Frankie’s Guys

Currently touring Australia, Frankie’s Guys, a London based group and a winner of London’s Best Tribute, the world’s number-one celebration of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons group, is making its Australian premiere. This ensemble of 10 multi-talented performers switches cast members in and out, and whilst different audiences may see different casts, all have impressive theatre credentials internationally, so a ‘Four Seasons’ sound is assured. We saw James Gibbs, Shane Rice, Callum Shannon and Matthew Duff, and whilst there was a vocal emphasis on the top range, they are very convincing in the style of The Four Seasons. It is a vocally challenging show and down time can be used to ensure that performers can be rested and vocally at their best so the large cast works for audiences.

Adelaide has a well-established love affair with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and is the home of a nationally successful group also inspired by these music icons. Frankie’s Guys are another example of talented performers who now create their own unique vocal style, song arrangements and choreography, and last night the theatre was packed with an adoring audience who knew every single song and joyfully sang along, particularly when prompted by ‘the guys.’ It appears that Adelaide cannot get enough of the legendary group who once again shot to fame with the 2004 release of Jersey Boys, their career story, which is still in the world’s list of top 10 musicals. Why is this relevant? Groups like Frankie’s Guys continue to draw audiences because they are now much more than simply a tribute band.  This show features all the iconic Four Seasons hits including ‘Big Girls Don't Cry’, ‘Oh What A Night’, ‘Sherry’, ‘Walk Like A Man’, ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off You’ and makes homage to Frankie Valli as a soloist, as well as celebrating  other sounds of the 60’s with ‘Grease’ and a beautiful A Cappella rendition of ‘Blue Moon’. The group has an Australian member and we were treated to a  version of what has become our nation’s defacto national anthem, ‘I still Call Australia Home’, accompanied by the audience who were beaming, and some of us were dealing with welling eyes. The tribute to Valli’s 1974 song, ‘My Eyes Adore you’ is a moving tribute and you can hear a pin drop, such is the beauty of the rendition.

So often, the band and technical teams are overlooked in a show. The inclusion of the live 4-piece band on stage adds mood and enhances the showmanship. With two guitars, a keyboard (that created a myriad of sounds) and a truly inspired drummer, the balance of sound is excellent, allowing us to enjoy both the singers and musicians. Lighting, much from the back, gives the performers a hero-like lit profile, and care is taken to ensure that every move and expression is clearly seen by the audience.

Using many of the tried and true Four Seasons moves, the choreography is slick, varied and entertaining. Every gesture and step is intentional and carefully planted, ensuring that each song is uniquely presented. I doubt that any of the group needs gym time after a performance. The glamorous sequinned black, then red jackets were so Las Vegas and Jack from Adelaide, a senior gentleman who must have remembered the 60’s himself, was plucked from the audience and became a grooving ‘guy’ in a borrowed jacket. Sadly, the jacket was reclaimed, but Jack may now be working on a new career, so keep an eye out for him. An unsuspecting lady was enticed from the audience (note to self: avoid front rows, aisle seats and do NOT put your hand up, even accidentally) and after a routine about being lucky in love, was indeed lucky, leaving with all sorts of treats and advice. My companion and I could simply not sit still and by the time the three encores came, we were on our feet, happily back in the time when Be-bop-a-lula, doo-da-lah and Do wah Ditty were perfectly ordinary words. This is a wonderful nearly two hours of excellent entertainment not to be missed by 60’s music fans.

Jude Hines