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 pulling 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 and groups.
Director Des McAnuff doesn’t sweat the small stuff and brings in a tight, fast-moving production that needs seat belts.
When the curtain rises and the music starts, hold on. The audience has boarded a runaway freight train combined with the heavy-duty speakers by Steve Canyon Kennedy who creates great, non-ear bending sounds. So many 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. 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 Gaudio and lyricist Bob Crewe roll over the theatre 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” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” created nostalgia with the opening night audience that was infectious and bonding.
The impeccable cast that make up the Four Seasons is perfect: Nick Cosgrove 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. Tommaso Antico, as songwriter Bob Gaudio, is as strong an actor as he is a singer. (He was doing first rate stand-in duty this opening.) John Gardiner as the insidious, irrepressible, controlling Tommy DeVito brings just the right amount of frustrating angst to his character without becoming a cartoon. Michael Lomenda plays Nick Massi with just the right touch of non-confronting, frustrated behavior.
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 simply shook hands on the deal. They still recognize the agreement to this day.
A strong supporting cast, with Klara Zieglerova’s two-level sets, Jess Goldstein’s glitzy costumes and Sergio Trujillo’s classy choreography round out a just about perfect show.
It’s an interesting presentation of the different take each individual has on the story. The writers tell it as it is and the sometime harsh reality and language 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, and you will be glad you did.
Where: Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St., San Francisco
Through: April 28
Tickets: Starting at $45
Details: (888) 746-1799 or visit www.shnsf.com.
