Toronto Jersey Boys New ‘Frankie’–Jeff Madden
December 14th, 2008
Canada’s Jersey Boys, from left to right, Michael Lomenda (Nick Massi), Derek Krantz (Bob Gaudio), Jeff Madden (Frankie Valli) and Jeremy Kushnier (Tommy DeVito), re-enact the cover art from a Four Seasons album. (Photo: Colin McConnell/Toronto Star)
Toronto Star’s Theatre Critic Richard Ouzounian has a terrific interview with the new “Frankie” in Toronto’s Jersey Boys–Jeff Madden! You’ll find out about Jeff’s early days, his eight seasons with the Shaw Festival, and what it’s like for him to play the legendary Frankie Valli.
What’s it like to play the legendary Valli, the kid from Sopranos country who became one of the biggest stars in pop music history?
“It’s a bit of a struggle to get into the whole head space of how he grew up,” admits Madden, whose own life has been securely spent in upper middle-class respectability. He cites other points of connection with Valli.
“I had three older brothers,” he chuckles. “So I know what it’s like to bossed around the way Tommy DeVito bosses Frankie. (Valli) was also a fighter and I’m a fighter, too.”
Read the full interview on TheStar.com.
As soon as I saw the photo, I knew immediately the significance of the pose. Who can guess the album cover the ‘boys’ are recreating? David Cace, Ted Hammond, Frank Ravello, Charles Alexander, and all the other 4 Seasons experts are not eligible to post an answer. Hint: The title of the album is one of the hits performed in “Jersey Boys.”
Comment by Len Gersten — December 15, 2008 @ 6:56 pm
“Working My Way Back To You”
Comment by Charly O'Clarit — December 16, 2008 @ 1:14 am
Charly is correct but while the Toronto cast pose is accurate what is the technical inaccuracy in comparing the Toronto cast picture to that appearing on the cover of the 4 Seasons “Working My Way Back To You” album?
(As Len says: no 4 Seasons’ experts please)
Comment by David Cace — December 16, 2008 @ 7:56 am
I think you’re all wrong. The pose was clearly based on THIS.
Comment by stubbleyou — December 16, 2008 @ 10:01 pm
I thought they were saying “My Hand To God” lol
Comment by Kathy J — December 17, 2008 @ 7:11 pm
I’m going to take a guess on the inaccuracy in the Toronto cast photo. If the pose was accurate to the “Working My Way Back To You” cover, then there shouldn’t be a hand on Derek Krantz’s (Bob Gaudio) shoulder.
Comment by Mike — December 18, 2008 @ 2:35 am
Aha!
http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/7396/512bzlolvdmlsl500aa280wh7.jpg
Comment by Leanna — December 18, 2008 @ 9:55 am
That’s a little too precise for me Mike. Comparing the photos – going right to left – Jeremy Kushnier as Tommy DeVito-OK; Jeff Madden as Frankie Valli-OK; Derek Krantz as Bob Gaudio-OK; Michael Lomenda as Nick Massi-NOT OK. On the “Working My Way Back to You” album, the “Season” on the far left is Charlie Callello (without glasses).
Comment by David Cace — December 18, 2008 @ 11:06 am
Stubbs -what heresy is this -haven’t you heard the closing to the song Genuine Imitation Life from the Genuine Imitation Life Gazette Album?
Comment by David Cace — December 18, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
My husband and I saw the show in July, 2009. Fantastic! I’m still singing the songs. One will pop into my head on my way to work or on the golf course. Jeff Madden plays the part of Frankie Vali with such conviction and style. Wow! What a voice!
Comment by Michele — October 27, 2009 @ 2:44 pm