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They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story—a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Beggin’” and “Working My Way Back To You.”
Starring Nicholas Alexander as Frankie, Anthony Carro as Tommy Divito, Taubert Nadalini as Bob Gaudio and Noah Archibald as Nick Massi.
Donovan Mendelovitz plays several characters throughout the show but most notably Joe Pesci (yeah, that Joe Pesci). He grew up in the same neighborhood in New Jersey as Tommy DeVito and actually connected his friend Bob Gaudio with the band, leading to the formation of The Four Seasons.
“The main comparison I can draw between Italians and Jews is that they are both extremely passionate types of people,” said Mendelovitz. “They make family their top priority and hold their mother’s in the highest regard. Also, the chest hair.”
When asked about how his Jewish background helps with his roles, Mendleovitz shared his insight as it relates to prior roles and his current role with Jersey Boys.
“For me, I think growing up in a Jewish household afforded me a really keen sense of humor and irony that I bring to all the characters I play. So much of Judaism is about sharing stories and understanding the legacy of our people, and that tradition has led me to love telling stories on stage.
“Jersey Boys sets the bar extremely high for musicals of its kind: a look at the true story of how these musicians became the rock and roll legends they are today. Their discography is the journey we watch unfold and we see these real people evolve along with their music. The team for this production is absolutely stellar and the cast is brimming with talent. Even if you didn’t grow up with The Four Seasons, you’ll hear a song and say “Hey! I know that one!”. Audiences of all ages will have a great time at Jersey Boys and I guarantee that you’ll be jamming along in your seats.”
Jersey Boys premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2004 and opened in New York on November 6, 2005. By the time it closed on January 15, 2017, it was the 12th longest running show in Broadway history, passing such original Broadway productions as 42nd Street, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Producers. Blessed by awards all over the world, Jersey Boys has been seen by over 30 million people (as of February 2024).
In collaboration with 3D Theatricals, CCAE Theatricals has produced the San Diego Regional Premiere of Jersey Boys.
Jersey Boys, The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, directed by T.J. Dawson will run September 13 to October 6, 2024 at the Center Theater at California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Learn more at www.theatricals.org.
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