Broadway Production, Jersey Boys, and What Makes it Special

Broadway shows always bring productions into a new light – Jersey Boys is no different. This production tells the story of four Newark boys, whom formed one of the most infamous rock bands of the 60′s. The story, behind Jersey Boys, is based on a book written by both Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The music and lyrics were provided by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe.

Frankie Valli, along with three of his friends, formed the band the Four Seasons. While their band name may or may not be familiar, songs like “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man” are known by millions. Jersey Boys is a documentary-style production that shares the viewpoints of each member of the group – from struggling musicians, to stardom, to the end of their days together.

Jersey Boys presents their music in a lively manner, one that would nearly have you believe you were watching them live back when they were popular. Between the years of 1962 and 1967, the band had 13 top 10 hits, and 24 top 40 hits – this was an impeccable accomplishment for this day and age. Songs like “Rag Doll”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Sherry”, and “Walk like a Man” are still known today.

Jersey Boys began its Broadway career in November 2005 at the August Wilson Theatre. Actors such as John Lloyd (Frankie Valli), Christian Hoff (Tommy DeVito), Daniel Reichard (Bob Gaudio), and J. Robert Spencer (Nick Massi) starred in this production. Jersey Boys is an amazing mix between musical, Broadway show, and concert – you’ll never experience a combination like this again. Director Des McAnuff did an impeccable job combining the arts, along with attracting much attention. It wasn’t long before the production had four Tony Awards, one for “Best Musical”.

After such a great success, Jersey Boys began to tour. In December of 2006 the production was playing at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco. Los Angeles followed in May of 2007, with the production hogging the stage of the Ahmanson Theatre. On October 5, 2007, Jersey Boys was the entertainment at Chicago’s LaSalle Bank Theatre. (This being the second tour, there was a minor change in cast, as Michael Ingersoll was now playing the role of Nick.) The production had received so much hype, at this point, that Frankie Valli and Bob Guardio attended opening night in Chicago.

In 2007, during the months of November and December, the production mad a special appearance back at the Curran Theatre. In May, of the same year, the honored Las Vegas with their presence. They performed in the brand new Jersey Boys theatre in the Plazzo Hotel. The same year they paid tribute to the Sopranos – an HBO family – at the Tony Awards.

Jersey Boys then debuted at the Prince Edward Theatre – in West End London – in February of 2008. Toronto is also getting in on the hype; the Jersey Boys debuted at the Toronto Centre until December of 2008. Aussie’s are welcoming the production in their Princess Theatre, in Melbourne, in July of 2009.

Rhino Entertainment produced, and released, Jersey Boys first CD in 2005 entitled “Jersey Boys: Original Broadway Cast Recording”. By February of 2008 – just over two years later – the album had sold over 500,000 copies, and was certified Gold! This is proof of the breathtaking experience you will enjoy when you go see the production! Jersey Boys continues to tour and may be hitting your city soon.