February 8, 2009

Jersey Boys Has Heart in Hartford!

February 8th, 2009

Jersey Boys Logo
Donna Larcen of the Hartford Courant states that JERSEY BOYS, the musical biography of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is tough, tender and terrific. The songs are already hits. What makes this production work are the clever staging, the rotating narration by members of the quartet, and including the audience in the production.

When the group finally hits its trademark sound — with harmony led by Valli’s falsetto in “Sherry” — the audience’s enthusiastic reaction becomes part of the plot. The “fourth wall” is broken, and that’s a hit song with a bullet. Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice’s book and Des McAnuff’s direction ensure that everyone has a stake in the success of four guys from Jersey, who just as easily could be felons.

The performances are believable. Matt Bailey, as DeVito, is tough enough to launch the group, but his petty dictator ways and explosive temper are dead ends. Joseph Leo Bwarie, as Valli, shows growth as the schoolboy tenor who asserts himself as the group’s leader and moral compass. Steve Gouveia as Massi, the self-described “Ringo” of the quartet, brings comic relief with his deadpan lines. (Gouveia has been with the show in smaller parts since its pre-Broadway run at the La Jolla Playhouse.) Josh Franklin, as Bob Gaudio, brings sweetness to the smartest member of the group, who still has a partnership with Valli based on a handshake.

Visit Courant.com for the full terrific review.

3 Comments »

  1. Whoo Hoo! Another success for the tour. Congrats to all and I hope to see you all again soon.

    Comment by Gladys — February 8, 2009 @ 11:18 am

  2. Saw the show today (2/8/2009) in Hartford and it was fantastic!

    Comment by Greg — February 8, 2009 @ 9:30 pm

  3. Well, I was 15 in 1962 when ‘Sherry’ was released and I couldn’t believe the sound of the 4 Seasons. Never saw them in concert until yesterday afternoon at Jersey Boys. Sounds like a cliche but I laughed and I cried and wore my hands out clapping. What a fantastic show!!!! Don’t miss it.

    Comment by Richard — February 9, 2009 @ 10:56 am

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