Theater
Jersey Boys: From the Old Neighborhood, Not the Shore
Long before 20-something Italian “guidos/guidettes” were running amok on the reality television show The Jersey Shore, four Italian guys from the wrong side of the river were trying to make a go of it for themselves and put Jersey on the map. Jersey Boys is the previously untold backstory of The Four Seasons or rather – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is currently playing at the fabulous Fox Theatre until June 10.
What I really love about this musical is how it draws the audience right in, pulling at viewers’ heartstrings with the trials and tribulations of the group as they create a successful music career. Throughout the show, the audience gets glimpses into the backstory, alternating with musical numbers. The feel good vibe and music had the mostly Baby Boomer crowd singing and wiggling/dancing in their seats as if at a real rock concert – you know it’s a great show when the lines between musical and rock concert blur!
In many regards, Jersey Boys is a coming of age tale for The Four Seasons’ members – Frankie Valli (Brad Weinstock), Tommy DeVito (Colby Foytik), Nick Massi (Brandon Andrus), and Bob Gaudio (Jason Kappus). The story takes you through their pivotal moments – starting from teenage years for Frankie and Bob through sorted stints in jail for some members, touring and fame, family troubles – all the way up to the group’s induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. All of this can be heard through Frankie’s voice as it grows into the sound you know and love during the course of the show up until the big, show stopping reveal of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”
The set design is minimal, yet fun with Lichtenstein-style cartoon imagery to provide a colorful offset background visual throughout most of the show. The ‘60’s-inspired costuming and set touches are nicely juxtaposed with an industrial set of stairs and catwalk, giving it that blue collar vibe of where the boys grew up.
If you want to hear popular songs – such as “Earth Angel,” “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” “Let’s Hang on (To What We’ve Got),” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Working My Way Back to You,” “Rag Doll,” “Who Loves You,” – from Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons told in a rags-to-riches musical story, then don’t miss out on this limited engagement of Jersey Boys at the Fox!
Jersey Boys is playing at Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre from May 22 to June 10.
Frank Valli & The Four Seasons will be playing the Fox Theatre on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 8 p.m.
The Fox Theatre Atlanta
660 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 881-2100
Nothing makes me feel more like Christmas is just around the corner than seeing a live performance of “A Christmas Carol.” We have been fortunate to see it performed all over the country with highlights in Boston at the North Shore Music Theatre and now a wonderful performance at the resurrected Theatre in the Square!
The intimate theater is the perfect setting for a story this classic. Even if you are sitting in the back, you will still get a great view and feel the story just fine.
From the opening of the story, through the highly appreciated musical numbers, and a wonderful full cast finale, this adaptation is simply delightful.
The cast, comprised of some amazing local talent, is as good as they get! Some of the best and stand out performances go to Bruce Speer as Scrooge, Cindy Copeland as Christmas Past, Vance West as Bob Cratchit and how could we leave out Davie DeWitt as Tiny Tim!
After the show we talked to the owner of the Theatre, Raul Thomas and he told us this. ” This adaptation by Director Tony Smithey he has been producing in a variety of forms for 18 years. Originally written to tour in schools the running time was about 55 min. With the addition of music and dancing it now runs about an hour and a half with the intermission.
In the production Tony has done a little fleshing out to Scrooge’s relationships with his Mother, his only friend Jacob Marley and his one and only true love Belle. ”
This is a must on our Holiday Fun list so get your tickets now HERE as it opens tonight!
Three years ago one of my favorite local theaters took their final bow and closed up shop. Ever since I can I remember, I loved going to see performances at the Theatre on the Square in the beautiful Marietta Square. I can remember going to see some great Christmas shows with my parents and one of my favorites, the “1940’s Radio Hour”. Ahhh, the memories. But, it was all over in 2012.
Three years have come and gone and I spent two of those years in Boston and one in Florida, so imagine my delight to come back to Atlanta to find that the Theatre on the Square was revamped and ready to amaze again with great local talent.
We took a few minutes to get to know the lovely Roxanne Johnson of the Theatre and ask her a few questions.
Raul Thomas – Owner of Theatre on the Square
TBB: We are so excited that the beloved Theatre in the Square in Marietta is making it’s glorious comeback. Tell me about this revival, who is involved and what we can expect?
Roxanne: It was more than heart breaking to the community as a whole to see Theatre in the Square close up shop in 2012. Immediately seeing huge potential Raul Thomas; Executive Chef, Film Maker and avid supporter of all the arts, took over the theatre in September of this year. From the community he hand picked a team of top notch creative and business professionals. We all quickly went to bring this sacred space back to it’s former glory.
Wanting to court previous supporters of the theatre we offer through our resident company standards and favorites of the community. There will also be more contemporary entertainment offered as well as concerts and comedy and other events. The former green room has now been transformed into a small film and photography studio.
The studio is available to the community. As well as classes for children and adults. We are already working closely with Marietta Middle School and Kennesaw State University. The ultimate goal is creating a multi-cultural center bringing entertainment and education to the area through art and theatre.
Information regarding what is currently running and what is coming up for us, as well as purchasing tickets can be found on our website HERE.
After the 1st of the year we will be offering season tickets, flex tickets and reserved seating.
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