After failed attempts with the tunes of Elvis Presley ("All Shook Up"), John Denver ("Almost Heaven"), John Lennon ("Lennon") and the Beach Boys ("Good Vibrations"), the jukebox genre of musicals finally gets it right with "Jersey Boys," the story of the vocal group the Four Seasons, (later known as "Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons").
In a very smart twist, the show tells its tale through the viewpoints of each of the original group members—Tommy DeVito (Peter Gregus), Nick Massi (J. Robert Spencer), Frankie Valli (John Lloyd Young) and Bob Gaudio (Daniel Reichard)—with each one picking up the narrative thread for about a fourth of the show. Through this method, we see how the Four Seasons came together in the 1960s, rose to fame and eventually changed due to discord in the group. More importantly, we see the passions that drove each of the four members; the importance of honor to Valli, DeVito's need to be in control, the creative genius of Gaudio, and why in the end success didn't mean much to Massi. Each narrative looks at what happened from a slightly different point of view, and with the actual truth somewhere in between, this msuical gives a nicely-balanced look at the events that shaped the group and avoids the straightforward "this happened and then this happened" plot progression seen in so many biographical stage pieces.
The strength of "Jersey Boys" comes from an exceptionally strong book, (smartly written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice), and, just as importantly, the use of the band's songs in the proper settings—such as nightclubs, recording studios, singing gigs—places where they actually would be sung, instead of just sticking them in willy-nilly in order to hang a plot on them. Also, there's a very good cast, with leads who are able to recreate the Four Seasons' sound. Some 15 or so tunes of the Four Seasons are used, (as well as several Valli solo numbers), most of them immediately recognizable. There are also a few 50s and 60s tunes from other groups that crossed the quartet's path, as well as songs sung by the Four Seasons under earlier names (before the lineup of DeVito, Massi, Valli and Gaudio came together).
With the exception of the four leads, the remaining cast members play multiple roles, a technique that works pretty well. Also interesting are scenes showing interaction with the mob and the early studio recording sessions. Set design by Klara Zieglerova is both functional and enjoyable, and costumes by Jess Goldstein are fine. Des McAnuff's direction and Sergio Trujillo's choreography are good, as is the rest of work by the creative team. "Jersey Boys" is fun, a bit educational, and offers a very good time, with one major caveat—the same one that exists for all shows of this type. If you were not big on the music of The Four Seasons originally, chances are this may not be something for you. But if you did enjoy hearing them on the radio, or seeing them in person, this is definitely one show to check out.
The cast also features Tituss Burgess, Steve Gouveia, Peter Gregus, Donnie Kehr, Michael Longoria, Mark Lotito, Jennifer Naimo, Erica Piccininni and Sara Schmidt. Music for "Jersey Boys" is by Bob Gaudio and lyrics are by Bob Crewe.
"Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons"
August Wilson Theatre
245 West 52nd Street, NY
Tickets: $80–$110, plus a $1.25 theatre restoration charge
Reservations: 212-239-6200 or www.telecharage.com
Running Time: Approximately Two Hours, 30 Minutes
Judd Hollander is the New York correspondent for the London publication THE STAGE.
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