In the theater the initials SRO, (Standing Room Only) and
”
this performance is sold out,
”
are the greatest words a producer can hear.
”
Jersey Boys
”
at the Curren in San Francisco was doing just that night after
night since its electrifying opening in December 2006.
In the theater the initials SRO, (Standing Room Only) and “this performance is sold out,” are the greatest words a producer can hear. “Jersey Boys” at the Curren in San Francisco was doing just that night after night since its electrifying opening in December 2006. There was such a demand for tickets that the producers, realizing a good thing when they saw it, extended the run to the end of September 2007. Not so fast. There was a commitment to take the show to Los Angeles after the March 25 closing of this production. Never fear – director Des McAnuff was able to gather a super-great group to fill the very large shoes left by the original cast.
He pulled Jarrod Spector for the Valli part and gave him the break that every performer dreams of. Spector certainly brings the high voltage feeling to the part and puts his own spin on the role with excellent delivery and energy. He brings a deep assurance on Valli’s trip from the immature naive mamma’s boy to the mature, responsible person he was to become. This actor loves what he is doing and it shows.
He is on stage in just about every scene and hits every number with all the enthusiasm of an entire cast of Cirque du Soleil. Comparing the original Christopher Kale Jones to Spector is not an option. Other than not having the range for the falsetto notes that Jones trained daily for, the interpretations of the part was done to perfection with each putting his own brand on the role. Spector steadily belts all the hits from “Can’t Take my Eyes Off of You,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Sherry,” “Short Shorts,” and “Earth Angel” until the audience is mesmerized, exhilarated and exhausted all at the same time and still wanting more.
Jeremy Kushnier fills the Tommy DeVito part with more of the small-time wannabe mobster that pulls the group together and eventually in spite of himself creates the breaking point for the group. He doesn’t have that slight loveable quality of Deven May but his rendition hits the mark as DeVito probably was.
Drew Gehling carries the role of Bob Gaudio – the talented, steady voice of reason and brains of the outfit, with dignity and determination to get the job done.
At one point early in their career, Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio make a pact that they will share any profit 50/50 on anything they do throughout their lifetimes – they shook hands on the deal.
They are still recognizing their agreement to this day without lawyers or written contracts on that original handshake.
Steve Gouveia came from the original cast since its opening at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2004. He plays Nick Massi with just the right touch of insecure gentleness that endears the character throughout his performance.
(Nick Massi passed away a few years ago. The others are now in their 60s and 70s. The three appeared on stage with lyricist Bob Crewe in the final bows on opening night in December.)
This is a first rate cast. Director Des McAnuff sculpts every scene with delightful detail and energy. This is theatre at its best and the second time around just whets your appetite to perhaps go and see Jersey Boys for a third time.
Klara Zieglerova’s interesting sets, Jess Goldstein’s glitzy costumes and Sergio Trujillo’s classy choreography round out a just-about-perfect show.
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.
This offering of “Jersey Boys” is worth seeing again with this cast and if you haven’t already seen it you are missing a great theatrical experience. I guarantee you will leave the theater on the best legal high on the planet.
Camille Bounds is the Theatre, arts and special events editor for Sunrise Publications.
