JERSEY BOYS review

[BSoBW3]

JERSEY BOYS review#0

Posted: 3/12/06 at 2:57pm

Ladies and gentlemen – the new hit of this season is currently playing on 52nd street at the newly named August Wilson Theatre. Jersey Boys, based on the life of Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons, is more than your average jukebox musical. But, let’s keep in mind, it still is a jukebox musical.

Jersey Boys’s biggest problem is it’s a book. A problem that seems to plague most shows on Broadway. It isn’t a mess or a train wreck, and it definitely does a great job telling the story of the 4 Seasons from four very different perspectives, however the book does suffer from cheesy lines that border camp. Much of the dialogue seems tiresome and only to be there to advance us to the next song. Brickman and Elice’s book does, however, do a great job at not making this the next Lennon.

If you have ever seen the movie La Bamba then you know the basic format of this show. The songs are, for the most part, used only when the characters are in a recording studio, a bar or on a stage performing. So, in fact, this show is more a slice of history. No one, however, realized that they never tried to explain time in the show. One minute Frankie is a Castelluccio, the next he’s a Vally [sic]. Even the basic use of projections to help us understand time what have been nice.

The show, however, does give an equal time to each season narrating his version of the story – beginning with Tommy DeVito, advancing to Bob Gaudio, then Nick Massi, and finally the wonder himself, Frankie Valli. Each actor of this show portrays his character beyond perfection. A special note to newcomer John Lloyd Young, angelically singing Valli’s falsetto.

Des McAnuff and team have done a great job staging the show…including a nice cat walk along the theatre that is used symbolically throughout the show for loss and disappearance.

The show is rightfully called Jersey Boys for its potty humor, accent, and, well, audience. Looking around, the audience seems like a Soprano’s after-party. And, boy oh boy, did the audience eat this show right up like Aunt Monica’s home-made lasagna (yeah, a little reference to another show this season). Applause sometimes lasted for 5 minutes. In fact, the man sitting next to me was so engrossed in the show he was giving the actors thumbs up (from row B) – once to which Daniel Reichard (Bob Gauido) even responded.

With a great catalogue of songs ranging from Gaudio’s hits like the almost-never-released “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” to non-4 Seasons songs like Boyfriend’s Back” this show is excitingly more than just a jukebox. Oh, and it’s educational, too! Joe Pesci – who knew?

The smallest stream is a valent river. It will drown me if it can.

[munkustrap178]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#1

Posted: 3/12/06 at 3:01pm

We know.

"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy." -Charlie Manson

[munkustrap178]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#2

Posted: 3/12/06 at 3:03pm

Unless TARZAN is out of this world, I think JERSEY BOYS will win:

Best Book
Best Leading Actor
Best Musical

"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy." -Charlie Manson

[BSoBW3]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#3

Posted: 3/12/06 at 3:04pm

If John Lloyd doesn't win I will be upset.

But I can't think of another show with a good leading actor - save for TARZAN...

I think Book depends on Drowsy Chaperone. JB probably has the best book of the new shows - which doesn't say much.

And I am still rooting for TCP for Best Musical. But wouldn't mind JB to win.

The smallest stream is a valent river. It will drown me if it can.

[popcultureboy]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#4

Posted: 3/12/06 at 3:04pm

Ya know, when someone deems their own opinion worthy to start a new thread reviewing almost every show they see, regardless of the amount of pre-existing threads, it would be advisable if said BWW person refrained from put downs for others who do it.

Nothing precious, plain to see, don't make a fuss over me. Not loud, not soft, but somewhere inbetween. Say sorry, just let it be the word you mean.

[BSoBW3]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#5

Posted: 3/12/06 at 3:06pm

Said person doesn't put others down who do it.

The only ones I don't like are when people say "WiCkED revieW.... i loved it!!!!"

The smallest stream is a valent river. It will drown me if it can.

[munkustrap178]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#6

Posted: 3/12/06 at 3:07pm

I was teasing BSO, we always make fun of each other. I couldn't resist.

THE COLOR PURPLE is a disaster next to JERSEY BOYS.

Other leading men (you said you can't think of any):

Michael Cerveris
Harry Connick Jr.
Alan Cumming

"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy." -Charlie Manson

[popcultureboy]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#7

Posted: 3/12/06 at 3:07pm

Oh good, another BWW in joke. We don't have enough of those either.

Nothing precious, plain to see, don't make a fuss over me. Not loud, not soft, but somewhere inbetween. Say sorry, just let it be the word you mean.

[Broadway_Boy]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#8

Posted: 3/12/06 at 3:08pm

Oprah is wanted to host the tony's, so IMO what will probably happen is if she agrees to host then Color Purple will probably win, but if she turns it down people will go against her and vote for Jersey Boys.

Check out the app Todaytix if you haven't already for theatre tickets around the world. My referral code is DGHVR

[BSoBW3]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#9

Posted: 3/12/06 at 3:10pm

Oh, was pop talking to me? Either way...

Munk - thanks. I forgot about them.

I don't think Harry desevres it - he was good, albeit bland, but I could see him winning in an effort to keep him returning to Broadway.

