CHICAGO–The Tony Award-winning musical “Jersey Boys” first opened in Chicago in 2007. At the time it featured a touring cast from San Francisco and Los Angeles. Now, the show is back in the city but this time around it boasts a terrific hometown cast that makes the show even better than before.
Written by Academy Award-winner Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe, this revival of the pop-rock musical is spectacular.
The exhilarating production follows the lives of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, the members of which were Valli, Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi. It’s the biographical narrative of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks joined forces to write their own songs, invent a singular sound, and become one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time.
Music fans will remember their big hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Workin' My Way Back to You,” and more, all featured in this upbeat musical extravaganza at the Mercury Theater in Chicago.
Set against a two-level backdrop designed by Bob Knuth, with concert-style dazzling lighting effects by Denise Karzcewski, and with a perfect-pitch sound design by Stefanie M. Senior that allow audiences to clearly hear every musical note as well as every bit of dialogue, the show unfolds in four chronicles as each member of the group takes a turn explaining his part in the group’s development.
Masterfully co-directed by L. Walter Stearns and Brenda Didier, with co-musical direction by Eugene Dizon and Linda Madonia, and choreography by Christopher Chase Carter, the show is a triumph of talent. Indeed, the highlight of the production is the extraordinary ensemble that had audiences sitting at the edge of their seats.
The captivating performance of Michael Metcalf as Valli is itself worth the price of admission. With an awesome voice he comes the closest to Valli’s vocalizations as did any of the falsetto imitators in previous “Jersey Boys” productions. Not only does he have a great voice, but he’s also a charismatic actor who delivers a profound and powerful portrayal as he grows from Valli’s early teen years to an adult during the group’s incredible success.
Furthermore, Andrew MacNaughton, who also has an exceptional voice, is compelling as Gaudio. Watching the warmth between Gaudio and Valli who formed a partnership on the basis of a simple handshake recalls an earlier time when a man’s word was his bond. While Valli was the fantastic falsetto at the center of the Four Seasons’ fame, it was Gaudio, as the songwriter and brains of the foursome, who had a big part in the group’s success.
Other honorable mentions in the golden quartet include Adrian Aguilar as DeVito, who came up with the idea of forming the singing group, and Jason Michael Evans as Massi.
All of the performers delineate exceptional portraits of the way in which the group of confused teens, who were looking for a way out of poverty, came together to become a harmonizing sensation that rocked the world.
In addition, others who come through with supporting portrayals include Adam Fane as the flashy music producer Bob Crewe, Kayla Shipman as a feisty Mary Delgado, Maya McQueen as Valli’s daughter Francine, and Carl Herzog as “godfather” Gyp DeCarlo. And, in a hilarious stand-out portrait, Grant Alexander Brown is a hoot as a youthful Joe Pesci at the beginning of his career.
Furthermore, the six-member band that is crucial to the music of the production is in top form under the guidance of co-musical director Madonia. But, while the production features over 30 songs, this isn’t just a nostalgic concert. It’s also a story of friendship, family, honor, suffering, setbacks, and triumph. It’s as much about the human condition and relationships as it is about great pop melodies.
This heartfelt musical brought audiences to its feet; they couldn’t stop clapping and dancing in the aisles at show’s end. A feel-good, spirited production, this “Jersey Boys” will continue to reverberate in one’s head long after the curtain comes down.
