Oh, What A Night!
If you are from my generation, you may not know too much about the Four Seasons, but you certainly will have heard their music.
The spectacular musical Jersey Boys which opened over the weekend in Brisbane, charts the journey from the make up to break up of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons in a production which is sure to appeal to everyone.
With the unmistakable 3-octave range of Frankie Valli, the song writing genius of Bob Gaudio, the street-wise drive of Tommy DeVito and the booming bass of Nick Massi, Jersey Boys is the story of a musical sensation that was built on a handshake.
The musical features many of their Pop-Rock hit songs from the 60’s including ‘Sherry’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Walk Like A Man’, ‘Oh What A Night’, ‘Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye)’, ‘Working My Way Back To You’, ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ and ‘My Eyes Adored You’.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this is not the average juke-box musical. It delves into the colourful and sordid path of the blue-collar Jersey boys who, while coming in and out of the lock up, are trying to form a band. Tommy (Anthony Harkin) explains early on that there were three ways out of Jersey; “You could join the navy, you could get mobbed up, or you could become famous.”
Each band member takes turns telling the story, and as Tommy also points out, “You ask four guys how it happened, you get four different versions.”
Anthony Harkin as Tommy DeVito played the typical Italian ‘Joysey’ boy with gusto. He was charismatic and cheeky and very troubled which made the Four Seasons journey all that more colourful.
Graham Foote as Frankie Valli showcased his impressive falsetto range in perfect replication of the original star, and was able to take the role of an awkward teenager who Tommy took under his wing to the decision making front man of the band.
Declan Egan as Bob Gaudio impressive stage presence was a joy to watch as the creative brains behind the outfit and Glaston Toft as the mostly silent and unassumingly witty Nick Massi (the ‘Ringo’ of the group) added some dry comedy and a bassline to boot.
The very stylised choreography and well rehearsed ensemble, along with smooth scene changes, made this one slick production. The set consisting of metal scaffolding was simple but effective in evoking the Jersey backstreets, and was complimented by three large screens which projected pop-art images. Although the strength of the story alone would have held it’s own without these visuals, it was a nice touch.
Jersey Boys is a wonderful night of nostalgia for those from the era, and a really good story for those who weren’t. The production, cast, and crew fully deserved the unanimous opening night standing ovation and is obvious why it is an award winning musical including four Tony Awards. A must see in the musical calendar for 2012.
Warning:
Not recommended for children under the age of 12 due to strong ‘authentic Jersey’ language. Herbal cigarettes are smoked on stage
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio
Lyrics by Bob Crewe
Directed by Des McAnuff
Choreographer Sergio Trujillo
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View Comments
I loved the show, completely! BUT THE STRONG BAD LANGUAGE WAS NOT NEEDED AT ALL. I SAW THE SHOW IN LONDON AND LAS VEGAS, AND THERE WAS NO WHERE NEAR THE LANGUAGE CONTENT. WHY WAS IT RAMPED UP FOR AN AUSTRALIAN AUDIENCE??
I WILL NOT BOTHER SEEING ANY SHOWS HERE AGAIN, THEY HAVE HIGHER STANDARDS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD.
I enjoyed the singing, dancing and acting, it was a great show, except for the trashy talk.
tsk tsk tsk tsk, shocking, did you ask for a refund?????.
Comments such as yours are uncalled-for and point up your lack of decency and consideration for others. As one who remembers the songs of the Four Seasons well, I agree that there is no need for foul language in presenting their story; it is included only to cater for the degraded tastes of the lowest common denominator, Ronald, which you represent so well.
As for the review, the authoress is indeed far too young for the role.
Hi Guys, I think you will find that the language in the Australian tour of JERSEY BOYS is exactly the same as in all the other productions around the world.
There is an interesting video by Rick Elice, the co-writer of Jersey Boys, explaining exactly why they chose to use this language in the show.
http://jerseyboysinfo.com/language/
Personally, I didn't have a problem with the language - regardless of what that says about my intellect or socio-economic standing. They very clearly state that there is no intention to unnecessarily gloss over the less attractive side of growing up in the area they did, and the use of that particular kind of language highlights the social strata the Four Seasons themselves came from.
While I would not necessarily encourage its use around my home, I do understand that as a device, the use of strong language clearly reinforces the social setting and goes to define aspects of the characters portrayed.