Joey Lavarco stars as Frankie Valli in The Lex’s production of ‘Jersey Boys,’ set to take the Opera House Stage in August. Lavarco is no stranger to the show. He’s played several roles in various productions over the years, finally landing in the sweet spot of Frankie Valli.
“For short guys in musical theatre, you are typically cast as the funny role, the bit character, the best friend.” Lavarco said those roles don’t excite him as an actor, “Frankie Valli is one of those roles for these guys who we get to be the romantic lead. We get to be the guy, you know, we get to sing all the songs.”
Lavarco says Frankie Valli is a perfect fit beyond his stature. He keeps coming back to the role because of the depth of the character.
“He’s a go-getter and he really sees the big picture and he is constantly looking at the next thing. The wheels are constantly turning,” characteristics Lavarco says he relates to.
Returning to The Lex as Director and Choreographer is Patrick O’Neill, who says he’s crafting a show that will appeal to a wide audience.
“The idea of family and sacrifice and work ethic and risk and chance is something that I think is really special, that we hold very close to us. So, my hope is that if you’ve ever been on stage if you’ve ever sung a song, if you ever dance to dance, you’re going to come see our show, and some part of it is going to jump out to you, and go I belong in this story.”
O’Neill says the idea of creating connections and family which drew him to this project also drew him back to The Lexington Theatre Company.
“They create this hotbed of creativity, so you have an incredible perspective from every person who walks in the door. It’s not homogeneous. It’s completely eclectic and that’s what makes for the best art.”
You can catch ‘Jersey Boys’ at the Lexington Opera House from August 1st through the 4th. For ticket information, log on to www.lexingtontheatrecompany.org
