March 8, 2007

Frankie Valli Throws A Party In Jersey

March 8th, 2007

Frankie Valli In Concert

Jersey Boys Blog is delighted to present Special Correspondent Audrey Rockman’s review of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ concert that was held at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey on Wednesday evening!

The near sold-out crowd at the State Theater in New Brunswick, New Jersey filled the halls with anticipation prior to the 8 pm start of a show that was originally scheduled last summer. That date had to be cancelled because Frankie was under the weather. For many who have reawakened to the talent and appeal of legend Frankie Valli, thanks to Jersey Boys, this was a chance to see him live for themselves. Just two weeks after the tickets went on sale the beginning of February and with minimal promotion, all the $75 tickets were gone leaving only $65 and $45 seats to choose from.

The opening comedian, Stewie Stone, who has been with Frankie for decades, had the audience rolling; noting that he’s always wanted to play Las Vegas, Paris and… New Brunswick. Playing off the front row at times, he asked an audience member where he was from. The answer came back, “East Brunswick.” Impressed… Stewie thanked him for trekking in the three miles just for the show.

After this part of the evening lasting about a half hour, the audience had the only intermission of the night. Frankie, dressed in all black, emerged about 9 pm with the opening number of “Grease.” He was accompanied by two guitars and a bass, a strong five-piece horn section, drums, and keyboardist Robbie Robinson, who doubled as conductor for the group at times.

The Four Seasons and the band, dressed in almost all black, were on stage throughout Frankie’s captivating performance. The choreography was a challenge, no doubt; after all, how creative can four guys be while standing at microphones for an hour and a half? It’s doubtful that even Sergio Trujillo could have infused it with something really unique. All eyes were on Frankie, anyway.

The next song that the group delivered to the crowd was “Our Day Will Come,” continuing on with “Save It For Me,” which possibly was the first time the audience really made their voice heard. After the fourth selection, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” Frankie stopped a moment to welcome the audience and then went right in to “Working My Way Back to You.”

The classics kept coming with “Dawn” up next; this time the guys on guitars reminded me of that bunny on TV with the battery. Lots of energy in contrast to Frankie’s laid back and easy going style. The Four Seasons then took a back seat on stools and quietly accompanied Frankie as he went into an audience favorite–”‘My Eyes Adored You.” From that crowd pleaser, Frankie introduced the lesser-known “Streetfighter” and then onto what he said was one of his favorites–”Silence is Golden.”

The tempo picked up with “Swearin’ To God” during which the various musicians had a chance to be spotlighted as Frankie and the four guys slipped off and did a slight wardrobe change. The next three selections were music to the ears of Jersey Boys’ fans–”Stay,” “Who Loves You,” and “December 1963.” That last one gave the audience a chance to hear each of the Four Seasons’ individual voices.

Frankie took a few moments to comment on the cold Jersey weather when he turned to the guys and remarked that it was a good thing they had saved the long underwear that had been thrown on stage. Each of the Four Seasons had an opportunity to introduce themselves at this point. To this Jersey girl, it stood out that there were no Jerseyans… three Californians and a Floridian. Hey Frankie… what about the old neighborhood?

Speaking of the old neighborhood, there was a reference to Michael Petrillo from Belleville who wrote “Tell It To The Rain” and to the Stephen Crane Housing Project where Frankie grew up. Frankie also took the opportunity to highly recommend a Broadway Show. (Don’t be so sure now.) He noted that the former/fifth season, Landon Beard, was performing on Broadway in Altar Boyz.

Frankie went on to tell about the spark of seeing his first live performance at about age six with his mother at the New York City Paramount Theatre. Perhaps an eerie coincidence, he saw that day another famous Frank…Sinatra. Maybe that’s when he decided he was going to be as big as him (without standing on a chair). Frankie reflected on his life and how much he continues to enjoy what he’s doing including those seven episodes on “The Sopranos,” and how he is looking forward to the release of his new album for Universal.

But enough talk; soon it was back to the music. Can I call the next five songs all favorites? Judging by the audience reaction, I think so. Frankie hit the notes again with “Can’t Take My Eyes off of You,” “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and the one that could have been timed for the final selection–”Bye, Bye Baby.”

By this time, those lucky enough to have scored front orchestra seats were at the stage competing to shake hands with the legend before he exited. My friend leaned over and said, “He has to come back, he hasn’t done ‘Rag Doll’.” As Tommy DeVito might say… “My hand to God.” My friend was right, and Frankie was back out doing the Chris Montez hit “Call Me,” then the inescapable “Rag Doll,” and then the finale–”Let’s Hang On.” The crowd had been clapping all evening- before, during and after songs, so a standing, or should I say dancing ovation was ‘a given’. Where did the years and the last hour and a half go, I thought?

Once again, Jersey Boys Blog would like to thank Audrey Rockman for her phenomenal review of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ concert!

4 Comments »

  1. Sounds like you had fun. I went to the one last August, it sounds like it was basically the same set up as the one in August.

    There was only one thing about this I found kinda trivial is when you said that this concert was the one that was supposed to be in the summer. This one was after that one. They brought him back to the State theatre cause of popular demand.

    Comment by Josh Bellan — March 8, 2007 @ 5:18 pm

  2. What a great summary, Audrey. I was also at the concert, and second your comments. Stewie was hilarious; I liked his explanation of why there are no Jewish football players: when they are tackled, they sue!

    Frankie’s songs indeed brought back memory after memory, and the audience loved his hitting those high notes. And his dance steps on “December, 1963″ rivaled anything we see on “Dancing with the Stars!”

    I’m glad the band was featured on “Swearin’ to God”, where I had my first chance to see legendary guitarist Matt Baldoni in action. One of my personal clients works at Fox Sports and I remember Matt well from his original compositions for “The NFL Show” in the early 2000′s. Coincidentally, my company’s commercial client is Gibson Guitar in Nashville, for whom Matt is an endorser. Your energy well exceeded my expectations, Matt.

    I didn’t catch all the names of the Four Seasons, as they introduced themselves very quickly–but I too caught their geographical origins!

    Nice journalism, Audrey. Move over, Ebert and Roeper!

    Comment by Howard — March 8, 2007 @ 9:36 pm

  3. Thanks Audrey – I wasn’t at the show, I live on the other side of the country, but I felt like I was there as I read your great review! Every time you mentioned a song I could hear Frankie’s voice and got to live a little vicariously. Your review started my day off on a high note! (Get it? High note?) Seriously, Thanks for the review. I hope to see more of your contributions on this fantastic blog!

    Comment by Betty — March 9, 2007 @ 11:57 am

  4. I grew up loving all of your songs, still love them today. Have had the pleasure of seeing your brother Booby in Florida with Joey Dee featuring all of your fabulous hits. He is a wonderful entertainer, and I wish him the best with his tribute to you and the Four Seasons. This music, which is REAL MUSIC, will never die. I grew up with this in my crib and will listen and enjoy for the rest of my life to come. There is no such thing today as it was when you sang and entertained all of us, no matter what age we were. PLEASE NEVER STOP. Sincerely and Best Wishes And Success For a Fabulous Future,

    Terry Gattone
    Port Richey, FL

    Comment by Terry Gattone — March 16, 2007 @ 5:52 pm

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