A Jersey Contract

"So should we have somebody draw up a contract?" keyboardist and songwriter Bob Gaudio asks. Frankie Valli responds by offering his hand.

“You want a contract? Here. A Jersey contract.”

In the music industry, deals are inked on thick stacks of legal paper, scrutinized by lawyers, and sealed with signatures. But for Valli and Gaudio, one of the most important contracts in rock and roll history came down to something much simpler: a handshake.

No lawyers. No paperwork. Just trust. That handshake would lay the foundation for one of the most successful vocal groups of all time: The Four Seasons. Their story, filled with struggle, triumph, and unforgettable harmonies, is brought to life in Jersey Boys, the Tony Award-winning musical that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

“The heart of the story is the American Dream,” said show director Ben Liebert. “Our grandparents or parents moved to this country so we could have a better life. Whether that means being the first to go to college, start a business, or become a massively successful band, we’ve all felt that drive to do better. Jersey Boys doesn’t just celebrate success; it lays bare the cost of ambition, fame, and brotherhood.”

From a scrappy kid in New Jersey to an international music legend, Valli’s journey is one of resilience.

“He begins the show as a sixteen-year-old boy and later transitions into the iconic music legend we know today,” explains Nicolas Fernandez, who portrays Valli. “Regardless of how successful Frankie becomes, where he came from will always be at the core of his character.”

“Taking on this role is both an immense responsibility and an incredible honor,” continues Fernandez. “Valli’s legendary falsetto is one of the most influential sounds in pop music history. To perform his music every night and do so in a way that honors the legacy of that generation is truly a privilege.”

Liebert emphasizes that the show's unique storytelling - where each of the Four Seasons shares their perspective - allows the audience to become part of the story. “What is exciting about Jersey Boys is that there are four different sides to the story. Our Seasons pass off the narration and give their point of view on what happened. Then the audience gets to form their own opinion on the truth,” he says.

And then, of course, there’s the music. Songs like "Sherry", "Oh, What a Night", and "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You" form the soundtrack to this thrilling journey, capturing the essence of the time and the power of the group’s harmonies.

“I can’t wait for our audience to hear this music. We all remember it as great tunes on an LP, but there is such energy in hearing these harmonies live. Add a little dance and some great production value, and you’re in for a great night in the theater,” Liebert promises.

With powerhouse performances, electrifying music, and a story that speaks to anyone who has ever dared to dream, FST is committed to providing audiences with transformative experiences. Just as that handshake between Valli and Gaudio set the stage for an iconic partnership, Jersey Boys invites us to reflect on the power of trust, ambition, and the bonds that shape our lives. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most important agreements aren’t written down - they're built on a shared understanding and a willingness to take a chance on each other.