Jersey Boys uses the music of the Four Seasons to tell the history of this resurgent group that had hits over three decades.
The show focuses on the relationship of front man Frankie Valli with Tommy DeVito, who was the original energy behind the group, and then with Bob Gaudio, who wrote or co-wrote many of the songs the group is famous for such as "Sherry," "Big Girls Don’t Cry," and "Dawn."
Jersey Boys has enjoyed phenomenal success, winning the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical and spurring productions in London, Chicago and Las Vegas, as well as an international tour.
Director Des McAnuff debuted Jersey Boys at the La Jolla Playhouse, which has become an incubator for Broadway. In addition to Best Musical, Jersey Boys won Tony Awards for its two lead actors, John Lloyd Young and Christian Hoff.
Accepting the Tony, producer Michael David thanked the Four Seasons for not insisting on a “Valentine” to the group. Because the show uses existing music, it can get lumped in with so-called “juke box musicals,” but it has a compelling story and music that touches those who grew up on it. When the Four Seasons find their sound and roll into "Sherry," it’s one of those magic Broadway moments.
- August Wilson Theatre
245 West 52st Street
- Show Times and Tickets
- Opening: October 4, 2005
- Closing: Open-ended run
- Run Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (including intermission)