December 28, 2007

The Challenges and Rewards of Playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys

December 28th, 2007

Seattle Times theater critic Misha Berson has a terrific article on what it takes to play the legendary Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys:

So the guy playing Frankie Valli, the Four Seasons lead singer with the stunningly high, potent falsetto voice, should be the star of this hit Broadway musical — right?

Right. But at any given “Jersey Boys” performance in this touring run at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, you may see one of four different actors as Valli.

Christopher Kale Jones is the official leading man, handling the majority of shows. But this polished actor-singer doesn’t have to “break a leg” to get a night off.

At least twice a week, Zachary Prince takes over as Valli, whose unique vocal sound fueled such Four Season smashes as “Rag Doll” and “Dawn.” And on occasion, understudies Courter Simmons and Taylor Sternberg fill in.

Chris talks to Berson about the challenges and rewards of Valli. Read the full story in SeattleTimes.com.

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