There are only a handful of bands around the world that can have such an impact on so many generations. Jersey Boys follows the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi – Also known as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
From singing on street corners, to the present – this story goes through a ‘warts all’, historical account of the group. It is narrated by all four members of the band and tells us their personal stories and journeys from their perspective. The show itself was originally produced by Bob Gaudio and Frankie Valli and features all the groups famous hits, in an almost chronological discography.
I am not normally a fan of Jukebox musicals; however, this was very different. It was historical and had an actual, well written story. All the characters went on an emotional journey and it didn’t shy away from unfavourable facts. It was inspiring, emotional and entertaining – not to mention full of incredible music.
This touring cast was great. It must be a big sing (and play), to learn a whole catalogue of a band’s music and perform it night after night, and my hats off must go to them. I would like to also give a shout out to the band itself in this production. These musicians, particularly the drummer and guitarists had choreography and were on stage a lot of time. At times they were the scene. This was well beyond the normal demands of a band in a musical.
I highly recommend this show for all levels of theatre goes. What became clear to me watching this show, was that this band that didn’t just affect the generation of the people who were alive in that era. It has affected, their children and their children’s children. To see a 20-year-old girl next to me singing along, getting emotional, to My Eyes Adored You – to sitting in front of a 90-year-old, out of tune grandma, was a sight you don’t normally see. It didn’t matter how old people were – they all knew the music.
Jersey Boys is on a national tour and is at the Wales Millennium Centre until the 26thof January.