With phenomenal music, memorable characters, and great storytelling, Jersey Boys follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, Jersey Boys takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Enjoy the thrill of electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, “Dawn”, and “My Eyes Adored You”, which brought The Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio
Lyrics by Bob Crewe
Jersey Boys is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
Presented at the Arts United Center
at Arts Campus Fort Wayne
Musical Rated R for Adult Content and Language
Director/Choreographer, Leslie Beauchamp, gives some insight to the production -
“Oh, What a Night!” As we prepare to open Jersey Boys, the final Civic Theatre production before renovations on the Arts United Center stage, a little nostalgia seems just about right. Whether or not you were around in the 60’s when radio and TV stations were constantly blasting out the iconic sound of The Four Seasons, you most certainly know their songs. Their first #1 hit was “Sherry”, followed quickly by “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man”.
They weren’t always The Four Seasons. The group that eventually came together were known, both individually and collectively, as over 18 stage names. Frankie Valli and The Travelers, The Romans, The Village Voices, and The Topics to name a few. It must have been destiny the day they found themselves at the bowling alley that inspired their eventual name.
Jersey Boys is a show about guys from the streets of Jersey working together to realize a dream. As Tommy says, “If you’re from my neighborhood, you’ve got three ways out: you could join the army. You could get mobbed up. Or you could become a star.” Well, these four voices were no random guys – they were four voices that blended together to create magic. Jersey Boys shows us what happens when a star shines too bright and too fast for guys too young to always know how to handle it. But, more importantly, it’s a story about reaching for the stars and realizing dreams. It’s about family. It’s about loyalty and never forgetting where you come from. And it’s about finding your way home."
As the Civic prepares for a season On the Road, I truly think Jersey Boys reminds us that no matter where we go, no matter the venue, we are a family. We stick together through thick and thin, and together, wherever we are, we are home. We hope you enjoy our production. This cast is the epitome of an ensemble – they are tremendous! I’m always overwhelmed at the depth of talent we are blessed with in our community, and these folks will knock your socks off! They have amazed us every night! We have had entirely too much fun in rehearsal and are thrilled to finally get to bring this show to the stage! Oh, and go ahead and sing out – you won’t be able to stop yourselves!!
LESLIE BEAUCHAMP (Director/Choreographer) is a familiar face to area audiences, having been involved in our arts community for over 40 years (Arts United Award Recipient, Outstanding Volunteer). Most recently, Leslie served as Director/Choreographer for the Genesis Outreach production of Ragtime, Director for FPT’s production of Head Over Heels, Director/Choreographer for Civic Theatre’s Hello, Dolly!, Assistant to the Director for Arena’s Bright Star, as Choreographer and Education Director for FWSMT's The Phantom of the Opera and last seen onstage in Civic Theatre's Something Rotten! (Bea Bottom). Her favorite roles include The Witch (Into The Woods), Desiree Armfeldt (A Little Night Music), and Margaret Johnson (The Light in the Piazza). Directing/Choreographic works include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sweeney Todd, Newsies, The Marvelous Wonderettes, and the all-female production of 1776 (Arts United Award, Significant Contribution to the Arts). Leslie and her husband Brad were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from USF's School of Creative Arts where they were involved in bringing theatre to students and the community at large. She currently serves as President of Arena Theatre BOD, choreographs award-winning area show choirs, is an adjudicator and motivational clinician, and can be heard in local, regional, and national voiceover campaigns.
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