Few roles are as iconic as Frankie Valli, the legendary frontman of The Four Seasons. For Daniel Quadrino, stepping into those shoes at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey is both a dream come true and an incredible responsibility. As the lead in Jersey Boys, Quadrino is tasked with bringing to life not only the music that defined a generation but also the man behind the voice.
Quadrino, whose theater credentials include four Broadway shows, now takes center stage as Frankie Valli every night in this acclaimed musical, which begins performances on October 2nd, officially opens on October 6th, and runs through November 3rd. In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into his journey to becoming Frankie, his personal connection to the role, and what audiences can expect from this production of Jersey Boys at the Paper Mill Playhouse.
A Voice That Matches Valli’s
For Daniel Quadrino, preparing to play one of the most iconic voices in American music history is no small feat, but it’s a challenge he meets with dedication and passion. When asked about the vocal demands of the role, Quadrino stresses the importance of rest and health.
“I make sure to get plenty of sleep and rest my voice,” he explains. “I try not to shout or strain my vocal cords, and I always make sure I’m as healthy as can be. That’s really key to sustaining a role like this, night after night.”
One of the more fascinating aspects of his preparation is that Quadrino’s voice naturally aligns with Frankie Valli’s famous falsetto. “I’ve been told that I have a similar vocal tone to Frankie, so in that sense, I’m very lucky,” he says with a smile. “But there’s still a lot of work involved in nailing those high notes and capturing the distinct sound that made Valli such a legend.”
For Quadrino, mastering Valli’s voice is about more than just hitting the right notes. It’s about embodying the emotion and soul behind the music. To do this, he’s spent countless hours listening to the original Four Seasons records, studying Valli’s phrasing, style, and delivery. “It’s important to honor the essence of Frankie’s sound while also bringing a bit of myself to the role,” he adds.
Growing Up in a Family-Focused Italian Household
Daniel Quadrino
Born and raised in Long Island, Daniel Quadrino grew up in an Italian household where family was everything—much like the world Frankie Valli came from. This upbringing gave Quadrino a deep understanding of Valli’s background and the familial bonds that shaped his career.
“My family is everything to me, and I know Frankie came from a similar background,” Quadrino shares. “Growing up in an Italian-American household, there’s this strong sense of loyalty and connection, and that’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my life and my career.”
It’s a connection that goes beyond mere cultural similarity. For Quadrino, family values are woven into the very fabric of the Jersey Boys story. “So much of Frankie’s journey is about his relationships with his bandmates, his family, and the sacrifices they all made along the way. That’s something I can really relate to and bring to the role.”
The Timelessness of The Four Seasons’ Music
The music of The Four Seasons has captivated audiences for decades, and Jersey Boys highlights some of their biggest hits, from “Sherry” to “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man.” When asked why he believes their songs continue to resonate with audiences today, Quadrino has a clear answer.
“It’s timeless,” he says. “There’s something about the music that just never gets old. Whether it’s the harmonies, the lyrics, or the sheer energy of the songs, they still speak to people. Tracks like ‘Sherry’ and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ have this universal appeal that transcends generations.”
Quadrino also notes that The Four Seasons’ music taps into a range of emotions that audiences can relate to, from love and heartbreak to ambition and dreams. “It’s music that connects people, no matter their age or background,” he adds. “And that’s what makes it so special to perform.”
A Unique Experience at the Paper Mill Playhouse
For Quadrino, performing at the Paper Mill Playhouse feels like coming home in more ways than one. Not only is he performing in New Jersey—the birthplace of The Four Seasons—but he’s also working once again with director Michael Bello, with whom he has a strong creative relationship.
First Day of Rehearsal – Photo by Billy Swann
“I’ve worked with Michael before, and it’s always a great experience,” Quadrino says. “He’s such a talented director, and he really understands how to bring out the best in his actors. I’m excited to be working with him again on Jersey Boys.”
When asked what audiences can expect from this particular production, Quadrino emphasizes that it’s a fresh take on the classic musical. “This is going to be different from the Jersey Boys you’ve seen before,” he teases. “We’re bringing something new to the table while still honoring the heart of the show. It’s going to be a really special experience for audiences.”
Stepping Into the Spotlight as a Principal Lead
While Quadrino has appeared in four Broadway productions, including Newsies and Wicked, playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys marks a significant milestone in his career. As the principal lead, Quadrino is now front and center every night, carrying the weight of the show on his shoulders.
“It’s definitely a new experience for me,” he admits. “I’ve been fortunate to be part of some incredible shows on Broadway, but this is different. I’m leading the show every night, and it’s a huge honor to be playing Frankie Valli—especially here in New Jersey, where his story began.”
Despite the pressure, Quadrino is grateful for the opportunity and is embracing the challenge. “I feel incredibly lucky to be doing what I love, and to be doing it in such a meaningful role. It’s not every day that you get to play a legend like Frankie Valli, so I’m savoring every moment.”
As Daniel Quadrino prepares to take the stage as Frankie Valli at the Paper Mill Playhouse, it’s clear that he brings both talent and heart to the role. From his vocal preparation to his personal connection with Valli’s Italian-American roots, Quadrino is fully immersed in the character, ready to deliver a performance that will undoubtedly captivate audiences.
With performances beginning October 2nd, an official opening on October 6th, and a run through November 3rd, this production promises a fresh take on the beloved Jersey Boys story. Theatergoers in New Jersey are in for a treat. For Quadrino, it’s not just about honoring Frankie Valli’s legacy—it’s about making the role his own and sharing that passion with audiences night after night. As he steps into the spotlight, it’s clear that Daniel Quadrino is more than ready to carry the torch of a musical icon.
Get your tickets here: https://papermill.org/subscriptions/
About the Author/s
Tom is a lifelong New Jersey resident, Rutgers and FDU alumni and the publisher of The Digest.
