From Stage to Strategy: Business Lessons from Jersey Boys Theatre Play

Author: Ezichi Adanna Anokwuru, Full-Time MBA

Last week, I attended the acclaimed musical Jersey Boys by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, which tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. While the show featured unforgettable music, it also offered surprising lessons that connect to concepts I’ve learned in business school at Fisher College of Business.

The Four Seasons’ rise to stardom reflects the power of a shared vision. Frankie Valli’s voice, Tommy DeVito’s drive, and Bob Gaudio’s songwriting created a winning synergy. This reminded me of strategy discussions in my MBA program, emphasizing the importance of aligning team strengths with a clear mission. However, as the group grew successful, financial mismanagement by Tommy jeopardized their future, highlighting the critical need for transparency and accountability—core themes in Leadership and Managerial Accounting classes.

Adaptability was another key takeaway. The Four Seasons faced numerous rejections early on and struggled to stay relevant as music trends evolved. Frankie’s ability to pivot and lead the group forward mirrored lessons from our Operations coursework, where agility is crucial for navigating dynamic markets.

One of the most impactful moments in the play was Frankie’s decision to shoulder Tommy’s debts, safeguarding the group’s reputation. This resonated with lessons from Ethics and Marketing classes about the long-term value of integrity. Protecting a brand—whether in music or business—often requires making tough but necessary choices.

Finally, the mentorship between Frankie and Bob stood out as a defining element of their success. Bob’s strategic vision and unwavering support of Frankie echoed the value of mentorship, a recurring theme in my MBA journey. A trusted mentor can provide the guidance needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Jersey Boys is more than a musical; it’s a story of teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Watching their journey reminded me that success—whether in business or life—is rarely achieved alone. It requires collaboration, adaptability, and the courage to make ethical decisions under pressure.

As I reflect on my MBA experience, I’m inspired to draw lessons not just from classrooms and case studies but also from unexpected places like the theater. After all, as Frankie Valli sang, “Oh, what a night!”