10 – 21 January

I have a confession to make. I have seen a performance of Jersey Boys on Broadway with my family and at the time was immensely impressed by the snappy staging, sheer theatricality and superb all round sassy showbiz razzamatazz. I always wanted to see the show again but was never sure if it could be as good, and just how well a UK tour would stand up. Would it be more Bye Bye Baby or Oh What a Night?

Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and the pop group the Four Seasons who emerged from the tough streets of New Jersey, in some cases via prison and with a little mob connection along the way to help grease the wheels. The story starts in a relatively low-key manner as we see the original band leader Tommy DeVito, played with an easy going laconic braggadocio by very watchable newcomer Dalton Wood, seeking the missing ingredient to deliver stardom. Along with fellow band mate the baritone voiced, reliable Christopher Short as Nick Massi, they discover a diminutive singer with an unusual falsetto who just might be the real deal. When the band are introduced by a young Joe Pesci to songwriter Bob Gaudio (Blair Gibson) the days of struggling in small town joints under a variety of ridiculous names are over.

One of the surprises in this slickly staged show is the sheer number of songs that the audience recognise, many of which came from Gaudio’s pen. Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, My Eyes Adored You and many more are at times introduced fleetingly and at others given the full centre stage treatment. However, if you think that the show is simply going to be a tribute band trotting out the hits, then think again as there is an authentic story here. Dramatised by film writer Marshall Brickman and theatrical advertising exec Rick Elice the narrative encompasses a story tinged with tragedy, jealousy, financial fraud and ultimately success – all down to sheer hard work and talent.

The press night featured Ryan Heenan as Frankie Valli and his handling of the material, choreography and role as principal plot driver wowed the audience. Other notable members of the cast included Jordan James in his theatrical debut as mobster Gyp DeCarlo and Michael Levi as record producer Bob Crewe, although in truth the whole cast including all the Swing were superb.

The second Act moved the pace along well as the story arc swung back and forth, exploring the trials and tribulations of maintaining a position at the top of the pop tree. For a touring show the sheer variety of staging, sharp syncopated scene changes and exciting use of pop art visuals was striking and gave the musical Big Show panache.

So, did it stack up with the Broadway production? Well, not only could Frankie Valli sing it, but the Bristol audience agreed. I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Jersey Boys.

★★★★☆ Bryan J Mason,  12th January, 2023