Christopher Kale Jones on Jersey Boys and Frankie Valli
December 8th, 2006Modesto Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan talks to Christopher Kale Jones, who plays Frankie Valli in the national tour of Jersey Boys. Jones shares his insight on the music of the Four Seasons, the JB story written by Brickman and Elice, and his recent meeting with Frankie Valli.
Regarding this year’s winner of the Tony for Best Musical, Jones states,
To use a pop-culture reference, it’s like ‘Behind the Music’ from VH1 but done incredibly well.
Though Jones didn’t know much about The Four Seasons before the show, he was familiar with their music, especially because many of their songs have been covered by other artists. To prepare for his part, he downloaded many of the original recordings from iTunes.
The San Francisco production is the first time the show has been performed outside New York since opening on Broadway. Though the Web site for the series (www.shnsf.com) says it closes Feb. 11, Jones said he and other cast members have been told it will likely extend until April. After that, the production heads to first Los Angeles and later Chicago.
Jones said it was a bit daunting but exciting to meet Valli last week when the star attended some performances. While Jones hasn’t perfected Valli’s distinctive sound, he said he is trying his best to come as close to it as possible. About the legendary Valli, Jones said,
He’s got such a great following and you want to pay homage to that. You want people to come and suspend their disbelief that Frankie Valli is up there.
Recently I attended the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri to see Jersey Boys. I have been to the Fox many times to see different artists, broadway plays and musicals but never have I been so entertained than I was with Jersey Boys. The sound was great, the singing terrific and the set design was awesome, especially the part where you feel as though you are behind the Four Season with floodlights blinding you in the face.
Awesome!!!! Simply awesome. I was so caught up in it that when it was over I didn’t want to leave. The singing and the projection of the singers just blew me out of my seat (I mean that in a good way). I hope it comes back to St. Louis because I would definitely go see it again.
Comment by Betsy Nilsen — May 20, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
I also attended the Jersey Boys performance at the Fabulous Fox in Saint Louis and I echo the previous comments. My teenage son went with me and he was skeptical at first about what he would see and hear. He was so taken by the sounds and the performance that he now chooses to listen to numerous Frankie Valli/Four Seasons tunes and that is saying a lot. I especially enjoyed Christopher Kale Jones’performance and for sure listening to his unique voice. A masterful show! I too would go back to see it again but if I had to change anything….I wish the producers would not have incorporated so much profanity. The rest of the cast was great and the props and their changes were superb. Thanks for a memorable evening.
Comment by Tamara Crawford — May 22, 2008 @ 5:52 pm
I live in cincinnati and saw your spectacular preformance four times. I can’t remember when i have enjoyed a show more ever in my life. Which by the way i am 67 and have belonged to Broadway Accross America for 45 years. You have brought back my youth and put s smile in my heart. Sincerely, Kitty Rammacher
Comment by kitty rammacher — June 15, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
Where is Chritopher Kale Jones performing these days.
I have seen Jersey Boys FOUR times because he is an amazing singer!
Someone let me know [email protected]
Thanks!
Tara
Comment by Tara Perry — February 4, 2010 @ 10:38 pm