Jersey Boys are back in town
Now on its second tour of the UK following a nine-year run in the West End, Jersey Boys remains a red-hot ticket. As the show heads to Cardiff, VICKY EDWARDS chats to the men in the spotlight
PULLING in one of the broadest audiences in musical theatre history, Jersey Boys has won almost as many awards as The Four Seasons had hit records.
Well, perhaps not that many – after all, between 1962 and 1978 Frankie Valli and the boys sold in excess of 100 million records.
While the show features more than 30 Four Seasons’ chart-toppers, Jersey Boys isn’t a night of nostalgia presented in juke box format.
“It’s a true, gritty and gutsy story,” says Lewis Griffiths, who plays Nick Massi, with relish.
“The Seasons were idolised, but they were blue collar guys who worked their way up the ladder. It works because it’s a story of hope; if it can work out for the Seasons then why not for me?” he finishes, stressing that not only is this a true story, but also a fascinating slice of social and musical history.
Simon Bailey who plays Tommy DeVito jumps in, eager to add his thoughts.
“It’s such a fascinating story and each guy tells it from their own viewpoint. And then there is the incredible music. You feel like you have been on an epic journey. The whole thing is so fast, so slick; this show does not pause for breath and as actors we don’t pause for breath either! It’s an event. People come back again and again and there is no ‘average’ audience member – good music is timeless whether you’re eight or 85.”
Australian actor Declan Egan (Bob Gaudio in the show) nods his agreement. “Standing ovations are standard. It is overwhelming, but 12 years
on this show is still affecting people. It’s so cool! I first played this role at 19 and I’m now 26. I keep coming back and that is testimony to how great it is. I am so very proud to have been a Jersey Boy for seven years. To be part of such a legacy – I still have to say pinch me!”
As for Michael Watson who plays Frankie Valli (and who returns to the role after several stints in the West End), there is another reason that Jersey Boys is so special to him. Well, two, in fact. “My partner played Lorraine in the show in the West End and that’s where we met. Now we have just had a beautiful baby girl,” he says, with a smile to rival the brightest spotlight.
But if his beautiful little daughter is his baby girl, Jersey Boys will always be his musical baby.
“It’s everyone’s show, but it will always be one of the biggest parts of my life. The crowds are so joyful because it speaks to everyone. It’s a play, a concert, a history and a party. You connect with it on so many different levels.”
From my seat in the stalls it is crystal clear that Jersey Boys is a labour of love all round. The thought, care and effort that has been lavished on every last detail is tangible.
“I think so too,” Michael says. “Everyone attached to the show loves it. That comes right from the top and trickles all the way through.”
It’s certainly a happy ship, which is just as well given that the tour runs until March.
“It’s my second tour and it’s something that took me a while to adjust to,” admits Simon. “It’s strange when you have to change every two weeks, but the negative points can also be the most exciting; yes you are on the move, but you also get to see this fabulous country. We have become a family and from day dot we have all got on so well. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t laugh until tears come out of my eyes.”
“I have a travel guide on my dressing table and I’m trying to see all the places in that,” Declan interjects excitedly. “Australia is such a relatively young country and the history and architecture here is amazing. I’m lapping it up!”
As for Lewis, touring life has proven very fortuitous. On a previous tour he was interviewed on stage in Newcastle by a young lady for local television. “She’s now my fiancée,” he says proudly, agreeing that theirs is a story that has all the hallmarks of a romantic movie blockbuster.
And there are some places on the tour schedule that the boys are especially keenly anticipating.
As for the songs, as well as being prolific The Four Seasons had an unmistakable and utterly unique sound. Do the boys have any favourites?
“In my season things start to come apart at the seams. Beggin’ sets that up and is the moment when these four superstars realise that they’re not super-human. Also, every night when I sing the finale I sing it as a tribute to my Mum and Dad because Who Loves You was ‘their’ song,” says Lewis.
“It is a really joyous finale,” agrees Declan. “It’s such a thrill to sing and everybody just goes crazy.”
“At the moment my favourite is Cry for Me,” says Simon. “It’s the first time The Seasons all sing together and it’s a great song. But they are all such great songs. It’s a party and you’ll leave with the hugest smile on your face,” he promises.
“Come along and see a show that won’t just entertain you, but will inspire you, enlighten you and you’ll be educated in a pivotal part of music history,” cuts in Lewis, adding: “There’s a line in the show where I say, ‘Even after I quit the group it still had some kind of pull over me’. Well, you can leave Jersey Boys, but whether you’re in the cast or in the audience, it will always have that pull over you.”
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