Stephen Ashfield performs
Bob Gaudio in West End’s JERSEY BOYS, that opened in Prince Edward Theatre last
March 18th.
JERSEY BOYS tells the true life story of Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame pop group Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio,
Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito shot to fame in the 1960´s with the number one hit
record Sherry (Sherry Baby). They went on to sell 100 million records worldwide,
during a 40 year career, with hits such as “Bye Bye Baby” or “Don´t Cry, Can´t
Take My Eyes Off You”. After the great success in Broadway, producers decided to
beat for its opening in London.
Ryan Molloy, Stephen Ashfield, Philip Bulcock and Glenn Carter are the
performers of the four members of The Four Seasons. Stephen Ashfield, tell us
more details about this Show.
JERSEY BOYS OPENED IN LONDON PAST MARCH, WHAT ARE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS
ABOUT THE RESULT OF THE SHOW?
Overwhelming! I was stunned by the reaction of
the audiences. They are swept along by the music and emotion of the show and
can´t wait to jump to their feet at the end.
THE MUSICAL TELLS THE
STORY OF THE FOUR SEASONS IN FOUR PARTS, EACH PART NARRATED BY A DIFFERENT
MEMBER OF THE BAND AND SUPPOSEDLY REFLECTING THAT BAND MEMBER´S PERSPECTIVE ON
THE BAND´S HISTORY. WHAT IS THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE CHARACTER YOU PERFORM?
I
play Bob Gaudio, who narrates the SUMMER section of the show (each of us take a
season). Bob is very focused on the job and writing the music. It is my job to
guide the show through the highs of the bands immediate success with hits like
Sherry, Big Girls Don´t Cry, and Walk Like a Man. What is interesting is that
Bob knew there were problems and petty squables within the band, but he always
chose to look ahead at the big picture and immersed himself in that. He is Bobby
businessman!
JERSEY BOYS HAS HAD A HUGE SUCCESS IN BROADWAY. DO YOU
THINK BRITISH PEOPLE WILL RECEIVE THE SHOW IN THE SAME WAY?
I´ve no doubt
that the show translates differently wherever it plays. Even the different
companies in America experience different reacions whether on the West Coast or
on Broadway. In London, it takes a little while for the audience to settle into
the time period, what it means to live and work in New Jersey, and also the
style of the show. Speaking to the audience at stage door every night, people do
not expect to be moved in the way they are.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT
IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE MUSIC OF THE FOUR SEASONS?
The Four Seasons had so many
classic hits. That special brand of pop with a hard steely edge that really
spoke to working class people. They wrote songs about normal people and everyday
lives and that really connected with the audience. Also, just listen to the
songs...they´re fantastic!
WHAT DOES IT MEANS TO YOU TO TAKE PART OF THIS PRODUCTION? WHAT IS THAT YOU
MOST LIKE FROM JERSEY BOYS?
I was so thrilled when I was offered the role of
Bob Gaudio. Shows like Jersey Boys don´t come along too often. Not only is the
music really strong, but the book is so well written. So, it is a real joy to
perform when you know the material is top notch.
Philip Bulcock, Ryan Molloy, Stephen Ashfield and Glenn
Carter
YOU TOOK PART OF TIM BURTON’S SWEENEY TODD. HOW DID YOU DESCRIBE THIS
EXPERIENCE?
Sweeney Todd was the first film I´d ever been involved with. It
was a great experience because it was on such a massive scale. I mean, looking
past the camera and seeing Tim Burton standing there working his magic was
amazing and filming at Pinewood was very exciting when you think of the history
involved. But eating those pies made me feel SO sick. I wasn´t popular with the
crew, because I kept asking for mine to be heated up! Diva or
what?!
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOR A MUSICAL ACTOR
TO BE READY FOR WORKING EACH DAY?
I´m not sure about this one, because I
don´t really have any special routines. I suppose you just have to be in the
correct frame of mind, be prepared physically and vocally for the challenges of
the role. Most of all, you´ve got to have fun.
Published by kind permission of Marisol Gonzalez/
www.todomusicales.com
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