Theater review: ‘Jersey Boys’ at the Majestic Theatre

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‘Jersey Boys’ returned to the Majestic Theatre this week for a limited run. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission. 

The immensely popular jukebox musical ‘Jersey Boys’ returned this week to the Majestic Theatre for a limited run for three performances only on Friday February 1 and Saturday February 2. ‘Jersey Boys’ is the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy De Vito and Nick Massi, known collectively as The Four Seasons. It is the true story of a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music groups of all time. Presented in a documentary-style format, it dramatizes the formation, success and eventual break-up of The Four Seasons.

‘Jersey Boys’ is structured as four “seasons,” each narrated by a different member of the band who gives his own perspective on its history and music. The story begins with “Ces Soirées-La,” a French rendition of “Oh, What a Night” after which Tommy DeVito, played by Corey Greenan, introduces himself and begins to narrate the story of the band’s beginnings with his brother Nick DeVito and friend Nick Massi and eventually Frankie Valli. Throughout the show, each band member takes turns narrating, (Bob Gaudio during Summer, Nick Massi during Fall and Frankie during Winter). This is an excellent way of bringing the audience into the story and making it more personal. While Act One is the story of the band’s inception, Act Two is a highlight reel of their best hits. In the Finale, Bob Crewe describes The Four Seasons’ 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which reunited the original members onstage for the last time “Rag Doll.” Each of them address the audience separately to explain what being in the band meant to him and what he did afterwards.

After a successful opening night Friday, ‘Jersey Boys’ is still going strong, playing to an older crowd who no doubt remembers Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons during the highpoint of their careers. Regardless, the audience included guests of all ages who enjoy the music and keep coming back each time the show is in town. Highlights include their first hit “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “My Eyes Adored You” which Frankie Valli (Jonny Wexler), sings to his wife. Judging by the audience’s reaction during “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” this was the audience favorite performance of the night. Overall, the setting, costumes and singing are first rate but there is adult language and themes so it might not appeal to everyone but for die-hard fans, it is an unforgettable night of nostalgia and music.

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