JERSEY BOYS Is Coming to Newcastle!
- intouch Magazine
- May 18, 2021
- 3 min read
The worldwide phenomenon that is Jersey Boys will debut at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle this October.
From the producers of the recent sold-out season of CHESS and 2019’s smash hit Mamma Mia, this mega production tells the fascinating story of the rise to fame of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Casting callbacks were held in Newcastle on 24 April, and Sydney-based director Nicholas Cristo said he was delighted with the exceptional talent on show.
“We have unearthed an embarrassment of riches,” said Nicholas.
“The search was on for triple threats, and we were presented with a bounty of performers who could deliver on that front. To my surprise, we also had several quadruple threats – instrumentalists who can sing, dance and act – which is a real joy for any director but especially so when working with a production like Jersey Boys.”
“The commitment of the auditionees to do justice to the text, period and history of the characters they are hoping to play was impressive. It was obvious they had done their research.
“It’s a vocal powerhouse of a show, which moves the head and the heart. In this production, we’re expanding the existing world of the story to show Frankie Valli’s family life, marriage and relationship with his daughters. We’re also taking the opportunity to explore the interesting parallels between the 1950s and today, with the immigrant experience and pressures on individuals and communities to succeed against adversity.
“Ultimately, it’s a great night out, with a compelling story woven around incredible chart-topping hits, which were the soundtrack of a generation. It is the ultimate homage to the iconic catalogue of Frankie Valli and the Four seasons,” added Nicholas.
Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards, the musical biography that is Jersey Boys tells the secret of a 40-year friendship. Be swept up by the tale of four scrappy young men from New Jersey – Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito – who find a magic sound that propels them from singing under streetlights to singing in spotlights all over the world.
Set in the 1960's, the show features hit after era-defining hit, including "Oh What a Night", “Sherry”, "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", "Dawn", "My Eyes Adored You" and "Walk Like a Man”. Despite personal and professional problems threatening to tear the group apart, the quartet consistently find themselves at the top of the charts and, ultimately, receive the highest honour: induction into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
The production debuting in Newcastle is brought to you by The Very Popular Theatre Company, and they’ve assembled a stellar creative team. Supporting Nicholas Christo will be Musical Director Dan Wilson, Assistant Director, Krystalle Williamson and Choreographer, Rachel Wilson. Jacob Harwood is head of Technical Design, and Jennifer Ellicott head of Costume Design. The gents will be sporting the schmickest of suits supplied by Newcastle’s own Rundle Tailoring.
Jersey Boys will have its Newcastle premier at the magnificent Civic Theatre on Friday 8 October, opening with a VIP Gala Event – complete with a pre-show soiree and post-show party with the cast! It will then run through until Saturday, 23 October.
With Mother’s Day coming up next month, Opening Night VIP or Premium Reserve tickets to Jersey Boys would make the perfect gift! The special Early Bird ticketing currently on offer must end 20 May.
Tickets on sale now only through Civic Theatre Ticket Office. Visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au, phone (02) 4929 1977 or drop into the ticket office at 375 Hunter Street.
