Jay Shah
DevOps\Aerospace Engineer & Journalist
Hello Hello, fellow music and theater lovers! 🎶
It’s yours one and only friendly Vancouver neighborhood’s Jay Shah back again, ready to take you on another musical adventure with the Arts Club Theatre. If you’ve been following my journey, you know how much I enjoyed diving into Johnny Cash’s world with “Ring of Fire” at Granville Island combining narrative and music to bring his story to life. When I sat down to watch it unfold on stage I wasn’t ready for it to connect with a piece of my own history. Each song brought back memories, from road trips where Cash’s voice kept me and my friends company to quiet moments of introspection where his lyrics spoke to my soul and the similar troubles he went through.
The Club has a reputation for bringing Broadway-caliber productions to Vancouver, and having witnessed their ability to weave narrative and song into a cohesive and emotionally charged experience, this upcoming production is set to be no different. The energy, the music, and the raw emotion that this band is known for will undoubtedly resonate deeply with the audience, making it a must-see for music lovers and theatergoers alike.
Now, as the summer fades and we gear up for the vibrant fall season, they’re about to do it again—this time with a band whose music transcended generations and became the soundtrack of so many lives, mine included. I’m thrilled to share my excitement for the upcoming:
© 2024 Arts Club Theatre Company
Having experienced the powerful storytelling and electrifying performances in Ring of Fire,
Now, as I look forward to Jersey Boys I find myself eagerly anticipating a similar journey. This time, it’s Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons who will take the stage, promising to deliver not just their iconic music but also the story behind the melodies that have resonated across generations offering a deeper understanding of the men behind the hits.
The story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Now running until October 27, 2024!
Get ready to walk down this musical memory lane with me as we prepare for a season filled with unforgettable melodies and stories that strike a chord with every audience member. I can’t wait to share more about the creative forces behind the production, the talented cast bringing it to life, and why you should mark your calendars for this must-see event! So…ALL ABOARD!!
A Melody of Dreams and Harmonies
With Jersey Boys set to light up the stage at the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, anticipation is at an all-time high. This promises to be a deep dive into the meteoric rise of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, a band that took the world by storm with their unforgettable harmonies and chart-topping hits. From “Sherry”
to “Big Girls Don’t Cry,”; anthems of an era, encapsulating the dreams and struggles of a group of blue-collar boys from New Jersey who dared to dream big.
Crafting the Jersey Magic
When it comes to delivering a show and band as iconic as this one, the Arts Club has brought together a stellar team of creatives who are set to recreate the 1960s era in a way that is both authentic and fresh. Julie Tomaino, who is directing and choreographing this production, has a reputation for her dynamic and emotionally charged work.
A celebrated theatre director, choreographer, and educator with a rich background that spans both stage and screen. Her exceptional talent has earned her prestigious accolades, including a Dora Award, a Jessie Award, multiple Ovation Awards, and several BroadwayWorld Awards for Outstanding Original Choreography in Musical Theatre.
With a career that has spanned prestigious stages in New York City and across Canada, Julie’s deep understanding of storytelling through movement and her commitment to fostering collaborative and inclusive rehearsal spaces ensure that Jersey Boys will be a production that resonates deeply with audiences.
Photo Credit: Denise Grant
Lighting and sound are equally important in setting the mood and tone of the production. Sophie Tang’s lighting design will likely draw the audience into the highs and lows of the band’s journey, while Kate De Lorme’s sound design will ensure that every note resonates with the audience. I’m also keen to see how Ken Cormier, the musical director, will handle the iconic hits of The Four Seasons, ensuring that they not only entertain but also advance the story.
A sound artist from the Okanagan, Kate De Lorme specializes in immersive spatial soundscapes and has worked extensively in live performance. She holds a BFA in Theatre Design and Production from UBC and has an Audio Engineering certification. 
A versatile pianist from Quebec, Ken Cormier is skilled in classical, jazz, and popular music. He has a degree in Piano Performance from UBC and is active as a performer, teacher, and accompanist in Burnaby, BC. 
An award-winning lighting and set designer, Sophie Tang has collaborated with top Canadian theatres like Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, and Vancouver Opera, holding degrees from Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia.
The set and costume designs will play a pivotal role in immersing the audience in the world of “Jersey Boys.” Ryan Cormack’s set design and Barbara Clayden’s costumes are expected to reflect the vibrant style of the 1960s, transporting us back in time while ensuring that the visual storytelling enhances the narrative.
The cast is a powerhouse of talent, with Elliot Lazar taking on the iconic role of Frankie Valli, alongside Darren Martens as Tommy DeVito, Jason Sakaki as Bob Gaudio, and Jordan Stanley as Nick Massi. These performers are backed by a dynamic ensemble that brings the story to life with energy and authenticity.
Showtimes and Special Performances
On Sunday Salon At 1 PM (one hour before showtime) Sept 15th, experience a 30-minute talk from Danny Filippone, the owner of The Penthouse, and BC historian author Aaron Chapman share stories of one of Vancouver’s most iconic night spots and some of the city’s forgotten secrets.
On Talkback Tuesday (Tue, Sep 24, 7:30 PM), stick around after the show for an exclusive Q&A session with the cast and creative team, where you’ll get insider insights and behind-the-scenes stories. For those who need an accessible experience,
VocalEye Performances (Sun, Sep 29, 2 PM; Fri, Oct 4, 8 PM) offer live audio description for blind and partially sighted audience members, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of the show.
And don’t miss the lively Sing-Along performance on Sun, Oct 13, 2 PM, where you can join fellow fans in belting out your favorite Jersey Boys hits!
These special performances add a layer of interactivity and inclusivity that I hope makes each show truly unforgettable.
- Evenings: Tue–Thu, 7:30 PM; Fri & Sat, 8 PM
- Matinees: Wed, 1:30 PM; Sat & Sun, 2 PM
- Talkback Tuesday: Tue, Sep 24, 7:30 PM
- VocalEye Performances: Sun, Sep 29, 2 PM; Fri, Oct 4, 8 PM
- Sing-Along: Sun, Oct 13, 2 PM
So don’t miss out on what promises to be one of the most talked-about productions of the season. Grab your tickets now and get ready to be transported back in time to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll with the story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.
For tickets and more information, visit Arts Club Theatre. Let’s make this an unforgettable fall season together—see you at the theater!
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Jersey Boys is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
© 2024 Arts Club Theatre Company
A not-for-profit registered charity · No. 11921 3551 RR0001
3 responses to “From ‘Ring of Fire’ to ‘Jersey Boys’: The Arts Club Strikes a Chord Again!”
[…] — the Shakespearian Bard on the Beach, EMV’s magical journey with BACH, and the various musical acts with the Arts Club Theatre, to name a few—I can confidently say that Empty-Handed is one of the most anticipated […]
[…] musical mastery of BACH, the rock classics in Arts Club’s Ring of Fire or the timeless appeal of Jersey Boys (which is now running until Oct 27th; having extended their run due to its incredible reception and […]
[…] blanket. Watching it from the Granville Island Stage, where we previously experienced Cash’s RING OF FIRE earlier in the […]