Finally the underestimated state has come to light theaters with the beauty of Jersey Boys, which is a telling story of Frankie Valli and the band the Four Seasons. It also brings a lot of positive outlooks on the state of Jersey that has all too many times been seen as the state where all the jokes have been poked at. Jersey Boys brings the life and soul back to the state for all to see and finally appreciate.
The story of Jersey Boys does have its differences depending on the comparison, seeing as in exchange for white picket fences the scenery abounds with chain-linked fences. But those touches just add to the realness and feel that Jersey Boys intends on encompassing for the audience to become a part of. Jersey Boys director Des McAnuff's hands that sculpted this masterpiece were given such respect they deserved throughout the portrayal of this amazing story that was such a different and refreshingly grimy and real feel in theater that is all too far and few between.
In the beginning of Jersey Boys, the band mates were all taking their time tag-teaming each other in and out of jail stints. Throughout the well directed narration the Jersey boys portray these times in such a way that it flows like butta' and there is anything but the choppy feel of telling a tale though many different periods of time all collaborated together. It meshes so beautifully right to when the Jersey Boys band mates make the career propelling move to matching blazers-maroon, of course.
Even though Jersey Boys fall into the typical scenarios over women and money woes and tribulations, there is so much more that it offers in such a unique way that could only come from the influence of New Jersey, the mob, and all of its glory, and such a different approach to what is truly to be appreciated in life, and how one lives. Simply.
Some of the most amazing parts of the play Jersey Boys come with the musical song choices and the flawless way they are carried out. With songs such as "Walk Like a Man" and "Working My Way back to You," the way that the crowd reacts to these pelvic thrusting tunes, you would think you were in the middle of a rock concert at the Staples Center! It is a beautiful change of pace and feel when brought to the stage.
Even though Jersey Boys may not be the opera-type feel many may associate theater with bringing, it is such a telling and original story of Jersey life and this group of guys who go through it all and then some to face reality with their hopes and dreams of being a rock star group, groupies and all. It is definitely a great change of pace and refreshing taste bringing Jersey Boys to the stage, because oh did they bring it yo!
Musical Numbers:
Act One
Ces Soirees-La (Oh What a Night) Paris, 2000, French Rap Star, Backup Group
Silhouettes, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi, Nick DeVito, Frankie Castelluccio
You're the Apple of My Eye, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi, Nick DeVito
I Can't Give You Anything But Love, Frankie Castelluccio
Earth Angel, Tommy DeVito, Full Company
Sunday Kind of Love, Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi, Nick's Date
My Mother's Eyes, Frankie Valli
I Go Ape, The Four Lovers
(Who Wears) Short Shorts, The Royal Teens
I'm in the Mood for Love, Moody's Mood for Love, Frankie Valli
Cry for Me, Bob Gaudio, Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi
An Angel Cried, Hal Miller and The Rays
I Still Care, Miss Frankie Nolan and The Romans
Trance, Billy Dixon and The Topix, Sherry, The Four Seasons
Big Girls Don't Cry, The Four Seasons
I Walk Like a Man, The Four Seasons
December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Bob Gaudio, Full Company
My Boyfriend's Back, The Angels
My Eyes Adored You, Frankie Valli, Mary Delgado, The Four Seasons
Dawn (Go Away), The Four Seasons
Walk Like a Man (reprise), Full Company
Act Two
Big Man in Town, The Four Seasons
Beggin', The Four Seasons
Let's Hang On (To What We've Got), Bob Gaudio, Frankie Valli
Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'Bout Me), Bob Gaudio, Frankie Valli and The New Seasons
Bye Bye Baby, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
C'mon Marianne, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Can't Take My Eyes Off of You, Frankie Valli
Working My Way Back to You, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Fallen Angel, Frankie Valli
Rag Doll, The Four Seasons
Who Loves You, The Four Seasons, Full Company
Past, Present, and Future Ahmanson Theater Shows
Ahmanson Theater Seating Chart