassed some 1300 performances.
During our chat the boys told me that the man himself, Frankie Valli, has come to see the show on the previous occasions it has been performed in Australia and has enjoyed it. Perhaps he will make another visit next year. They spoke about how he is still rocking on and passionate about his work in his mid eighties.
This latest production of JERSEY BOYS, to be directed by Des McAnuff, who will play the Capitol Theatre. Tickets to JERSEY BOYS go on sale tomorrow with the musical starting previews from Wednesday 29th August, 2018. Opening night is Thursday 6 September.
Performance times Tuesdays 7pm, Wednesdays 7pm, Thursdays 7pm, Fridays 8pm, Saturdays 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays 2pm and 6.30pm.
http://www.jerseyboys.com.au
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