Imagine having to nail the performance of “Sherry” night after night. That’s the challenge Aaron De Jesus takes on as he steps into the iconic role of Frankie Valli in Broadway’s Jersey Boys. In a recent exclusive chat with Closer Weekly, the actor opened up about what it’s like to portray one of music’s most legendary figures and revealed just how supportive Valli himself has been throughout his journey.
Meeting Frankie Valli: A Supportive Legend
“Frankie himself likes to pop in from time to time just to check in,” Aaron shared in his interview. “I’ve been lucky enough to meet him about five or six times over the years. He’s incredibly supportive, positive, and genuinely thrilled to see the show. Every interaction I’ve had with him has been nothing short of wonderful. It’s truly been an honor to step into his shoes on stage.”
View this post on Instagram"I never heard a voice like Frankie Valli's." Meet Aaron De Jesus, the man behind the magic in #JerseyBoysNY as Frankie Valli!
Read also:Bob Barkers Recent Health Challenges A Closer Look
Taking On the Role of Frankie Valli
Aaron admits that portraying Frankie Valli is no small feat, especially when you consider Valli’s legendary voice and the timeless hits he’s known for, like “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “December 1963 (Oh What a Night),” and “Walk Like a Man.” “It’s definitely a big responsibility,” Aaron explained. “Frankie’s voice is so unique that there’s naturally a lot of pressure that comes with the role. But at the same time, it’s an incredible opportunity to bring his story to life every night.”
Finding His Voice—and Staying True to Himself
One of the most impressive aspects of Aaron’s performance is how closely he matches Frankie’s iconic voice. But surprisingly, it’s not all about mimicking. “The great thing about our production is that they don’t expect us to be carbon copies of Frankie,” Aaron revealed. “They encourage us to bring our own personal experiences and individuality to the role. That authenticity is one of the reasons why Jersey Boys has been so successful for so long.”
Though Aaron does take voice lessons and works tirelessly to perfect his craft, it turns out his natural voice already has that distinctive Frankie Valli quality. “It’s a mix of hard work and natural talent,” he laughed.
View this post on InstagramOur eyes were glued to the stage during #JerseyBoysNY! 📷 @samwolf12
Read also:Jennifer Aniston Turns A New Page A Festive Getaway To Mexico
Seven Years of Keeping It Fresh
Aaron has been part of Jersey Boys for seven years now, but the show itself has been running for an impressive 14 years. With such a long run, maintaining that initial spark can be a challenge. “The biggest challenge for us is remembering that there are always new audience members who have never seen the show,” Aaron explained. “We owe it to them to deliver the same first-time experience that audiences felt when the show premiered on Broadway over a decade ago.”
“For me, the fun part is working hard to keep the show fresh every single night,” Aaron added. “Being present, staying engaged, and truly listening to my fellow actors—it’s all about staying in the moment and making sure the magic never fades.”
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Jersey Boys
Jersey Boys continues to captivate audiences at New World Stages with eight shows per week. If you haven’t seen it yet, now’s the time to experience the magic for yourself. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
