Jersey Boy’s Joe Bwarie hits Boston

By Kayla Harrity
October 15, 2009
Playing a rockstar every night is not as easy at it seems. However, Joseph Leo Bwarie makes it look effortless. Bwarie plays living legend Frankie Valli in the broadway tour of “Jersey Boys.”
It was a long road to fame for Bwarie. After a number of callbacks for the Broadway show, he was flown to New York to audition in front of a group of 30 people. They were sitting at tables, taking notes, and determining if he was the “Frankie Valli” they wanted. He was.
Bwarie thinks playing Frankie Valli from the legendary Four Seasons musical group is an honor and responsibility. Living on the road as a touring musician helps him relate to his character. “We aren’t pretending to know what it feels like. We live it,” said Bwarie.
The entertainment industry has always been on Bwarie’s mind. When asked at what point he knew he wanted to be a performer, Bwarie was quick to answer. He knew at a young age that he was interested in the performing arts. He does not limit himself solely to performing, as he is also interested in directing, producing, and writing.
Bwarie has been succeeding in the entertainment industry with a lot of dedication and talent. His advice to young artists is pretty basic but strong, “It’s cliché I know, but don’t give up. But you can’t just be hoping it’s going to happen, you have to make it happen.”
Three years ago “Jersey Boys” won a Tony Award for Best Musical in 2006. The show is currently touring the United States.