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The story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons.
“Jersey Boys” is a smash hit jukebox musical that gives us the sometimes gritty, but always entertaining true life story of falsetto idol Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The blue collar boys in the shiny Lurex suits strode onto the music scene in 1965 wowing the public for 20 years with hits such as ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ ‘Oh What a Night,’ ‘Walk Like a Man,’ and many more.
Before fame and fortune comes the journey to stardom. “Jersey Boys” takes us on that journey. It is told in 4 parts – 4 seasons. Each member of the group has a chance to tell his side of the story from humble beginnings to the thrill of superstardom and back again.
Via loan sharks, jail time, tense dealing with the Mob and the strength of friendship, “Jersey Boys” comes to life. Director Des McAnuffthe takes the spectacular writings of Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by Bob Guadio and lyrics of Bob Crew and guides his cast and crew with a skilled hand and multimedia vision. In real life, The Four Seasons sold over 175 million records before any of them were 30 and became a world wide pop sensation.
“Jersey Boys” is written and staged to draw the audience in and include us in the telling of the story. The fourth wall is almost immediately broken by Tommy De Vito as he welcomes the audience and tells us, “Don’t listen to thoz guyz. I’ll tell you what really happened.” And unlike Frankie’s lyrics in ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ this big girl theater reviewer most definitely did cry. Frankie’s heartache, ruined marriage and death of his youngest daughter are very honestly and vividly presented as collateral damage from his musician’s lifestyle.
Throughout the musical, scenes are played out with all four main characters addressing the audience directly – offering deeper insight. This narration usually happens during scene changes, but several times scenes are frozen for characters to give their point of view. I found this style of story telling very intimate. It made the history of who Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons were come to life. The skill that the narrations were delivered with was exceptional. Although sitting in a full house, I felt as though the characters were speaking only to me, offering personal private information. Marshal Brickman and Rick Elice created the “documentary” style of story about the Jersey Boys from interviews with the surviving members of the band.
Since its debut in 2005, “Jersey Boys” has become a must-see, embedding itself in the Broadway landscape playing over 3,000 performances and winning 4 Tonys, proving that the rags to riches to rags again story is an ever enduring theme.
The incredible venue that is the Windspear Opera House, gives “Jersey Boys” acoustic perfection! Minimalistic scenery and a nearly skeleton set let the music and acting shine through. The use of video backgrounds enhance scenes and effectively help dress the stage without overwhelming or distracting. There simply isn’t a bad seat. Regardless of where you are, it will feel as if you are being given a private performance. The vocals of Aaron De Jesus (Frankie Valli), Drew Seeley (Bob Guadio), Mathew Daily (Tommy De Vito) and Keith Hines (Nick Massi) are pitch perfect and pulled me in. “Jersey Boys,” my eyes (and ears) adored you!
Now playing at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas Dec. 16-27
