The Tony-winning Best Musical, which opened in Melbourne in July 2009 before transferring to Sydney’s Theatre Royal in September 2010, will open at The Civic in Auckland, New Zealand, in April 2012.
In a statement Mayor of Auckland Len Brown said, "Jersey Boys is world-class and the biggest musical to visit Auckland for some time. It will attract many visitors to the city, showcasing Auckland as an entertainment destination. The teams at Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) have done a great job securing this event for Auckland."
Broadway producer Michael David, from Dodger Theatricals added, “We are thrilled to bring Jersey Boys to New Zealand. This story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons has captivated nearly 13 million fans in productions worldwide, and now it is our fondest hope that New Zealand will embrace Jersey Boys in the same way. The show is chock-full of classic Four Seasons show-stopping songs and a story that is all the more riveting because it’s true. With an extraordinary cast, we believe Jersey Boys will engage theatre-goers and send them dancing out of the Civic Theatre! The remarkable partnership of Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio indelibly sealed by a handshake agreement over 40 years ago will resonate with New Zealand audiences who will identify with the importance of honor and integrity in this touching tribute to the power of loyalty between friends.”
Jersey Boys is written by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe, direction by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff and choreography by Sergio Trujillo.
The musical, according to press notes, "is the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi, about a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty." The show features “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Working My Way Back To You.” Jersey Boys is the recipient of the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 2009 Olivier Award for Best Musical. The Original Broadway Cast Recording, produced by Bob Gaudio, received the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album and has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The Broadway production also won the 2006 Outer Critics Circle & Drama League Awards for Best Musical.
For more information visit www.jerseyboysnz.co.nz.
