Interview: Dalton Wood on playing Tommy DeVito in JERSEY BOYS UK tour

Photo credit: Birgit and Ralf Brinkhoff (Wood pictured second from left)

As hit musical Jersey Boys continues to work its way around the UK, much to the delight of fans everywhere, we caught up with Dalton Wood who is currently playing Tommy DeVito in the tour.

How does it feel to be working on such an established show as Jersey Boys?

It is great to be a part of something that has such a history, not just here but worldwide. So many people know of The Four Seasons but not many people know of their true story. It really makes you feel part of something special when you are telling such an important story. 

You play Tommy DeVito in the musical; did you approach the role in a different way than usual knowing that Tommy is an actual person rather than a character?

Of course it is quite daunting to be playing an actual person that people knew. The truth is, I will never be Tommy so I would never try to be him. I was given the freedom to make Tommy my own and that’s what I did. It’s easy to view Tommy as the villain of the story but I wanted to portray him as just a man who has his faults, which I think is the truest version of Tommy I can be. 

He’s a bit of a bad boy, which gets him into some serious trouble, but if you were in his shoes and knew you would get away with it, would you do any of the things Tommy did?

I do like to gamble and I am in the performing business, however I do know when to stop. I’m sure he had a fun life, but he did spend time in prison and he didn’t really get away with things. So I would never take those risks. I’ll just stick to playing him on stage and leave that part there! 

Which is your favourite song to perform in the show?

My favourite song in the show is ‘Cry for Me’ which is when we hear The Four Seasons sing together for the first time. It’s an amazing moment and it’s where it really starts to pick up quickly from there. 

Were you a fan of their music before you started rehearsing?

Of course I had heard of their songs. I had always loved the song ‘Oh What A Night’ and songs that have been covered over the years, ‘Beggin’ for example which, again, is just an amazing song. You definitely could say I was a fan of their music, it really is timeless. 

If you could play any other role in the show, (not gender specific), what would it be?

I would love to play Mary Delgado because, just like Tommy, she’s not afraid to speak her mind … and I love the wigs! 

Jersey Boys continues to tour the UK, with tickets for select touring venues available here.