Jersey Boys - First Preview. My Review — Page 2

They do have tickets on TDF, though.

I still can't decide if I want to see this. I just don't know.

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I have tdf tickets for tonight...should be a fun evening!

pls post your review.. I have to wait till Nov 23

MissNY, I bought student rush for tonight. They're in the center orchestra, row W. They're technically partial view because they use lots of projections and the balcony cuts off the top third of the stage. But for $26.25, it's not a bad deal.

I saw it tonight and didn't think it was that great. Certainly not BAD, but not as good as I was expecting from reading all the reviews.

It seemed to be geared for people who were fans the Four Seasons back in the 60's, and that's what the audience mostly seemed to be made up of. And judging by the reaction to some of the jokes, most of them also appeared to be from New Jersey. Since I was born in 1986 and am not from New Jersey, a lot of it felt like an inside joke that I was not a part of.

The cast overall was fine. They all had great voices and seemed to be have a lot of fun up there. Unfortunately, none of the characters are really developed enough for the audience to care much about them. For example, several bad things (to aviod spoiling it) happen towards the end of act two. BUT they happen to people whom we've only seen in or or two scenes prior, and pretty short scenes at that, so it's hard to really feel sad for them.

All in all, I'd say if you were/are a fan of the Four Season, then go. You'll probably have a great time. If not, you might feel a little left out.

Theatreguy: I understand that, being 19, you may have a hard time relating to the music of the Four Seasons, but I disagree that you'll feel 'left out' if you're not a Four Seasons fan. When I was your age, I didn't feel 'left out' when I saw a production of Gypsy, even though I wasn't around to see vaudeville first-hand nor did I feel 'left out' when I sat through South Pacific, even though I was born 12 years after the end of World War II (thereby making me officially 'older than dirt'). I think the music is timeless and the story is a classic rags-to-riches tale. I realize that the music isn't what you're used to hearing (no matter if you listen to the current stuff or 'classic' theatre, the Four Seasons sound is unique), but I applaud you for at least being open-minded enough to attend. As for the lack of character development, the story revolves around those four guys and, I think, we learn quite a bit about them. Just out of curiosity, what are your favorite musicals?

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That's why Baskin-Robbins makes 31 flavors. Wouldn't it be dull if we all liked the same thing?

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I didn't grow up on the era of the FOUR SEASONS, either. Really I just came to it recently and I understand where it could steer some people in another direction.

Certain elements of this show are universal ... the relationships between these guys and how they were continually tested due to outside forces. I loved how the show opened --- I couldn't think of a better way to start the ride.

The performers here are just wonderful. They have such appeal and they really come off amazingly on stage. John Lloyd Young has an amazing voice and really comes into his own, so early in the preview process. I can't believe this was the 4th preview on Thursday night I was seeing. He's got the goods. Christian Hoff and J. Robert Spencer are dynamic on stage, especially in their dramatic moments. I praise Spencer for thoughtfully understanding his character was the 'Ringo' of the group --- you can tell it gives him such a respect for his role. Daniel Reichard has such a soaring voice. His first solo was fantastic and he does a good job in his dramatic moments.

I think McAnuff's direction and the staging he has done with Sergio Trujillo is simply a smooth ride and very natural. The way everything comes together and how scenes overlap is brilliant. It has built in suspense moments and you want to like these guys and you root for them to be successful.

The one thing this show has that other catalog shows don't ... a GREAT book. A book that is really well written and engaging is so important in musical theatre. An we rarely see that. Beyond the book, the music they are singing and the way they have incorporated it into the show is so smart and dynamic.

I was blown away by this show ---- so enjoyed it. Very impressive in so many aspects. But I agree, it's not the show for everyone --- not everyone likes WICKED or AVENUE Q, and that is what makes Broadway such an amazing place. It has something for everyone and you can choose WHAT KIND of show you want to see on any night of the week.

So see it --- if not because you like the music, just because you need to see a catalog show done well.

Peace.

I said this in my PM to you, but I'll explain here for everyone else.

I wasn't really specific with that. I got what a Jersey contract meant, but for me I just chuckled a little. But everyone else was laughing really hard.

But I agree with withoutatrace. It didn't work for me, but I'm glad it works for so many other people and I hope it's a success.

I never said I didn't "get" it. I just said I felt left out (probably more due to the audience around me than the show itslef). I didn't mean to seem like I was trying to put down the show or anyone who liked it.

And I really don't see why you feel the need to attack my tase (or supposed lack thereof) in theater.

Updated On: 10/9/05 at 01:24 AM

I apologize for being snippy about theatreguy - I found it really easy to be there and knew there would be a few jokes flying over my head but that doesn't make it even a smidgen less enjoyable. =)

I have a special affection for this show so I'm protecting it, I'm sorry if I came off harsher than I intended.

Funny, hushpuppy, that you should mention being banished to the children's table at thanksgiving - because in my family, 24 was the age when the kids were finally old enough to join the elders in the actual dining room versus being stuck in the basement with the tv eating on a coffee table. Wonder what will happen this coming Thanksgiving... oy.

Honestly, when I wasn't busy being amazed at the show itself, I was thoroughly enjoying the amazing reaction it was getting from the audience. I'm sure it's the dork in me, but I love when a musical can do that to people! I haven't seen a show stir up an audience and really connect and impress the way this one did in quite some time. I think the show would have been about 10 minutes shorter had the applause been of normal length, but it was so far beyond that, and that just proves that it works. Not to mention Frankie Valli himself being in the audience and giving John Lloyd Young a standing ovation after "Can't Take My Eyes Off You". Now that was pretty cool.