Pop-Culturalist.com

Austin Colby is the big man in town, making his off-Broadway debut as Bob Gaudio in the Tony-winning musical Jersey Boys. Following a multi-year run on Broadway, the show has found a new home at New World Stages. Jersey Boys tells the story and career of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi, better known as the Four Seasons. It features seminal classics including “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, and “December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)”. Pop Culturalist had an in-depth conversation with Austin about making his off-Broadway debut, bringing his authentic self to the role, and the biggest lesson he’s learned being a part of the theatre community.

PC: You’re making your off-Broadway debut in Jersey Boys. What’s been the most surprising part about the experience?
Austin: That’s a great question. It’s amazing to find out how much of a following the Four Seasons have and how many amazing hits they’ve written. I don’t think I realized that they were involved in so many great songs and familiar tunes that I’ve appreciated over the years. Of course, “Can’t Take My Eyes off of You”, but also all these hidden gems that I was like, “Wait, they wrote that? That’s amazing.” It’s incredible to see how much of an impact they’ve had on the music industry.

PC: What initially attracted you to this production?
Austin: I saw the production on Broadway about four years ago. I was blown away by the precision of the choreography and the attention to detail. It’s a show that’s been built with a lot of thought, detail, and specificity. There’s such an authenticity to the show and it’s a huge honor to be a part of it.

PC: You have an extensive background in theatre. How have those experiences prepared you for your off-Broadway debut?
Austin: Every experience has helped me. I feel like I’ve learned by doing and interacting with so many great people in this industry of all levels. I started doing summer stock in New Hampshire in a non-equity house where we rehearsed from 10:00am to 10:00pm, and we worked really hard to put on a show in less than a week. That experience helped me form a lot of skills. So, now having a couple of weeks to learn a show seems like so much time.

Then I worked in D.C. for a while in the theatre community there, which is really like a family. I loved all the D.C. theatre connections I made down there with Signature Theatre, Arena Stage, Olney Theatre Center, and Toby’s Dinner Theatre. Everyone that I worked with has taught me something.

PC: How did you discover your passion for your craft?
Austin: My parents are both Methodist preachers, so I grew up singing in church. My older siblings got involved in theatre in high school. I’m the youngest, so I followed in their footsteps. They did sports, and I did sports. They did theatre, and I did theatre. They eventually grew out of theatre, but it stuck with me; I really enjoyed it. In high school and college, my teachers had a huge impact on me. I thought theatre was fun, but they saw something more, which was very flattering and built my confidence up to really pursue it.


PC: Many actors have played this iconic man. How challenging was it for you to make your interpretation your own?
Austin: That’s a good question. Our director, Richard Hester, encourages us to bring ourselves to the role because there’s no better way to play a real person than to bring your real self to the character. It’s been amazing to learn more about Bob; he is truly a brilliant man. If he’s approached by something that he doesn’t have that much information on, he’ll sit back and observe. I find that I tend to do that, too. I feel like we have a lot of characteristics that are similar in terms of our appreciation for music, storytelling, and the desire to make a dent in the world. I don’t think I’ve changed any lives yet, but I know Bob Gaudio has, and that’s pretty cool.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

PC: What would you say is your favorite number to perform in this show? What was the most challenging one to pick up?
Austin: My favorite number to perform would probably be “Oh What a Night”. It’s such a fun and popular song. Every time I sing it, I feel like I’m a lot cooler than I actually am. Also because it’s such a popular song, everybody in the audience claps and sings along.


The most challenging is a combination of three songs that are back to back. They call them the “Big Three”. There’s “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, and “Walk Like a Man”. Those were probably the most challenging to learn because of the choreography and singing. I’m also playing the Farfisa during the number, so it’s very much like rubbing your stomach and patting your head; I’m multitasking the whole time. It’s gotten to the point now where I have practiced it so much that it’s muscle memory. You can’t overthink it—you just have to go. As soon as you overthink it is when you start second-guessing what the steps are or what you’re supposed to be singing or playing.

Luckily, I’ve had a great company to work with that has encouraged and reminded me that this material is very specific and it’s unlike any material that’s out there. They reminded me that yes, it is difficult and yes, I’m allowed to struggle with it and yes, it will come with time.

PC: What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of the theatre community?
Austin: Being a part of the theatre community and being exposed to different historical and cultural stories has helped me become a better member of society. It’s important to accept all walks of life and realize the true humanity in our society, especially today when we have a lot of division in our culture. I’ve appreciated learning that because I think it’s our job, as people who do this for a living, to provoke emotion and thought in our audiences. If we can do that, we’ve done our job.


PC: Jersey Boys has stood the test of time. What is it about this story that has really resonated with audiences?
Austin: First and foremost, it’s the soundtrack. Everybody knows the songs, whether you grew up with them or there’s a remix version or you’ve heard a cover. The music is iconic. Second, it’s a story about family and loyalty. Everyone can relate to having a struggle with a family member or close friend, but you love them unconditionally, like the loyalty that Frankie shows for Tommy. No matter what he did, he was willing to stand up and pay his debts.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Austin: Well, right now my wife has gotten me on The Great British Baking Show and I love watching it. I mean I don’t think that’s really guilty. Just the fact that there’s not really that much of a prize and they just love baking and they’re so sweet about it, and the fact that they can get emotional about baking is a beautiful thing.


PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Austin: I love Braveheart, that’s one of my favorite movies, but that’s not really a guilty pleasure. I think anything Will Ferrell. He’s hilarious.

PC: Favorite book?
Austin: Of Mice and Men

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Austin: I love West Side Story. That’s probably my favorite musical; as for plays, there are so many. I mean Of Mice and Men is also a play so I could say that. Yes, Of Mice and Men.


PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Austin: Oh gosh, this might be really embarrassing, but I used to have a crush on Celine Dion and I still just love her singing voice, so I guess that might be a little embarrassing to include, but that’s fine. My siblings tease me for that.


PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Austin: The Haunting of Hill House

PC: Hidden talent?
Austin: I like to cook!

Make sure to follow Austin on Instagram, and catch Jersey Boys at New World Stages.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus