Musical theatre in New Zealand has been under the microscope in recent weeks. Ever since news broke that a touring production of The Lion King was granted border exemptions to enter New Zealand, the industry has been debating what needs to be done to enhance our locally grown productions so they can thrive on their own accord.
Amidst the debate, Jersey Boys has arrived to make a strong case for the industry's potential. Originally premiering in Broadway in 2005 and last in New Zealand professionally in 2012, this is the latest show from G&T Productions – formerly Amici – one of the country's foremost pro-amateur producers.
This time, they've gone fully professional, with the whole cast getting paid while the show will go to Wellington after its Auckland season. And Jersey Boys is perhaps the perfect musical for them to take the big leap into the professional arena.
While their last show, Mary Poppins, literally broke down opening night under weight of the technical requirements, Jersey Boys is a far simpler production. The show focuses on the songs and lives of the four original members of the Four Seasons – Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi and Bob Gaudio.
It's not a big song and dance production, with limited staging and practical, industrial set from Harold Moot. It's a musical that is solely about the music, with 22 songs in the first act alone.