6 May 2023 I 14:15 I Curve Theatre, Leicester
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jersey Boys whirls through the story of the rising talents that have come to be known as the Four Seasons, with sensation Frankie Valli leading the group through their turbulent stardom. The most pleasing thing about this biographical production is the precision to detail, and how well they honour their stories without misbalancing anyone's importance in the group. With a story that begins at a lighting pace, the production very quickly finds it's feet, getting stronger and stronger as it progresses.
The structure of the show itself is very clever, gifting each of the four members a narrative sequence, one per 'season' of their careers. Opening the spring season is Dalton Wood as Tommy DeVito, gifting the role a charismatic attitude, thus solidifying Tommy's role as an early leader of the group. Though perhaps the most troubled, we see a cynical side to the character, yet cheeky quips across later scenes remove the desire to villainise him. The versatility between these two gives a good amount of confrontation, without over-dramatizing it. Following to the summer season, newbie Bob Gaudio takes centre stage, performed by Blair Gibson. This section is the one which really ignites the passion of the show as the Four Seasons are born, beginning to take the music industry by storm. Once again, Gibson gives a tremendous performance as Gaudio, and his energy is infectious as the youngest of the group. Although more naïve, Gibson's characterisation is certainly the most heart-warming as the boys embrace him into the quartet.
Following the interval, we move into fall with Christopher Short's narration as member Nick Massi. Nick is the much quieter one of the group, inviting us into the strains of the Four Seasons' relationship behind the scenes. These moments really do the musical justice, particularly as a jukebox musical, honing in on the light and shade of their journey. The music parallels the action superbly, particularly through Beggin' as a chance of redemption during their financial struggle, Short's bass vocals are a wonder! Rounding off with winter is leading man Ryan Heenan (alternate) with an effortlessly easy falsetto tone, as the master Frankie Valli. You can't help but absolutely adore Heenan's portrayal of the legendary singer. Heenan commits to the role with great pride, and just a natural presence that really leaves the audience spellbound. His rendition of Can't Take My Eyes Off You alongside the divine brass orchestra, a masterclass. Nothing flashy, no distraction. How silenced and in awe the audience are 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 commands the stage with consistency and never loses energy is a joy. As a leading man, you couldn't ask for anything more than his magnetism. And a special mention for Damien Winchester's multi-rolling, primarily as Barry, is hilarious to maintain an optimistic tone away from more tense sequences.
It is challenging to do anything but praise this production. Transitions are slick, lending themselves very well to the fast pacing of the story. Underscore and musical interludes often accompany conversation, under the direction of Griff Johnson, leading a flowing soundtrack to great effect. To help define the Four Season's eras of music, Jess Goldstein's costume design features so many iconic outfits that really help to idolise the boys as rock'n'roll icons through their image. Sergio Trujillo's choreography is masterful in a really refined style, to seem endlessly rehearsed to perfection, immaculate in it's simplicity. And I am mesmerised by Michael Clark's projection design, with a pop art inspired trajectory that encapsulates the aesthetic of the 60s brilliantly, with livestream camera footage appearing televised, using multimedia to further enhance the spectacle.
Jersey Boys is a phenomenal celebration of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' career, especially in 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 their 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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