Five Stars for Four Seasons’ Story in Sydney!
September 20th, 2010
The Sydney production of JERSEY BOYS is red hot! Check out excerpts from the two latest fabulous reviews:
Vivienne Egan, Time Out Sydney: Egan gives JB FIVE stars! She notes that the story is in four parts, each narrated by one of the original band members, starting with founding member, guitarist and baritone Tommy DeVito. Scott Johnson’s faultless Jersey accent guides us through the first jarring moments of audience address and into the world of the early 60s. Bobby Fox shines as the famous falsetto Frankie Valli, and has the kind of Brylcreemed hair and an immaculate smile that would make you swear he was beamed in from four decades ago. Stephen Mahy’s Bob Gaudio (the group’s genius songwriter) is fresh-faced and delightful, while Glaston Toft’s jaded bass singer Nick Massi is wry and hilarious. With choreography as sharp as the crease in their trousers and glorious harmonies to boot, these guys could leave the theatre and make a living as a tribute act. The supporting cast, nostalgia-inducing set pieces and onstage band create the world around the band, with strong performances particularly from the women in Valli’s life…Using the songs of a band to tell its own fascinating story, as this one does, the music springs seamlessly from the action. This is a humorous, unsentimental but rousing portrait of a band whose music genuinely is a soundtrack to the last half century.
Rebecca Whitton, Australian Stage: Slick, exuberant and happily devoid of smaltz, Jersey Boys is just what Sydney needs to be entertained over summer. Having won Tony, Olivier and Helpmann awards for best musical production and a Grammy for best recording of a musical, Jersey Boys has finally arrived in Sydney with high expectations. Judging by the whooping standing ovation on opening night, the expectations have been well and truly met.
Even if you have never heard the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the tight, complex harmonies of their Jersey sound will instantly hook you. Delivering song after brilliant song it works, in parts, like a concert but without any of the rehashed, nostalgic tribute band about it. The show has been cast with pitch perfect singers. Decked out with sharp suits and snazzy moves, and skilfully choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, the four leads (Bobby Fox, Stephen Mahy, Scott Johnson and Glaston Toft) are all excellent, with voices that blend beautifully.
Enjoyed the show it was wonderfull, the singing the acting and the music just takes you back to good times. Will go back again to hear it all as it is the best thing happening in Sydney.
Comment by Gwenda — September 30, 2010 @ 2:49 am