Jersey Boys National Tour–A Wonderful Treat in Providence!
May 16th, 2010The Sun Chronicle’s Susan McDonald states that JERSEY BOYS began a three-week stay at PPAC this week, wrapping up the season with the musical equivalent of fireworks. Here’s a preview of her fabulous review:
This touring production, one of several on the road now, is fast-paced and fresh. From the lighting to the stage designed with a catwalk around the perimeter for quick change of locale to the towering trio of video screens that flash black and white footage of the band performing and comic strip-type images, this is an immersion experience.Joseph Leo Bwarie is breath-taking as Frankie Valli. His falsetto is perfectly keyed and he’s the focal point throughout every number, even though there are four men singing in perfectly choreographed symmetry. He commands the attention. His bandmates include Matt Bailey as the street-wise Tommy, Steve Gouveia as the softer-spoken Nick, and Ryan Jesse as Bob, the mastermind of the band’s hit songs. Each actor manages to carve out a unique identity for their character so they are not lumped together as “the band” to the audience. Jesse’s Bob, in particular, is intelligent and likeable.
“Jersey Boys” is a wonderful treat. The language and sexual innuendo make it less than ideal for children, but adults will be digging for their old Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons cassettes and albums to keep the feeling going long after the curtain drops to the tune of “Who Loves You?”
Visit TheSunChronicle.com to read the full review.
