Writer: Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman
Music: Bob Gaudio
Lyrics: Bob Crewe
Director: Des McAnuff
Jersey Boys is a musical biography written by Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman. It tells the story of the rise to fame of the legendary group, the Four Seasons. Frankie Valli was their lead singer and Bob Gaudio their principal songwriter. They created a new sound and a wealth of unforgettable songs like Walk like a Man, Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Bye Bye Baby, Rag Doll – the list is endless.
The original young men in the group were all from the state of New Jersey. They often had brushes with the law. Their route to fame was not an easy one; playing at different bars, singing as a backing group with the promise eventually of being able to record their own numbers. They were quick talking, blue collar lads determined to make it in the early sixties. Sleek suits, simple dance routines, great harmonies, and the wonderful musical range of Frankie Valli’s voice. They finally settled on the name of ‘The Four Seasons’.
Bob Gaudio was their very talented songwriter and the Four Seasons’ keyboard player. He did not enjoy performing. He and Frankie made a side deal on a handshake so that Frankie could perform alone. This raised extra money that helped the Four Seasons’ survival. As original members departed others took their place. It is interesting to note Frankie Valli stills performs and Bob Gaudio is currently co-producing The Jersey Boys film.
The cast of the Four Seasons, Tommy DeVito (Dalton Wood), Nick Massi (Christopher Short), Frankie Valli (Michael Pickering) and Bob Gaudio (Blair Gibson) tell the audience their stories. Pickering particularly has a wonderful singing voice and achieves Valli’s characteristic falsetto with apparent ease.
Their singing performances are electric and really achieve the Four Seasons’ harmonies and sound. Their synchronised step routines while miming on their instruments cannot be faulted.
At times, it is difficult to catch what they are saying.Their American accents are consistent, but are delivered at such a pace and sometimes competing with music and on-stage sounds.Perhaps work on the sound balance could make it clearer.
The orchestra, apart from the drummer, for the best part of the performance are hidden from view. Their performance is excellent.
The women in the musical, sadly as a reflection of the times, are mainly depicted as bimbos. The ambiance of a section of America in the early sixties is captured with everyone clean shaven with neat haircuts. Many of the scenes have stylised, adult sixties comic strip background, this really enhances the era. In other scenes there are neon signs of the different bar venues where the group performed. There are old video projections of the crowds watching the original Four Seasons perform.
Jersey Boys has won many awards over the years and is a musical that certainly entertains. It is the pop music and sound of a particular generation.
Runs until 4th March 2023, before continuing on tour.
