July 5, 2009

Melbourne Jersey Boys a Winner!

July 5th, 2009

JB Melbourne cast
The Melbourne Four Seasons sing “Who Loves You”. (Photo credit: Michael Clayton-Jones)

Theatre critics agree that the Melbourne production of JERSEY BOYS is a hit! Here’s the latest:

John Bailey of The Age states that Jersey Boys has a dramatic range almost as extensive as Valli’s three-octave voice. It’s full of laugh-out-loud wisecracks, multi-dimensional characters and a narrative arc that goes well beyond the basic “poor guys make good”.

Bobby Fox is exceptional as the diminutive frontman, his vocal abilities never failing to meet the challenge set by his subject. His co-stars prove themselves just as winning, the show affording as much attention to the other three seasons as it does its lead singer.

The fall from grace of group founder Tommy DeVito (Scott Johnson) is the most compelling story strand; ever-ignored bassist Nick Massi (Glaston Toft) provides some brilliant comic relief; latecomer Bob Gaudio (Stephen Mahy) quietly turns an unruly group of boys into a worldwide sensation.

It turns out that the Four Seasons were far more interesting than a cursory glance through their back catalogue would suggest. This rich production gives a depth and power to countless classic songs and lifts it well above kitschy nostalgia.

Read the full review on TheAge.com.au.

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