Jon Favreau’s decision to bring the West End/Broadway hit Jersey Boys to the big screen means he adds another genre to his eclectic filmography. Currently in pre-production stages, Favreau’s Jersey Boys will build on the spectacle and success of the Tony Award-winning musical. The musical revolves around the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their tumultuous rise to fame; it is a dramatic, comic and melodious tale of a once-huge rock n’ roll group. Having run since 2004, Jersey Boys never seems to lose an audience and the film will surely have commercial appeal. It’ll also prove rather easy to adapt it cinematically as the musical has a plentiful amount of cinematic flair that brings the story to life.
The musical’s staging has many set pieces reminiscent of classic Hollywood, making one wonder how Favreau will adapt the story for the silver screen. Will he continue using the John Ford silhouette vistas, the Vincent Minnelli grandiosity of colour and sound, and the perfect blend of comedy and drama seen often in the films of Billy Wilder that have inspired the musical so perfectly? Or, will Favreau bring in his own design and add to the history of the genre? Favreau is a talented director, capable of mimicking aesthetic and styles with ease and enjoyment (Cowboys & Aliens) yet he can also find his own approach that has refreshing qualities (think Elf and Iron Man). A new musical will be welcomed with past hits such as Mamma Mia! and Rock of Ages still in memory and Favreau is an intriguing and exciting choice to direct the adaptation.
No writer has been announced so far and attention is now being given to casting. Disappointingly, though unsurprisingly, the original stage cast will not reprise their roles for the film. Favreau is looking for all new actors to portray the Four Seasons. Ryan Molloy, who is playing Valli in London at the moment, is astonishing, although at 38 (and with close ups on the big screen) it would be a push to see him playing a teenage Frankie. As long as Valli’s shoes are fittingly worn well by the next actor/singer, Jersey Boys will be a new favourite in its cinematic genre.
