Jersey Boys Dazzles DC!
October 5th, 2009Jayne Blanchard of The Washington Times states that the Boss is back in town. No, not that grizzled rocker on the cover of AARP magazine — another New Jersey native, Frankie Valli, who, with the Four Seasons, is the complex hero of the explosive bio-musical “Jersey Boys.”
In a production polished to a sequined sheen by director Des McAnuff, “Jersey Boys” is different on several levels. This Tony-winning documentary-style show traces the turbulent story of Mr. Valli and the Four Seasons, who went from harmonizing street punks (while also indulging in a little breaking and entering in their spare time) to ’60s sensations and a berth in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Those who may have thought of the Four Seasons as old-school pompadoured bubble-gum rockers will find themselves with a newfound appreciation for their sound and innovations. The Four Seasons may be considered the urban, East Coast version of the Beach Boys, but Mr. Gaudio never quite got the “genius” recognition of Brian Wilson.
However, in “Jersey Boys,” when you take in the big-brass bombast of his late ’60s arrangements (with producing wizard Bob Crewe), the rock ‘n’ roll of “Let’s Hang On” and the sex and desperation of “Beggin’,” you’ll want to send Mr. Wilson back to the sandbox.
Read Blanchard’s full rave review on WashingtonTimes.com.