Cynical Theatre Critic Changes His Tune on Jersey Boys!
June 8th, 2007Entertainmenttoday.net critic Brad Auerbach confesses that he was wrong about Jersey Boys!
Imagine my surprise when this cynic was as enthusiastic as the rest of the opening night audience on Sunday. The performers are extremely engaging, the production is subtle yet effective and the book is engrossing.
Like many of my era who were more smitten with the British Invasion than the indigenous white music of the US, I had always thought of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons as being pleasant but lightweight pop. I have recategorized their music, moving the songs from disposable ditties to worthy contributions to the American songbook.
The swaggering Tommy DeVito (played admirably by Deven May) opens, setting up the empathy we need for him later as his gambling debts nearly destroy the band. DeVito rumbles through a litany of band names, random gigs and shady antics to keep the band in business. Gaudio is played with aplomb by the gangling Erich Bergen. The enigmatic Nick Massi, who left the band at its height, is played by Michael Ingersoll. The gem of the evening is Christopher Kale Jones as Frankie Valli. Replicating Valli’s incredible vocal range, Jones deserves each ovation.
Read the entire review on EntertainmentToday.net.
Wow–this is one of the best reviews yet. So glad to see Brad Auerbach highlight Chris Jones’ tremendous vocal range and acknowledge the power of the engrossing book. Thanks for posting it, Susie.
Comment by Howard Tucker — June 8, 2007 @ 7:56 am
“Worthy contributors to the American songbook”
Man, that’s all we original 4 Seasons fans have wanted to here for 40 years. Of course we knew it was more than than just “worthy”, but we’ll take converts like Mr. Auerbach all day long.
Comment by Ray Ricci — June 8, 2007 @ 4:57 pm
Extremely straightforward review! It kinda gives a glimpse into the script, but his descriptions of the storyline, music and cast makes me want to just fly down to LA and watch Nat’l Tour Cast I again!
His descriptions of the castmembers are catchy and truly are the best words to describe their appearance and how they play their characters.
I believe it’s been the most engaging and interesting review of the play I’ve read in a long while. Great work!
Comment by Mike B. Magbaleta — June 8, 2007 @ 5:46 pm