A casting notice reveals that Dodger Stage Holding — with which director Des McAnuff is affiliated — will produce the new musical in the coming season.
La Jolla artistic director McAnuff (Dracula) staged the new musical, which ran Oct. 5, 2004, to Jan. 16, 2005, at the Playhouse's Mandell Weiss Theatre. It was extended three times. It Opened Oct. 17.
The work became the longest running production in the company's history after a total 120 performances surpassing the 1992 production of The Who's Tommy, also directed by McAnuff, which played 114 performances.
Book writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice along with composer Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe collaborated to create Jersey Boys with director McAnuff. Sergio Trujillo served as choreographer, Ron Melrose handled musical direction and orchestrations were provided by Steve Orich. All are on board for the projected Broadway run.
Jersey Boys centers on the musical group The Four Seasons and how four blue-collar guys — Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi — grew to become the singing sensation behind such hits as "Rag Doll," "Sherry," "Big Girls Don’t Cry," "Oh What a Night" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You." Three of the four male leads have already been cast according to the notice with only the role of Frankie Valli to be filled. No casting has been announced and production spokespersons could not confirm any details.
For the California debut, Christian Hoff (The Who's Tommy) played Tommy DeVito, David Noroña (Love! Valour! Compassion!) was Frankie Valli, Daniel Reichard (Radiant Baby,The Thing About Men) took on Bob Gaudio and J. Robert Spencer (Sideshow, Lucky Duck) portrayed Nick Massi. The cast also included Sarah Avery, Tituss Burgess, Marisa Echeverría, Steve Gouveia, Peter Gregus, Donnie Kehr, Jennifer Naimo and Sean Smith.
The design team of Jersey Boys featured Klara Zieglerova (scenic), Jess Goldstein (costume), Howell Binkley (lighting), Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound) and Michael Clark (projection).
Director McAnuff has earned two Tony Awards for his direction of The Who's Tommy and Big River. Other Broadway credits include How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and A Walk in the Woods. The busy director's slate includes this Broadway season's run of Dracula, The Musical, the current Billy Crystal solo 700 Sundays and a planned revival of The Wiz.
