THE bright lights of Hollywood could soon be beckoning for the West End’s latest star Ryan Molloy. The North-born musical sensation is dazzling audiences and critics alike in the sell-out show Jersey Boys which tells the story of Motown sensations The Four Seasons. But award-winning actor Ryan, who plays lead singer Frankie Valli in the hit musical, could soon be attracting attention from across the Atlantic. For the real life Frankie Valli is coming to see the show in a few weeks and happens to be bringing a bunch of Goodfellas with him. Ryan, 32, said: “Frankie is coming with Joe Pesci, Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro . . . the real mob! “On March 18, we’re holding a huge party at the Natural History Museum . . . there will be lots of champagne.” He added: “I want to crack Hollywood. Maybe I’ll wind up in one of Mr Scorsese’s movies, that would be all right.” If he did, it will be the end of a long road which first began in North Shields, North Tyneside where he grew up. Ryan’s parents still live in West Monkseaton. He attended North Tyneside College but moved to London to train as an actor. He attended The Poor School drama centre there — so called as it is aimed to include less well-off students — and later also trained at the University of California, Los Angeles and New York. He began his musical career in the late 1990s, singing with a number of bands, including Ultra, supporting Jamiroquai and The Lighthouse Family. Ryan shot to fame in 2004 when he was picked as the new singer for controversial 1980’s pop act Frankie Goes To Hollywood after being spotted by producer Trevor Horn. He went onto play both pre-op transsexual Tremont and the Angel Gabriel in the musical, Jerry Springer The Opera, inspired by the Jerry Springer talk show, for which he won a coveted Olivier Award earlier this year. Jersey Boys, which opened last week, has been a huge success so far. Ryan said: “It has been fantastic. We’re sold out every night and the crowds are going ballistic giving us standing ovations. “Without a doubt it is the best show I’ve been in. The show takes you to so many different places emotionally and physically and has the most beautiful sound track, not to mention brilliant costumes. “It’s a fantastic role for an actor . . . the ultimate job to have. I was lucky to beat everyone vying for this role and I’m really honoured to be playing Mr Valli.” Ryan beat off stiff competition to secure the lead part in the acclaimed Broadway musical, even meeting up with Mr Valli himself, who also went to number one with the theme tune to the film Grease, in preparation for the role. The band, who sold more than 175 million records worldwide, are responsible for hits such as Sherry, Walk Like A Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry and December 1963 (Oh What a Night). “It was an honour to meet him,” Ryan revealed. “He tells you lots of stories and is a really interesting character. “It was fantastic to talk to him and it is a great honour he is coming to see the show.” Although he has set his sights on Hollywood, Ryan admits it he is still on the lookout for a nice North lass. He said: “I want a Geordie girl but I’m so busy with the show she would have to be prepared to be driven around the twist.” | 
