JERSEY BOYS Review

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 3:52pm

JERSEY BOYS Review

Yet another jukebox concert has opened on Broadway – beware of the buzz, for “Jersey Boys” is nothing more than a mind-numbing, risk-free romp that only at times entertains. The newly re-named “August Wilson Theatre” plays host to the retelling of the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Snippets of their lives, their music, and their journey to stardom come together under the direction of Des McAnuff. Unfortunately, much like this directors flopped “Dracula” attempt last season, “Jersey Boys” has even less soul and spirit than the aforementioned disaster. What “Jersey Boys” must have is an extremely talented leading man when he decides to show up to do his performances.

Mr. John Lloyd Young, one of Broadway’s most lauded performers of the year, decided to sit this performance out to appear on top of the world the next morning on NBC’s “Today Show.” Dominic Nolfi, who was in the show during its La Jolla run seemed to have as much charisma in his whole body that Lloyd Young must have in his pinky figer alone. His act II solo “Can’t Take my Eyes off You” was more like, ‘my ear drums can’t take much more of you!’ After an evening of missed lighting cues, missed pitches, and flubbed lines…Nolfi left anything but a memorable impression.

That being said, the other three group members solidly portrayed thankless characters. Most notable among them was Daniel Reichard as singer/songwriter Bobby Gaudio. His singing, performing, and acting abilities carry the otherwise cathartic evening to a whole different level. When Reichard is onstage, especially during “Oh What a Night,” he delivers on every exciting level.

If only the book could be as exciting as Reichard’s performance. Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice’s book was not only demeaning to American Theatre audiences, but talked down and to the willingly unknowing and gullibly accepting theatergoers. Instead of writing an intricate book with new, refreshing, and though provoking dialogue – each actor narrates the story that could benefit leaps and bounds from a classic Broadway staging.

From “The Four Seasons” younger years, to their children and forgettable love lives (the number on women in this show is also another demeaning mark of musical theatre money spending on Broadway!), affairs, mob ties, and induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; this pre packaged event does not even begin to cover it all. Why introduce one of Frankie Valli’s children and completely forget the others? Yet, one of many story flaws! A statement of some sort? Maybe! But rather a strident decision that only exemplifies this works mediocrity.

How hard is it after all to copy an already exiting art? Drag Queens in Chelsea have done better jobs! The concept of a “Jersey Boys Musical” may have worked, but this theatre goer is fed up with the unoriginality of the American supposed Musical. Nothing in “Jersey Boy’s” universally educates today’s society. This concert version of The Four Seasons lives is far from musical theatre and what is left is a hodge-podge and entirely forgettable event.


Updated On: 1/7/06 at 03:52 PM

[Now Ulla Dance]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 3:56pm

Well...isn't someone in the minority

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 3:58pm

I certainly am...but I really was rather unimpressed. The show did NOTHING to excite me on any level. Maybe it was because JLY takes this show to another place, but it wasn't there for me last night.

[Now Ulla Dance]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 4:08pm

Thats ok LaCage...

I think if you saw JLY, you'd change your mind, he puts the show on a whole new level

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 4:11pm

I think, (and I do still want to see it w/him), that JLK must be very much like Hugh Jackman a few seasons back. A solidly entertaining performer with more charisma than Jesus stuck in a blah show. When Jackman didn't go on though, neither did the show. I'd HIGHLY recommend the same for Jersey Boys.

[YayJudyYayJudy]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 4:13pm

I saw it once with John Llyod and once without him (that time being last night)... and I agree that he definetely adds a lot to the show. He's just so natural in the role that it erases any doubt or worry about the performance.

and adding to what you said about Daniel Reichard- isn't he fantastic!? I hope his performace doesn't go overlooked, he is easily also a star of that show.

Overall- I think the show is great, and I really hope you don't base it just on last night's performance, because yes, there was "something" missing from it

(and PS. Michael wasn't on last night... Dominic Nolfi was)

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 04:13 PM

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 4:15pm

Check your facts, Michael Longoria did not play the role of Frankie Valli in the original run at La Jolla. There was another actor who originated the role (name escapes me). I believe during that time Michael was a swing in the Broadway production of Hairspray.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 4:27pm

Sorry...review is corrected.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 4:31pm

Dominic Nolfi did not originate the role either (he's the other understudy). It's someone no longer associated with the show.

Also, if you're going to disparage a performer, make sure you get the right one. There are two actors who understudy the role of Frankie Valli. From what I hear Dominic replaced John during Act II on Wednesday matinee and Michael went on that evening. Did you see Michael Longoria or Dominic Nolfi?

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 04:31 PM

[kate2]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 5:00pm

I saw Dominic Nolfi play Frankie and thought he was incredible. I actually prefer his voice to JLY's.

[Legibus]

Posted: 1/6/06 at 5:40pm

David Norona played the role of Frankie Valli in the La Jolla Playhouse production in San Diego.

Dominic Nolfi, who was the actor you saw last night, was David Norona's understudy in La Jolla. Michael Longoria was not playing Frankie Valli last night.

Since your review is so factually incorrect (and you refuse to be corrected) it suggests everything else in your "review" is also questionable, except, of course, you don't like Des McAnuff or anything he is connected with.

You are entitled to your opinion of this show that the vast majority of those have seen it, think is an "amazingly" enjoyable night at the theater.

The fact that the show is doing between 90% and 100% weekly capacity clearly suggests you are in the "minority" in your harsh personal attack on Jersey Boys. But that's okay. Just be open to correction when your facts are erroneous. You are certainly entitled to your opinion.

Not everyone likes the same thing....that's why Baskin & Robbins makes 31 different flavors of ice cream.

Updated On: 1/6/06 at 05:40 PM

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 1:02am

Yes indeed...I do stand corrected. I did see Dominic, Ive already accepted that mistake. Dominics bio says JERSEY BOYS, and I assumed, stared in. I am very sorry that my factual statement here is indeed wrong. I will fix the review. Everything else is as crystal clear as I intend it to be. Thank you all for the consoling, but I just feel sorry for those that are going to see a new broadway MUSICAL...that they certainly won't get.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/7/06 at 1:11am

Thanks, LaCage. I saw Dominic go on Thanksgiving weekend and by the 2nd act one could tell he was vocally tired. I really wanted to see John Lloyd Young, so I was very disappointed that he was not there. Those are very difficult songs to sing, day after day (considering the range is so high). According to Dominic, John was in fact sick the day before the Today show appearance.