Ballas’ Frankie Valli is in L.A.
For 18 seasons, Mark Ballas was arguably one of the most innovative dancers and choreographers on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
But now Ballas, a graduate of the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, is concentrating on a life in the theater. He was the final Frankie Valli in the Broadway run of “Jersey Boys,” the Tony Award-winning musical about the Four Seasons, which closed in January after more than 4,000 performances. Ballas is reprising the role in the national tour, running through June 24 at the Ahmanson Theatre. He recently spoke with The Times for this edited conversation.
Had you seen “Jersey Boys” before you became the last Frankie Valli on Broadway?
I wanted to be in the show since it came out. I got tickets to see it in the West End in London the week it opened. I had seen the show 12 times when I auditioned.
Why was “Jersey Boys” music to your ears?
I grew up singing the music. My grandfather and my father loved the Four Seasons. And the story line is such a gangster. These guys are men. They are from the ’hood. They came from nothing. I can relate to that. My mom [Shirley Ballas] came from a really rough neighborhood in Liverpool and became the biggest dance coach in the world.
Was it hard to bring your own touches to the role?
I definitely wanted to do my own thing. I would watch interviews with the real Frankie. I would watch videos of him.
What was it like when you met Valli at the last performance on Broadway?
Peter Gregus, who played Bob Crewe and was with the show for 11 years, said at intermission, “Don’t be upset if he doesn’t say much to you after the show.” After the show, Frankie comes up to me and gives me a big hug, kisses me on the cheek and shakes my hand and says, “Kid, you were awesome.” Peter said, “That’s the best review you could have gotten.”
Any plans to return to “Dancing With the Stars”?
I don’t know. I went to musical theater college and graduated with honors and it’s nice to put that to use now. The dancing thing I always did on the side.
Any other musical roles on your bucket list?
My dream is to do Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”