Jersey Boys

If you think you know the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, then think again. This jukebox musical does more than highlight the group’s back catalogue of hits. It delves into the origins of the band, relationships, family, personal tragedy, and the hoops they had to jump through to make it in the music industry. It is a human story about four talented lads from Jersey, who left petty crime behind to land on the world stage – and boy did the world listen!

In the early 2000s, Bob Gaudio, an original Four Seasons member hired writers Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman to help bring this rock and roll musical to the stage. This classic American story would make its Broadway debut in 2005 and has not come up for air, still touring worldwide 20 years later.

A French disc-jockey opens the first act, playing “December 1963(Oh, what a Night)” and is joined on stage by dancers singing the smash-hit as a French rap. It is not until they finish that we understand the relevance. The track went to number one in France in the year 2000, highlighting the longevity and reach of the song and band.

Casting such recognisable voices from the sixties could have been disastrous, but director Jude Hines has done a mighty job in choosing four fabulous talents to bring this show to life. They were able to reproduce classic and recognisable harmonies that filled the theatre with a joyous buzz.

Frankie Valli was thoughtfully portrayed by Lindsay Prodea; he did well to capture Valli’s innocence and range. Only getting better as the show progressed. The classic “My Eyes Adored You,” showcased Prodea’s talent. Trevor Anderson as Tommy DeVito was the right amount of cocky. His portrayal of the street-smart DeVito was a masterclass in timing and how to do a Jersey accent. His rendition of “Earth Angel” also highlighted his strong and smooth vocals. Sam Davy as Nick Massi was solid in his role, even though he only had 3 weeks to prepare due to injury to the original cast member; all I can say is he was just as sharp as his Jersey brothers. Bob Gaudio played by Philippe Quaziz, rounded out the group. Gaudio was an irreplaceable member having written many of their smash hits such as “Sherry”, “Walk Like a Man”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, just to name a few. Quaziz was charming in his portrayal and shone in his rendition of “December 1963”.

The ensemble cast was strong, with special mention to Nikki Gaertner Eaton, as Frankie’s first wife Mary Delgado. Her characterisation and accent were flawless.

Set designer Gary Anderson captured working-class Jersey with permanent scaffolding. This worked well and allowed for movement on two levels. Many scene changes were smoothly executed by cast and crew and musical director, Leanne Savill headed a talented orchestra from beneath the stage. Production values were of the highest calibre, and it showed in this toe-tapping musical.

As the show drew its conclusion the audience got to join in on an encore performance of “December 1963”. It was a fitting end to a fabulous production. Kudos to all involved.

Kerry Cooper