CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — After months of anticipation, the outdoor Tuacahn Amphitheatre is set to host one of the greatest jukebox musicals ever created: “Jersey Boys.” This production tells the fascinating, behind-the-scenes story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in a new, PG-13 version of the acclaimed musical.
Featuring approximately 37 iconic songs that catapulted Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to fame in the 1960s – such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man” – “Jersey Boys” sheds light on the humanity of these legendary musicians, creating a show that is both enlightening and entertaining.
“I think this show really humanizes these guys,” director Aaron De Jesus said. “We tend to put artists and stars on a pedestal, but the truth is everyone is human. We all have issues.”
The show boasts a raw, vulnerable story, which, combined with the nostalgic familiarity of the music, fosters a deep connection with the audience.
“In many ways, this is a cautionary tale, reminding us all that we are a product of the choices we make,” De Jesus explained. “It really is, in my opinion, one of the best musicals ever put together.”
De Jesus’s journey with “Jersey Boys” began right out of college when he auditioned for the Broadway cast. Despite not making the cut initially, he persisted for years before finally achieving his dream.
“I immediately fell in love with the script, music and characters, and continued to do the show for 10 years,” he said.
His decade-long experience includes three years in the Las Vegas company, two years on the national tour and four years with the show in New York.
“It is so exciting to bring all that experience and massage it into the even larger production we will stage at Tuacahn this year,” he added. “Originally this show was conceived to be somewhat minimalistic, with minimal sets and a small cast, but we have an opportunity to create moments that are spectacularly huge while maintaining other pieces of the show that are more intimate and heartfelt.”
Joining De Jesus in bringing “Jersey Boys” to the Tuacahn stage is choreographer Candi Boyd, whose extensive experience with the production surpasses even that of De Jesus. Boyd began her journey with “Jersey Boys” in 2009 as a swing for all three female roles on the national tour.
By 2011, she became the universal swing, filling in for all three female roles in seven casts nationwide. Her responsibilities expanded to include assistant dance captain duties and press work, performing at prestigious events such as the Tony Awards and the Super Bowl.
Boyd’s time with “Jersey Boys” concluded in 2022 with the off-Broadway closing. However, when the opportunity arose to rejoin the production and finally work at Tuacahn, a theater she had long admired, she eagerly accepted.
“When Aaron asked me to join him in this, I could not have jumped higher at the opportunity,” she said. “Tuacahn is one of those theaters you always hear about. It’s beautiful, high-quality work, and everyone is so nice to work with.”
Together with the rest of the exceptionally talented cast and crew at Tuacahn, “Jersey Boys” is ready to bring the grit and glam of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to Southern Utah. The Tuacahn production promises a slightly less gritty experience, tailored to be more family-friendly.
“This is more of a PG-13 version of the show,” said Scott Anderson, artistic director for Tuacahn. “The original creators of the show put out a version that maintains all the great music and the depth of story, but without some of the stronger language of the original. We think it’s going to be a really great fit for our audiences.”
“Jersey Boys” opens July 13 and runs through Oct. 19, alternating with “Disney’s Frozen” and “Anastasia: The New Broadway Musical” in Tuacahn’s outdoor amphitheater. Additionally, Tuacahn will feature “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” and “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” in the indoor Hafen Theatre.
Don’t miss your chance to experience a show that’s heartfelt, spectacular and completely unique. Tickets are available at tuacahn.org or by calling the box office at 435-652-3300.
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Resources
- Tuacahn Amphitheatre | Address: 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins | Telephone: 800-746-9882 | Website.
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