Question: What makes a hit? What makes a musical a production
that makes people want to spend their money and time to see a
particular show? Answer: A group of gutsy, talented people that
bring together a story and music that commands attention and lets
the audience leave the theaters feeling good. Simple as that.
Question: What makes a hit? What makes a musical a production that makes people want to spend their money and time to see a particular show? Answer: A group of gutsy, talented people that bring together a story and music that commands attention and lets the audience leave the theaters feeling good. Simple as that.
Not so simple. Writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice took a true story and created a unique musical using all the follies and foibles of a famous group without pilling the usual punches. Jersey Boys tells it like it was, and is. It is a refreshing departure from the usual fluffy bios of other musicals of famous individuals or groups. San Francisco kicks off Tony Award winning “Jersey Boys” on its national tour; it is currently playing on Broadway.
Director Des McAnuff doesn’t sweat the small stuff and brings in a tight fast moving production that needs seat belts.
When conductor Andrew Wilder raises his baton and the music starts, hold on – the audience has boarded a runaway fright train combined with the heavy-duty speakers by Steve Canyon Kennedy who creates great non-ear bending sound.
So many of shows of this ilk blast the sound out of the atmosphere and leave the audience with their ears ringing for a week. The man on the soundboard for this performance should receive an award. The beat was still there – you could “feel” the music and really hear it as it was meant to be heard.
And then there is the music, ah the music and words, the genius of Bob Guadio and lyricist Bob Crewe roll over the theater like a delicious hot fudge sundae, or good, aged scotch, (depending on your desires). “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You,” “Sherry,” “Short Shorts,” “Earth Angel,” I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” created nostalgia with the two-generation opening-night audience that was infectious and bonding. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and gave the gathering something to treasure for a long time to come.
The impeccable cast that make up the Four Seasons is perfection. Christopher Kate Jones recreates Frankie Valli with a voice that is reminiscent of another place and time, bringing authenticity to the show that makes you feel you are really there in the 1950s and ’60s.
Enrich Bergen, as the genius songwriter Bob Gaudio, is as strong an actor as he is a singer. Devan May as the insidious, irrepressible, controlling Tommy DeVito brings just the right amount of frustrating angst to his character without becoming a cartoon; he is almost lovable a times.
Michael Ingersoll plays Nick Massi with just the right touch of a nonconfronting, frustrated behavior. He passed away a few years ago. The others are now in their 60s and 70s and appeared on stage with Bob Crewe in the final bows on opening night.
The audience went wild with a standing ovation and has another exceptional moment that makes life worthwhile. (Who doesn’t need something like that right now?)
The story is about Frankie Valli and the creating of the Four Seasons, their crawling to the top and making it big in the music world, told from the insight of each of the people involved. At one point early in their career Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio make a pact that they will share all of their profits 50-50 on anything they do throughout their lifetime. They shook hands on the deal and are still recognizing their agreement to this day. They have and are still sharing millions without lawyers or written contracts – all with just a handshake.
A strong supporting cast, with Klara Zieglerovas interesting sets, Jess Goldsteins glitzy costumes and Sergio Trujillo’s classy choreography round out a just-about-perfect show.
Roshomon it isn’t, but an interesting presentation of the different take each one has on their story.
The writers tell it as it is, and the sometimes harsh reality gives the story a unique, almost uncomfortable, edge. It all comes down to the amazing music of the time, two decent men and a handshake.
Jersey Boys is an experience that is worth your time and the price of your ticket. Go, enjoy. You will be glad you did.
Camille Bounds is the Theatre, arts and special events editor for Sunrise Publications.
