Producers Dodger Theatricals, Rodney Rigby and TEG-Dainty have announced that Jersey Boys, following its Sydney Season, will open at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre, Brisbane in January 2019 and the Regent Theatre, Melbourne in March 2019 for strictly limited seasons.
Jersey Boys tells the true-life story of four guys from the wrong side of the tracks, and the rise to stardom of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons who became one of the most successful bands in pop music history. The band sold over 175 million records and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for their worldwide hits including Can’t Take My Eyes off You, Walk Like a Man, Bye Bye Baby, Sherry and Big Girls Don’t Cry, which all feature in the musical.
The enduring story and songs of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons continue to resonate with audiences worldwide while finding new legions of fans through the acclaimed musical Jersey Boys.
Stepping into the illustrious shoes of the charismatic singer Frankie Valli is Bernard Angel, who played Joe Pesci in the original Australian production. He will be joined by Cameron MacDonald as Tommy DeVito, Thomas McGuane as Bob Gaudio making his career debut after graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts and Glaston Toft , reprising his celebrated portrayal of the band’s musical marvel Nick Massi.
“I’m thrilled to be coming back with our glistening new production,” said Jersey Boys director, Des McAnuff. We have now taken The Four Seasons around the world but all of us involved in the show regard Australia as our favourite destination. The new company is nonpareil…”
The success of Jersey Boys is due to the unforgettable, timeless songs and compelling story. Co-writer of the book, Marshall Brickman, said: “The songs that are part of the world’s soundtrack and the story that moved millions to laughter and tears, is more alive than ever. A wildly-talented new cast will take you back to the first time you saw Jersey Boys and had to go back a second time, and a third, to make sure you weren’t hallucinating…”
The dynamic line-up of ensemble artists includes Ryan Gonzalez (Kinky Boots), Mia Dabkowski-Chandler (Aladdin the Musical), Cristina D’Agostino (Guys and Dolls), Sage Douglas (The Wizard of Oz), Mackenzie Dunn (2017 WAAPA Graduate and making her professional debut), Glenn Hill (Matilda the Musical), Luigi Lucente (Muriel’s Wedding) and Enrico Mammarella (recreating his role as ‘Gyp DeCarlo’ from the original company of Jersey Boys).
The cast also includes Scott McConnell (Jesus Christ Superstar), Josh Mulheran (The Book of Mormon), Jack O’Riley (Rent at Hayes Theatre Co), Matthew Prime (currently in his graduating year at the Victorian College of the Arts and making his professional debut in Jersey Boys), Daniel Raso (Matilda the Musical) and Rutene Spooner (currently in his graduating year at the Victorian College of the Arts and making his professional debut in Jersey Boys).
The original Australian production of Jersey Boys opened in Melbourne in July 2009, and after 13 months the show moved to Sydney where it played for a further 15 months, making it one of the longest running musicals in both cities. Following a season in New Zealand, Jersey Boys returned to Australia, playing Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and a return Melbourne season.
Jersey Boys is the 12th longest musical in Broadway history and has played to over 25 million worldwide. It has won 64 honours and awards worldwide including the 2010 Helpmann Award, 2006 Tony Award and Olivier Award for Best Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. Jersey Boys continues to tour throughout the United States, United Kingdom and is opening Off Broadway this November.
Jersey Boys will open at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on Saturday 6 September 2018 (previews from 29 August), before playing in Brisbane from 2 January (opening night – Saturday 5 January) and Melbourne on 23 February 2019 (opening night – Saturday 2 March). Tickets for Brisbane and Melbourne go on sale Thursday 26 July 2018. For more information, visit: www.jerseyboys.com.au for details.
Image: Cameron MacDonald, Bernard Angel, Thomas McGuane, Glaston Toft to star in the new Australian production of the Jersey Boys – photo by Brian Geach