Interview: Ryan Molloy Is a Natural Jersey Boy

Ryan Molloy might not have been weaned on the music of The Four Seasons, but his passion for their tunes is evident in his energetic portrayal of Frankie Valli in the ever-popular Jersey Boys.

"I didn't know much about their story, but I also didn't realize how many of their songs I knew," said the native of northern England who is making his Broadway debut in the show, directed by Des McAnuff. "What you realize when you see the show is that these songs have been in your life for a very long time," he said before a recent performance. The group was wildly successful in the '60s and was known at various points as The Four Lovers and Frankie Valley and the Travelers, but Molloy grew up in the '80s as a rock 'n' roll fan.

Molloy originated the lead role in the London production of Jersey Boys and earned a nomination for an Olivier, the British theater award. "Great things happen when you listen to the songs," he said. Listening to the group's music and lyrics enticed him to become familiar with the entire catalog. "I come from a rock 'n' roll background and I can really relate to Frankie. We both came from tough neighborhoods and have both been involved in music for a long time."

Molloy, who is also an in-demand disc jockey in the UK, is passionate about myriad musical genres, from soul to R&B. The story of The Four Seasons is one known by legions of fans worldwide. "It's a story about four friends and the relationships that developed over the years," he said. Those relationships survived despite financial hardship and family tragedies.

The current cast consists of Tommy DeVito (portrayed by Richard H. Blake), Bob Gaudio (Quinn VanAntwerp), Nick Massi (Matt Bogart) and Frankie, who was born Francesco Castelluccio. The Four Seasons became popular around the world and the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.

"These guys got to the top of the charts" - with hits like "Sherry," "Walk Like a Man" and "Big Girls Don't Cry"-"and the show is about how success affected one another and their families. The book"-by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice-"is so strong and s­­hows how they stood the test of time," Molloy said.

The show has been around the world, including Australia and Japan. "It's a real global tale. So many people relate to the characters and I always find something new. Frankie is a real guy, 100 percent real. He had dreams and wanted to get out of that neighborhood and he really believed in his voice," Molloy said. "He has real courage and great strength as a man," he said of Valli, who is still performing.

"Those guys went through the mill, they're real musical heroes," he added. Molloy met Valli when the London production launched. "He came on stage with me and we got to hang out with him backstage. He's 80 years old now and still has the passion."

Composer Gaudio and lyricist Bob Crewe often drew upon Valli's life experiences in writing the songs. Molloy said. Nailing the songs in the show was easy compared with learning the choreography. "The choreography is quite difficult, very precise and regimented and the choreographer"-Sergio Trujillo-"was really patient with me." The real Four Seasons didn't dance during musical performances, Molloy said, so it may come as a surprise to watch the Temptations-like moves onstage. "The Four Seasons didn't dance, they just stood there and sang," he said.

Molloy has been performing since he was very young, and he was inspired by old movies he watched on television. "I fell into the singing thing and fell into acting when I was 19," he said. "It's a dual passion, and it's great to be able to express these emotions."

The London production was tailored to reflect that culture. "Lots of changes were made. London people didn't know what Jersey and New Jersey meant." They most likely would have anticipated a musical about fresh milk and Jersey cows, he said.

JERSEY BOYS has many comedic moments, but Molloy has few, he said. "The great writers really know how to tell a joke but I only get one laugh-'It's a sign, Tommy,'" when referring to a bowling alley whose name happened to be Four Seasons.

The show has proven endlessly rewarding, Molloy said. "It's especially great doing the big three songs" -"Walk Like a Man," "Sherry" and "Big Girls Don't Cry." "The band members were best friends, brothers and business partners. They grew up with each other. These are real things that happened. The music industry comes in and relationships change. Hopefully, at the end of the show, people leave with a song in their heart, a skip in their step," he added.

"What I admire most about him is his bravery," he said of Valli. "He's a great man to be so honest and have such belief to get through and stay strong to this day. It's a testament to what a solo artist should be."

Jersey Boys is playing at the August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues.