Taranaki artist takes centre stage in Jersey Boys
Jordan Barnes has only acted in one play before but has managed to land a main role in one of the world’s most famous musicals.
Barnes, who is a full-time award-winning artist, has been announced to play Nick Massi in the New Plymouth Operatic Society’s upcoming rendition of The Jersey Boys.
The show dramatises the formation, success and breakup of the 1960s rock 'n' roll group The Four Seasons and has been performed around the world for nearly two decades.
“I’m pretty grateful to everyone believing in me, I’ll give it my all,” the 38-year-old Barnes said.
While he is relatively new to acting, Barnes is no stranger to the stage, so backed himself for the upcoming performance. He has been a musician for 15 years, having played in bands, and has produced his own music for US television sitcom Brooklyn 99.
“I’m pretty comfortable on stage but this is next level. I’m used to just yelling into a mic, playing punk songs, and thrashing a guitar but I won’t be able to get away with winging it.“
Barnes first theatre performance was last year as Vincent Van Gogh in Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear at New Plymouth Repertory Theatre.
He decided to go for the part in Jersey Boys as he’d seen the show in 2012 in Auckland and fell in love with the story and the music.
The first rehearsal was on Monday night and Barnes said the dancing part was what he felt least comfortable with.
He’s also working with a coach to speak in a New Jersey accent for the role.
Barnes said he knows he wants to do more stage work.
“It’s all creative.”
Barnes joins the three other Jersey Boys Max Beal, playing Frankie Valli, Callum Stuart, playing Tommy Devito, and Cameron Mchugh, playing Bob Gaudio.
Director Carolyn Murphy said she was excited to get things under way.
“We’ve a fantastic team of performers and experts, all working together to bring this iconic story to life.”
The musical of Jersey Boys, features the classics that they are known for including Walk like a Man, and Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.
It opens at New Plymouth’s TSB Showplace on July 4. Tickets are available now from Ticketek.