Theatre News Wire

Mercury Theater Artistic Director Christopher Chase Carter, Managing Director Kristi J. Martens and Executive Producers L. Walter Stearns and Eugene Dizon announced the first built-in Chicago Production of Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning story of Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons. Jersey Boys features a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. This production is co-directed by L. Walter Stearns and Brenda Didier, with co-music direction by Eugene Dizon and Linda Madonia, and choreography by Christopher Chase Carter. Jersey Boys runs March 15 - May 19, 2024 at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue.

Jersey Boys at Mercury Theater in Chicago

Jersey Boys unveils the captivating journey of four working-class youths who rose to become icons in the pop music world. Earning the title of Best Musical at both the Tony and Olivier Awards, this production delves deep behind the songs of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, offering insight into a four-decade-long bond. From New Jersey's streets to the pinnacle of fame, this quartet's story is enriched by spellbinding renditions of hits like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Dawn," and "My Eyes Adored You." These timeless classics contributed to The Four Seasons' esteemed recognition in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, ensuring their place in music history.

Producer L. Walter Stearns remarks: "A decade ago, we embarked on the journey of bringing Jersey Boys to Chicago. We were chosen as the inaugural Chicago theater to make this iconic production uniquely ours. Jersey Boys at Mercury Theater Chicago is set to offer an intimate, and consequently, deeply impactful experience. This Broadway classic will be reimagined to suit our jewel box theater and resonate with our Midwestern audience."

Jersey Boys made its debut at the La Jolla Playhouse in October 2004 before hitting the Broadway stage in November 2005, where it ran for an impressive 11 years with a total of 4,642 shows. It secured its place as the 12th longest-running performance in Broadway's history. The musical was honored with four Tony Awards, notably Best Musical, and the 2009 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Additionally, it bagged two Drama Desk Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album. In 2014, a film version emerged, starring Tony-recipient John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli, under the direction of Clint Eastwood.