Musical blockbuster Jersey Boys announced for Brisbane

Arts Minister Rachel Nolan welcomed the announcement today that the multi-award winning box office breaking musical Jersey Boys will come to Brisbane this July.

“Jersey Boys - The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons has captivated nearly 9 million fans in productions worldwide,” Ms Nolan said.

“The production will officially open in Brisbane at Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC’s) Lyric Theatre on Sunday 15 July 2012.

“I am sure that the news that this much anticipated show is coming to QPAC will be warmly received by Brisbane audiences who have shown their passion for musicals through the resounding success of Mary Poppins, which recently broke QPAC box office records as the highest selling show for more than a decade.”

Ms Nolan said Broadway’s gritty smash hit musical, Jersey Boys - The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is the story of how four blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop sensations of all time.

“Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe, choreography by Sergio Trujillo and directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff, Jersey Boys - The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons officially opened on Broadway to critical acclaim in November 2005.

“Since then it has been New York’s hottest ticket, sold out every night, and continues to break box office records on Broadway and throughout the world. It won four Tony Awards in 2006.

“I welcome the news that Jersey Boys will show in Brisbane because record visitor numbers mean jobs and dollars for the economy.

“While the Bligh Government has a demonstrated commitment to supporting arts venues and securing blockbusters such as the one announced today, the record of the LNP is far from the same.

“In the years that Campbell Newman was Brisbane Mayor, Council's flagship arts venue - the Powerhouse - saw its funding go backwards according to its own annual reports.

“Five years ago the Shadow Arts Minister called GoMA a white elephant, but the Bligh Government forged ahead and the Gallery is now the most visited in the nation.

“Under the Bligh Government arts and culture has thrived, with Queensland now recognised widely as the most progressive state when it comes to the arts.

“Under a LNP Government I have no doubt the final call will be called, because $5 billion in unfunded promises has to come from somewhere and they have form when it comes to arts and culture.”

Ms Nolan added that Jersey Boys had played to record breaking seasons in Melbourne and Sydney and would arrive in Brisbane following its season in Auckland, New Zealand.

Tickets go on sale from Monday 27 February at 9.00am. For bookings go to www.qpac.com.au or phone 136246.

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