Frankie Valli Discusses ‘Jersey Boys’ Move From Broadway To Film

Photo credit: E.J. Judge/CBS Radio Digital

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40th Anniversary, Entertainment, Features, Interview, On Air, Shows

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Four Seasons, Frankie Valli, Jersey Boys, John Logan, movie

The stories of many great musicians have made the leap to the big screen over the years, from the likes of Johnny Cash (Walk The Line, 2005) and Selena Quintanilla-Perez (Selena, 1997) to Ray Charles (Ray, 2004) and Ritchie Valens (La Bamba, 1987).

Now one of the most successful acts of all time will have their turn in Hollywood when Frankie Valli and the story of the Four Seasons makes its way to theaters with the adaptation of the Broadway play, Jersey Boys.

While sitting down with Dan Taylor in the CBS-FM studio, Valli admits the movie will be a bit different from the play because of the type of experience the audience is exposed to with the different mediums.

“The play is a live experience and movies are through a microscope. They are two totally different journeys.”

But the change from stage to screen won’t alter the fact that this film is biographical, which means honesty is key to the story.

“When you’re doing a show about your life it should be the truth,” says the Newark, New Jersey born Valli. “Or as close as you possibly can get without hurting anybody.”

[PHOTOS] Frankie Valli in Studio

Jersey Boys will begin production at the start of 2013 and is slated to hit theaters at the end of that year. Sony will be distributing the film and Graham King is the production company in charge. The talents of John Logan have been assigned to screenwriting duties for the film. His credits include acclaimed films such as Gladiator (2000), The Aviator (2004) and Hugo (2011), all of which have been nominated for multiple screenwriting awards.

A major question up in the air is who will play the role of Frankie Valli. Will it be a big Hollywood name or an unknown looking for their big break?

“I don’t have the slightest idea,” admits the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. “I’m glad it’s not me that has to make that decision. The director and the casting people… Thank God for them!”

Watch Dan Taylor’s full interview with Frankie Valli!