And, was it you who said Cumming would play his 3Penny role like the Emcee?

But, perhaps the competition (as far as talent goes) will be Young and Cerveris...?

The smallest stream is a valent river. It will drown me if it can.

Updated On: 3/12/06 at 03:10 PM

[rebels]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#10

Posted: 3/12/06 at 3:15pm

Munkustrap178, I agree with your Tony predictions. In addition, I think both Chistian Hoff & Daniel Reichard could be nominees for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Jersey Boys Blog: http://jerseyboysblog.com/

[dancingthrulife04]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#11

Posted: 3/12/06 at 5:20pm

Glad you liked it!
Jersey Boys Forum

http://www.beintheheights.com/katnicole1 (Please click and help me win!) I chose, and my world was shaken- So what?
The choice may have been mistaken, The choosing was not... "Every day has the potential to be the greatest day of your life." - Lin-Manuel Miranda "And when Idina Menzel is singing, I'm always slightly worried that her teeth are going to jump out of her mouth and chase me." - Schmerg_the_Impaler

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#12

Posted: 3/12/06 at 5:30pm

I think predicting anything to win best Musical at this point is a stretch. Especially the overrated JERSEY BOYS. As the topic originator said, we must remember it is still a Jukebox musical and the Tonys don't admire them all that much.

THE COLOR PURPLE, DROWSY CHAPERONE, & possibly TARZAN will all be strong contenders. TCP has its naysayers, but is an extemely moving piece and the buzz and promise of DC is unparalled by anything we've seen or probably will see this season. Nobody knows much about TARZAN yet, but let us not forget we have a dozen new musicals this year - procaliming JB the victor now is way too early. As well as for that "talking at you" book.

No if we want to predict a winner I'd go with SWEENY for best Revival or Tyne Daly for Featured Actress in a Play - those in my book are sure fire winners.

[mpw607]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#13

Posted: 3/12/06 at 6:25pm

Broadway Boy, as I'm from London, I don't understand American practice, but I'm surprised that so many on this board say that if Oprah hosts the Tonys then TCP will win best musical. How can that be ethical? if that sort of thing happened over here, say at the Baftas, there would be cries of outrage - it would seem a bit like insider dealing.

[popular_elphie]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#14

Posted: 3/12/06 at 7:15pm

Great review!

I have to say that I agree about the time thing - I felt lost a few times during the show.

As for Tonys, I really believe that John Lloyd Young deserves it. His transition from 16 to around 60 is truly magical, and that voice!

I'm glad people are realizing that this is a different kind of jukebox musical - it's not a story made around the music, as the music IS the story.

[BSoBW3]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#15

Posted: 3/12/06 at 7:58pm

mpw - no, it isn't fair. IMO, I think TCP deserves to win.

But, it's about business. If TCP wins BEST MUSICAL, it is good for business for the producers.

If Oprah hosts the Tony's, her viewers will watch the Tony's...and the American Theatre Wing is content with better ratings.

The smallest stream is a valent river. It will drown me if it can.

[ljay889]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#16

Posted: 3/12/06 at 8:07pm

Well the Tonys just passed a new rule that no show can promote for the Tony, and the voters can only judge their choice on the show, cast recording, and script.

So hopefully the voters will really follow that guideline.

[BSoBW3]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#17

Posted: 3/12/06 at 8:09pm

ljay - isn't it sad that's a new rule. Never mind - that it's even a rule.

And I always thought the Tony's were first best work, albeit mis-guided sometimes.

The smallest stream is a valent river. It will drown me if it can.

[ACL2006]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#18

Posted: 3/13/06 at 12:43am

Is Sweeney Todd really a lock for Best Revival?? Pajama Game is completely sold-out and who knows how well ThreePenny Opera will do. Sweeney Todd hasn't been a smash hit at the box office either.

A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.

[CurtainPullDowner]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#19

Posted: 3/13/06 at 1:37am

I think Cervaris is Top Dog right now
(oh he won before? ever hear of Audra Mc D?")
with the pup JLY nippin at his heels
But don't count out Harry Conick
just the kind of performance Out Of Towners
LOVE
and Cumming and That cute Tarzan boy are still rehearsing
could be quite a run for that TONY
Is there Male lead in Chaperone?
oh yeah and Panaro
in that thing at the Palace
hmm

[BSoBW3]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#20

Posted: 3/13/06 at 1:38am

What the...

The smallest stream is a valent river. It will drown me if it can.

[CurtainPullDowner]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#21

Posted: 3/13/06 at 1:46am

I think JBoys will get a lot of noms
but i am not sure of any wins
Lots of Shows to Open

[BSoBW3]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#22

Posted: 3/13/06 at 1:47am

GET. OUT. CORINE.

The smallest stream is a valent river. It will drown me if it can.

[munkustrap178]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#23

Posted: 3/13/06 at 1:50am

it's like Rosie's blog...

"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy." -Charlie Manson

[PJ]

re: JERSEY BOYS review#24

Posted: 3/13/06 at 1:52am

Jersey Boys is a fantastic show, and it's even better to work there. The cast is literally the nicest on Broadway right now. I've never been around such kind and approachable actors in my life.