Jarrod Spector’s Thoughts on Playing Legendary Frankie Valli
October 7th, 2007Tribune arts critic Sid Smith notes that actor-singer Jarrod Spector not only plays Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys” — he likes him.
That may be inevitable, given the opportunity offered by such a role and such a successful show, now in previews and set to open Oct. 14 at the LaSalle Bank Theatre.
“I’m under 5 foot 9 inches tall, I have dark eyes and hair and look Italian,” Spector says. “How many roles calling for someone exactly like me are out there?”
Meanwhile, the real Frankie Valli, Spector says, is kind and gracious. “There are celebrities who have this off-putting aura, but he’s the real deal, this intense little guy as nice as he could be. You want to love the man you play, and this man, you want to honor. Meeting him made it easier to get behind the character and root for him.”
“This show has such velocity, and people get so hooked,” Spector says. “Before long, they forget, and we are the Four Seasons. For just one night, I’m a rock star.”
Read the entire article on ChicagoTribune.com.
Finally!! An in-depth interview with Jarrod. Very nice! Best wishes for a huge welcome in Chicago.
Comment by LindaL — October 7, 2007 @ 10:03 pm
Talented, intelligent, handsome, humble. Wow. Great stuff! Cannot wait to see him in the show.
Comment by Jen — October 8, 2007 @ 6:53 am
I had the privilege of seeing Jarrod as Frankie 6 times in San Francisco – he is truly amazing! I’m so jealous of you Chicaago now that you will get to see JB as often as you can afford it for the next six months. I’m hopeful that Jersey Boys will come back to San Francisco after the Chicago run. SF LOVES JB!
I saw the real Frankie Valli in concert Saturday night. It was a great show with 5 standing ovations and it made me realize even more just how great Jarrod is in the role of Frankie. Jersey Boys is a great show but if, like me, you have performed in musical theater you can appreciate it even more on so many levels – and appreciate the amazing job Jarrod does in the role.
Comment by Cherie — October 8, 2007 @ 9:07 am
This is a fantastic article! Jarrod is an amazing talent and a incredible person. I feel lucky that I got to see him in role a few times while this cast was in SF. Chicago is so lucky! They couldn’t possibly understand how blessed they are to have this entire company.
Comment by Lauren — October 8, 2007 @ 1:53 pm
Jarrod is such a great guy. I had a pleasure to meet him when he was here in SF. I wish him all the best.
Comment by Kris — October 9, 2007 @ 1:00 am