Mafia, Betrayal, Love, Revenge
JERSEY BOYS - Laurence Olivier Awards 2009 - Best New Musical

JERSEY BOYS is a true life story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The show follows the journey of a group of working class kids who started life on the wrong side of the tracks. They turned it all around by inventing their own sound along with writing their own songs and selling over 100 million records! The show features many of the bands world wide hits! And is truly one of the most loved shows in the West End today!!

I had the opportunity to speak with Kieran Jae who is part of the original cast in the West End!

What is the Best thing about being a part of Jersey Boys?
There is something special about acting out a story which really happened warts and all, and to be able to educate an audience on the REAL story. The thing with Jersey Boys is that everyone knows the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons before they walk in to the theatre, but what was kept such a secret back in there prime and spotlight days was their story of gangsters, prison, love and betrayal. So I would say being able to perform this story every night is the best part.
What’s the funniest thing that has happened while performing?
When I messed up one of my lines, the character Bob Gaudio says, “The day after we’re on American Bandstand we sell $120,000 records”. Kieran Jae said (once), “The day after we’re on American IDOL” oops! Considering this part of the show was set in the 1950s, I think I might have been a little premature with American Idol. But it was indeed very funny for the rest of the cast and they have not let me live it down since.
What has been your career highlight?
I think there has to be two highlights of my career so far. One most defiantly was getting my first job out of drama school which was 'Witches of Eastwick' in the West End at The Prince Of Wales theatre. I remember thinking all my dreams had come true. The second has to be Jersey Boys and performing the role of Bob Gaudio for the real life Bob Gaudio and him telling me that HE was very proud of himself after watching my portrayal. That has to be the highlight for me.
If you had the chance to play any role or be involved in any show you like, what would it be and why?
There are two roles in musical theatre I am still dying to play, one of them being Bobby C in Saturday Night Fever, if not just to get to sing 'Tragedy'. The second is to play Chris in Miss Saigon, I once got offered the understudy but unfortunately was unable to do it, and I really regret it, as this is my all time favourite part.  
What has kept you motivated during your career?
I think I have always been a very motivated and career minded performer. I am still very passionate about my art and really love what I do. Motivation is the key to success. You have to be dedicated and focused on goals and ambitions to be able to move forward in life. Having discipline and focus in your training carries you through your whole career.
Any advice for performers wanting to break into the West End ?
When I teach I always say the same things to the students, if you want something bad enough you should never stop dreaming about it and go out there and be prepared to work hard for it and get it. Nothing comes with out hard work, but nothing is impossible if you’re prepared to go the distance to get it. You reap the rewards far more when you have worked hard for something you really want.
If you had the chance to do it all over again, would you change anything?
NO! I believe your life is written for you.
Who has been the most inspirational person you have worked with so far and why?
The first has to be an actress called Joanna Riding, who is a real name in the West End. I worked with her in Witches of Eastwick (She played Jane Smart, one of the Witches) and I used to sit at the side of the stage and watch her every show. There was something about her that made an audience transfixed to her performance. This show was where my training really started. She taught me so much about being professional and consistent and really how to act just by watching and talking to her. The other has to be my leading man that I am working with in Jersey Boys at the moment. Ryan Molloy plays Frankie Valli. I have been lucky enough to play opposite him during this show, and he has to be the most inspirational guy I've ever met. Not only can this guy sing like an angel, a very HIGH angel at that, but when you act with him it's like you’re in another world. He tells a million story’s with his eyes, without saying a word.
 Fav Quote: "Feel the fear and do it anyway"

 Olivia Bell