Did you know that producer behind many of The Four Seasons' biggest hits also wrote “Lady Marmalade” and “Afternoon Delight?”
That is one factoid that Broadway actor Barry Anderson discovered while researching his role as Bob Crewe, The Four Seasons’ producer and co-songwriter, for the show "Jersey Boys." The show is now playing in Milwaukee through Oct. 27th.
A native of Osseo, Wis., Anderson isn't new to the stage. After moving to New York City, he landed a part in "Legally Blonde" on Broadway. For the past two years, he has been part of the national tour cast of "Jersey Boys."
He says the actors try to keep their performances fresh by remembering that many audience members are seeing the show for the first time. For many, it's their first time seeing a Broadway-caliber production. Anderson says each audience is different in their reactions; some are raucous and interactive during the show, others only get to their feet to applaud at the end.
Anderson hopes the show will educate audiences about The Four Seasons, about the behind-the-scenes struggles and the impact the group made on the music scene of the 1960s and 1970s. He has the same hope, too, for Crewe's legacy.
"I think what "Jersey Boys" has done for him, as well as (songwriter and singer Bob) Gaudio and even (lead singer) Frankie Valli to a certain extent is put them back on the map as far as putting a face and a name on those songs people already knew," he says.
"Jersey Boys" will be in Milwaukee through October 27th and tickets are available for purchase.
