The boys are back in town

A night of amazing music, sharp guys and strong girls transporting you back to the most incredible time in music history. This is how Glaston Toft describes the glistening new production of Jersey Boys, hitting QPAC in January.

How did you become involved in the world of musical theatre? 

I became interested in music theatre in my early teenage years, though it was some time later that I realised it could be a career. I’ve always felt there is something magical about all theatre, but certainly music has the potential for a greater emotional experience.

What was your first STAGE role? 

I’d mainly worked in ensemble and understudy plots before I landed the role of Nick Massi in 2009. I also played the coveted role of Al Deluca in the Gold Coast Spotlight Theatre’s production of A Chorus Line back in 2001.

What is the story OF Jersey Boys?

Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. It follows the lives of these four guys from New Jersey, starting out in the music business in the 1950s and going through to current day. The thrills and spills involved in these four guys going from the corner under the streetlight, via the mob, time spent in prison, finding themselves a million dollars in debt to the wrong people and making it all the way to the Hall of Fame. 

As the 12th longest running musical on Broadway, whaT Keeps people coming back for more?

It is a show with phenomenal detail and people get something different from the show every time. You don’t realise how many of these songs have been featured in movies and ads. People get a kick out of recognising how much of their back catalogue they know!

You play the band’s musical marvel Nick Massi, can you tell us a bit about your character?

Nick was the eldest member of the band and had been in the club scene for quite some time before the Four Seasons formed. Frankie and Bob give him credit for the group’s success, he was a gifted musician and created those iconic harmonies that really gave the group their sound. As a person, Nick was very enigmatic. Many people found him puzzling; he was very particular about a lot of things. But he loved having a good time. He loved the booze and the girls. He was a true Jersey boy.

What is your favourite song
in the show? 

I learned recently that Nick’s favourite song was Rag Doll, so I’m really looking forward to getting to the end of the show and rocking that one out. 

Can you take us through a typical day when you are on tour with the musical?

I have two little kids, so tour life away from my family seems very easy. I can sleep in, go to the gym and generally live it up while my wife slogs it out at home getting increasingly resentful. 

 What is the best part OF your job?

Seeing the audience’s reaction to the show. It is hard not to be swept up in their joy and enthusiasm. 

What has been the most memorable moment of your career?

The phone call from my agent telling me I had the role of Nick Massi. I knew my life was going to change and it did. 

Who is your inspiration?

I’m really inspired by theatre makers. I look at people like Lin Manuel Miranda and the work that he’s done – he has completely reshaped the art form and has drawn new audiences to musical theatre.