Jersey Boys (Curve Theatre, Leicester, Personal)
🌟 Jersey Boys 🌟
6 May 2023 at 2:15pm at Leicester Curve
★★★★★
The structure of the show itself is very clever, gifting each of the four members an element of narration, one per 'season' as their career's face highs and hurdles. Opening the 'spring' season was Dalton Wood as Tommy DeVito, gifting the role a very charismatic attitude, which really solidified Tommy's role as a leader of the morphing group. Though perhaps the most troubled of the group, we see a less positive side to the character, though cheeky quips across later scenes still position him as a favourite, the versatility between these two sides gives a good amount of confrontation, without over-dramatizing it. Following to the 'summer' season, newbie Bob Gaudio takes centre stage, played by Blair Gibson. This section is the one which really ignited my love for the show, as the Four Seasons are born, and beginning to take the music industry by storm. Once again, Gibson gave a spectacular performance as Gaudio, and his energy was so enjoyable as the youngest of the group. Although more naïve, Gibson's characterisation was definitely the most heart-warming to see as the boys embraced him into the quartet.
Following the interval, we moved into 'fall' with Christopher Short's narration as member Nick Massi. Nick is the much quieter one of the group, and he really invites us into the strains of the Four Seasons' relationship behind the scenes. I think these moments really helped to do the musical justice, particularly as a jukebox musical, honing in on the light and shade of their journey, and the music superbly ran in parallel to these snippets, particularly during "Beggin'" as a chance of redemption during their financial struggle. Short's bass singing was a wonder, and really lent itself well to bursts of comedy across the show. Rounding off 'winter' was leading man Ryan Heenan with a gorgeous easy falsetto tone, as the vocal master Frankie Valli. You can't help but absolutely adore Heenan's portrayal of the legendary singer. He always committed to the role with such ease, and just a natural presence that really left the audience spellbound. I can't go without mentioning his rendition of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", alongside the brass orchestra. Nothing flashy, no distraction other than Ryan, and how in awe the audience was, is something to really marvel at. Such a humble performer, the applause following this number could've blown the roof off, such an achievement. The way he commanded the stage consistently and never lost energy through the musical was a joy, as a leading man, you couldn't ask for anything more than this magnetism. And a special mention for Damien Winchester's multi-rolling, primarily as Barry, who was absolutely hilarious and maintained a light tone away from some of the more tense sequences.
It's challenging to do anything but praise this production. Transitions were very slick, lending themselves very well to the fast pace of the story, and they were accompanied very well with musical interludes to underscore conversation, led with the direction of Griff Johnson so that songs flowed very effectively. To help define the Four Season's eras of music, Jess Goldstein's costume design featured so many beautiful outfits that really helped to idolise the boys as rock'n'roll icons through their image. Choreography (Sergio Trujillo) was masterful, in a way that was so charming, and really refined to the point it seemed endlessly rehearsed to perfection, sometimes worked incredibly well in it's simplicity. And as quite an arty person myself, I really enjoyed Michael Clark's projection design, with a pop art inspired trajectory that encapsulated the aesthetic of the 60s brilliantly, with the livestream footage appearing televised as other production element which makes the show really stand out.
Jersey Boys is a phenomenal celebration of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' career, especially capturing their live essence that is hard to replicate. Hopefully someday I will be able to travel once more to December 1963, and I really hope it continues to succeed! I feel so grateful to have caught this amazing cast on the last day of the UK Tour, but with extensions at the Trafalgar Theatre in London's West End, it'd be a shame to miss it!
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