Another Rave Review for JB in DC!
November 16th, 2011Another fantastic review for JERSEY BOYS at the National Theatre in DC! Check out a preview from DC Theatre Scene’s Terry Ponick:
This is not a swaggering, rock-star performance but a thoughtful one that follows Valli’s youthful ineptness into an evolving sense of loyalty, control, and ultimately, his power of vision. If it doesn’t always track with the real Frankie Valley, Bwarie most certainly does portray this classic rocker as an enduring, sympathetic, and, in the end, world-wise figure who learns through a deeply personal family tragedy that sheer talent is not always a bulwark against individual failure and disaster.
Bwarie is perhaps at his best in the show’s focal vocal, the monster hit that almost wasn’t produced, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,†a punchy love-ballad, driven by the addition of a “Chicagoâ€-style brass ensemble. Bwarie begins crooning the song expressively and romantically before kicking it up a notch into the song’s memorable chorus—a lesson in calibration that today’s perpetual rock-belters would do well to emulate. It’s a heck of a performance, and even better if your own big romance grew up with the song.
As is often the case in a good show, Bwarie’s Frankie has good company in his fellow rockers. As guitarist and part-time hood Tommy DeVito, the ensemble’s actual founding spirit, John Gardner is superb in portraying a troubled character whose very real musical and management skills are constantly eclipsed by his consistently bad life choices. Michael Lomenda’s Nick Massi, while clearly a back bencher, is also the group’s masterful bass ground, anchoring their distinctive, tight harmonies while providing occasional bits of humorous angst to lighten up the evening’s more somber moments.
Preston Truman Boyd is top-notch in the key role of Bob Gaudio, the final but key element in the evolving Four Seasons’ first burst of success. While still just a kid, Boyd’s Gaudio pens original hit after original hit, cementing the Four Seasons’ lengthy tenure in Top 40 nirvana. He also has an uncanny knack for business technicalities, unlike Tommy DeVito, and steers the group clear of most musical and contracting shoals until Tommy undermines the structure entirely.
Boyd’s portrayal of Gaudio is meticulous and thoughtful, and his vocals—though his character is sometimes reluctant to sing them—are smooth, well articulated, and delivered with considerable passion.
Visit DCTheatreScene.com to read the full review.
I’m so excited to once again see the show in DC, having seen the show at the National Theater in 2009.
When I was a kid, I was the only non-Lebanese guy in the southwestern Pennsylvania neighborhood. These were my best friends for life, so when I see a Lebanese person making good in life, like JLB, it makes me so happy. So,on Saturday the 19th of November,my wife and I get to see the touring Jersey Boys perform with 3 friends and their wives, and it just makes me so happy to share the “goose flesh” feeling again. Thank you, Jersey Boys!
Comment by Regis Mahoney — November 16, 2011 @ 11:07 am
According to his Facebook page, Washington DC is the last Tour stop for John Michael Dias. I’m a longtime Jersey Boys fan, but didn’t see John till he came to my hometown here in Columbus, then later up in East Lansing. The man has truly spoiled me for any other Frankie! There’s so much heart and soul in his performance. Much success to you, John!
Comment by Dianne — November 16, 2011 @ 5:51 pm
I sure am going to miss John Michael. He was our Chicago alternate, and to be able to have seen him a few times on the Tour was wonderful. I’ve seen several Frankies and they were all great, but I have a special place in my heart for John Michael. His transition from young, naive Frankie to the confident older Frankie is incredible. And his Moody’s Mood for Love brings me to tears. Thanks for some wonderful memories, John Michael.
Comment by Rose — November 21, 2011 @ 9:43 pm