Jersey Boys (UK Touring)
One of those stories that I’d be surprised if the public will ever tire of experiencing now touring again across the UK, if it was a simple tale of the success achieved by The Four Seasons it wouldn’t be as engrossing as it is, the trials and tribulations of a turbulent journey are what makes the story worth the telling and the current production tells it so very well.
Frankie Valli (or Francesco Stephen Castelluccio if you want his real name) is at the centre of what is a gritty, real drama more than anything but, enhanced with some of the most iconic tracks that will ever grace a piece of musical theatre. Add the group ‘godfather’ Tommy DeVito, the real musical genius of Nick Massi and finally the super talented songwriting skills of Bob Gaudio and you have that perfect mix.
Michael Watson is a confident and highly engaging (some subtly significant facial expression in addition to an amazing voice) as Mr Valli with an ‘i’, Simon Bailey frighteningly and realistically earthy as the rather ‘full of his own importance’ DeVito, an imposing and insightful performance by Lewis Griffiths as the quiet, yet significant Massi and an exuberant and enthusiastic Declan Egan as the not to be overlooked major ‘piece of the jigsaw’ Gaudio.
From the height of the December 63 scene to the depths of the prison scene ‘oh me, oh my oh, did some time in old Ohio’ it’s the flawless and continuous storytelling that pushes this production to the top of the list when it comes to musical theatre memories. Some intense direction from Des McAnuff and inspired choreography from Sergio Trujillo weave the intertwining storylines together into an emotional cavalcade, have to admit to holding back the tears as Michael sings Fallen Angel with his back to the audience.
Because the narrative and music is so much part of the four guys themselves it’s easy to overlook a stellar supporting cast, to name merely a few Joel Elferink as the ‘dynamite producer’ Bob Crewe, Tara Young as a tough, uncompromising Mary Delgado, Karl James Wilson as brusque face of gang culture Norm Waxman and a peach of a performance from Mark Heenehan as crime boss Gyp DeCarlo.
Personally now forever in my Top 10 All Time Musicals, I can only suggest you go see it and make your own judgement as it’s touring now until 30th March 2019.
Book Here
Frankie Valli (or Francesco Stephen Castelluccio if you want his real name) is at the centre of what is a gritty, real drama more than anything but, enhanced with some of the most iconic tracks that will ever grace a piece of musical theatre. Add the group ‘godfather’ Tommy DeVito, the real musical genius of Nick Massi and finally the super talented songwriting skills of Bob Gaudio and you have that perfect mix.
Michael Watson is a confident and highly engaging (some subtly significant facial expression in addition to an amazing voice) as Mr Valli with an ‘i’, Simon Bailey frighteningly and realistically earthy as the rather ‘full of his own importance’ DeVito, an imposing and insightful performance by Lewis Griffiths as the quiet, yet significant Massi and an exuberant and enthusiastic Declan Egan as the not to be overlooked major ‘piece of the jigsaw’ Gaudio.
From the height of the December 63 scene to the depths of the prison scene ‘oh me, oh my oh, did some time in old Ohio’ it’s the flawless and continuous storytelling that pushes this production to the top of the list when it comes to musical theatre memories. Some intense direction from Des McAnuff and inspired choreography from Sergio Trujillo weave the intertwining storylines together into an emotional cavalcade, have to admit to holding back the tears as Michael sings Fallen Angel with his back to the audience.
Because the narrative and music is so much part of the four guys themselves it’s easy to overlook a stellar supporting cast, to name merely a few Joel Elferink as the ‘dynamite producer’ Bob Crewe, Tara Young as a tough, uncompromising Mary Delgado, Karl James Wilson as brusque face of gang culture Norm Waxman and a peach of a performance from Mark Heenehan as crime boss Gyp DeCarlo.
Personally now forever in my Top 10 All Time Musicals, I can only suggest you go see it and make your own judgement as it’s touring now until 30th March 2019.
Book Here
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