Inside the Revival of Jersey Boys in Las Vegas: An Interview with Executive Producer John Bentham
What was your first experience with Jersey Boys? What made you want to produce it in Vegas?
”Many years ago, Jersey Boys was a big Broadway hit and a smash hit in Las Vegas. And I had seen the show. I fell in love with the music, and then I found out it was closing here in Las Vegas. But, I knew it was the perfect show for Vegas, so I reached out to the producers at the time, Dodgers, and I told them that this show is not done in Vegas, and they agreed.”
Why produce Jersey Boys specifically?
“What really drew me to Jersey Boys, besides the music, is that there’s a really compelling story there. It’s one that I’ve seen multiple times now, and I don’t get tired of it, because the acting is so good, and the storytelling is so good. It’s really a great story in addition to a musical soundtrack that’s just phenomenal.”
How long does it take to get a massive production like this off the ground?
“I’ve been working on this show now for 6 or 7 years to find it the perfect home. I think I’ve found the perfect home for Jersey Boys at the Orleans Hotel and Casino. It’s a 12-million-dollar production that we’ve opened up, and it’s just beautiful. It sounds great, our cast is phenomenal, and the band is incredible.”
What about this production of Jersey Boys sets it apart from any other production around the world and the previous production that was in Vegas?
“It was important to me to bring back Jersey Boys in its truest Broadway sense. We’re so fortunate that we have such an incredible cast and band, but what’s great about this show is that we’ve brought back all 17 actors’ [tracks] that were originally created for the [show], a 10-piece band, and we’ve brought back automation in the show. [Elements] that haven’t been a part of the show … for probably almost a decade. So this … Vegas version of Jersey Boys is [the only place in the world] where you can see the show in its truest sense. The way it was intended to be seen.”
How has the feedback been since you started performances in January?
“We’re so thrilled with the cast and the band that we have and the quality that’s on stage every single night. Fans of Jersey Boys who have seen it time and time again have all relayed to me what a great job this production does. And really it’s one of their favorite, if not their favorite production that they’ve ever seen.”
What has been your favorite part of the process of producing Jersey Boys?
“The people that are involved with Jersey Boys have probably been the best thing about this production for me because they are so passionate… The people that we brought together to create Jersey Boys Las Vegas are associates from the original Broadway show. They worked with the original creative team, and they came here to make …one of the most beautiful productions of Jersey Boys. So it was fun to work with those creative talents to bring the vision of the original director, the original choreographer, the original lighting designer, and the original writers … back together almost two decades later to create what we think is one of the best, if not the best Jersey Boys in the world.” With its talented cast, impressive production elements, and commitment to the show’s original vision, this Vegas rendition of Jersey Boys is poised to captivate audiences for years to come. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the magic for the first time, this production offers a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of the Four Seasons and the timeless appeal of Jersey Boys.
