JERSEY BOYS: The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

Zane Zapata (Frankie Valli) with Kyle Braun and Drake Leach. Photo: Mark Turek.

Theatre By The Sea is elated to finally offer the Tony® Award-winning hit Jersey Boys, which runs through September 10. Jersey Boys is presented in a documentary-style format, taking us through the formation, success, and eventual breakup of the 1960s rock & roll group The Four Seasons. These regular guys from Jersey broke records and hearts with a new musical style that produced some of the greatest hits of all time. But behind the scenes, their collaboration was not nearly so harmonious. Winner of the 2006 Tony® Award for “Best Musical,” Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical featuring music by original member Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe, and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. You’ll surely recognize such memorable top-ten hits as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night),” and thirty others, with spot-on musical direction by Jacob Priddy. 

Directed and choreographed by Theatre By The Sea’s producing artistic director Kevin P. Hill, Jersey Boys is also being produced by owner Bill Hanney and Associate Producer Thom Warren. “I love this show,” says Hanney. “We’ve been trying to secure the rights to present this gem at Theatre By The Sea for several years and I am thrilled that we were able to include it as part of the 90th Anniversary. There is something very special and unique about Jersey Boys. Audiences really connect with it. Anticipating that it would be popular with our audiences, we decided to schedule the production to run for five weeks, instead of our usual four. The demand has been so high, I’m hoping we’ll have enough performances to accommodate everyone!”

The cast includes Zane Zapata, a Jersey native, who says he is excited to be making his Theatre By The Sea debut in a show he has dreamed of being in since he was 12. Zapata portrays Frankie Valli, the most popular member of the famous band. His stature and high-pitched voice closely mimic that of Valli’s, making him a natural for the part. 

Aidan Cole returns to TBTS in the role of Bob Gaudio. His vocals are right on point – the kind of voice you could listen to all night. Another crooner not to be missed is New York-based actor Chris Marsh Clark, who is making his TBTS debut in the role of charmer Tommy DeVito. Clark’s suave, debonair style makes him perfect for this charming (albeit not money savvy) character.

Kevin B. McGlynn returns in the roles of Frank Knuckles, Gyp, and Al. This stand-out performer is super entertaining and versatile, portraying many characters, including part of the ensemble. He even speaks in foreign tongue! Be sure to catch his happy dance at the very end. Also very versatile is Chicago native Jay Owens, who covers five different roles as well as ensemble.

In the role of Nick Massi is RI’s own Kevin Patrick Martin, who toured North America with Broadway’s Jersey Boys, portraying Hank and Norm. He returns to TBTS after logging over 800 performances from 2017-2022. Alaina Mills is also a TBTS veteran, portraying Mary Delgado. Rounding out the cast are Kyle Brace, Kyle Braun, Christian Heinemann, Zoe Gillis, Jack Gimpel, Scarlett Keene-Connole, Selene Klasner, Ryan Koch, Drake Leach, Sylvester McCracken, and Ellen Roberts.

The creative team includes resident scenic designer Kyle Dixon, who never fails to take a small space and make it epic. The staging is a simple set, with a side staircase to a second level, which is utilized as separate spaces. Wait till you see the car scenes! Costume designer Dana Pinkston has the cast well-suited wearing typical period garb, with the dancers in freestyle clothing (kudos to Hill for the timely choreography). Lighting designer Weston Wilkerson puts the spotlight right where it belongs – on the talent! Especially cool are the headlights in the scenes featuring the cars. 

While it’s tempting to sing along at this show, you should resist the urge out of respect for fellow patrons. The theater is clear on this, and thankfully so, asking that you bite your tongue until the very end when you’re encouraged to dance and sing along!

Strong language not suitable for youngsters. For more information visit theatrebythesea.com or call (401) 782-TKTS (8587).