By Tanya Faulkner
The Jersey Boys are making a reappearance at the Cardinia Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) with a tribute musical performance coming to the local stage this month.
Show director Lee Geraghty is excited to bring the show to the community, with it being one of her absolute favourite musicals.
“I’ve seen the Jersey Boys shows over 21 times around the world, and Australia has definitely been the best one I’ve seen yet,” she said.
The musical tells the story about Frankie and the 4 Seasons, otherwise known as the Jersey Boys, their journey to fame and how they eventually broke up.
The story of their trials and triumphs is accompanied by songs that influenced an entire generation, including the classic hits Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Dawn, Rag Doll, Bye Bye Baby, and Who Loves You, among others.
Ms Geraghty said the leading boys in the show are fantastic, and really bring the show to life.
“The four boys’ harmonies are absolutely beautiful, and each of the boys have fantastic voices individually, which the audience will get to enjoy,” she said.
The leads of the show include Tyler Hess as Frankie Valli, Troy Benton as Tommy DeVito, Matt Jakawenko as Bob Gaudio and long-time actor for CPAC Aaron Pratt stars as Nick Massi.
Ms Geraghty said Aaron Pratt has been with the theatre company since he was a university student.
“Over the years he has starred in our version of Jesus Christ Superstar, and as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast,” she said.
She said Mr Pratt had to make a big change in preparation for the show.
“Aaron used to have a big beard, and I had to ask him to shave it for the show as they didn’t have big beards in those times. After he did his children didn’t recognise him!”
The cast has been working on the show since September last year, with a small break over Christmas, and got straight back into rehearsals again in mid-January ahead of their opening performance this month.
“We’ve spent the last couple of weeks rehearsing on the set in a big barn, getting the cast used to the feel of upstairs and downstairs and getting set pieces on and off the stage,” Ms Geraghty explained.
“All of the set is taken on and off by the cast; it’s all very fluid and makes the show.”
Ms Geraghty said the audience can expect to know every song, which are all familiar from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
“The music is absolutely fantastic, the harmonies are awesome, and complement the style of Frankie and the 4 Seasons really well,” she said.
The show will open on Saturday 25 February, with evening and matinee shows for the next two weekends to follow and a final show on 11 March.
More information and tickets can be found at cardiniaculturalcentre.com.au
