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
