West End leading man Ryan Molloy has announced that he will leave the cast of Jersey Boys on 9 March after playing the iconic role of Frankie Valli for more than six years.
Molloy took on the role in 2008 when the hit musical about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons received its London premiere at the Prince Edward Theatre.
The musical theatre star leaves as Jersey Boys prepares to move to a new home in the West End. He will lead the show’s last performance at the Prince Edward Theatre before his fellow cast members walk like men without him to the Piccadilly Theatre, resuming performances there from 14 March.
Prior to his long-term role in Jersey Boys, Molloy had previously appeared in productions including Jerry Springer The Opera and English National Opera’s On The Town.
In his announcement on Facebook the actor thanked his fans for their support before going on to say: “Whilst breaking up is hard to do, I’ve had an offer that’s too good to be true (to be announced soon!)… I’ve got lots planned for 2014 and look forward to seeing you all at future gigs and shows”.
Charting the story of four blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks and their journey to stardom, Jersey Boys features a wealth of the 1960s American pop band’s legendary hits including Beggin’, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Rag Doll, Who Loves You, Fallen Angel and Sherry.
News of who will follow in Molloy’s footsteps is yet to be announced. In the meantime, if Jersey Boys is your favourite long-running show, you can vote for it to become the winner of the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award at this year’s Olivier Awards with MasterCard. Visit the Olivier Awards website before 4 March to view the 16 eligible shows and to cast your vote.