Jersey Boys: Oh What A Night!

There are some spoilers!

Recently I saw the Brisbane production of Jersey Boys at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Jersey Boys follows the story and music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. There have been a number of musicals, called jukebox musicals, which are based around the music of successful groups like Mamma Mia (ABBA) and We Will Rock You (Queen). However, whilst Jersey Boys has the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, it is NOT a jukebox musical, as it is the real story Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi and Bob Gaudio, their personal struggles and their rise to becoming one of the greatest vocal groups of all time.

The musical explored themes of brotherhood and friendship, love, loss, determination and passion for music. The storyline took the whole audience on a rollercoaster, one minute they would be laughing and the next wiping away a tear.

The music of Jersey Boys is amazing and I was surprised about how many of the songs I recognised considering it originally came out a long time before I was born. Some of the songs include, “Oh What a Night”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Sherry”. The band was flawless and I particularly enjoyed how the band was incorporated onstage.

 

The acting and vocal performances of all the characters, particularly the Four Seasons was incredible and they sounded remarkably similar to the original iconic group. Jeff Madden did an outstanding job in the role of Frankie Valli. Jeff is reprising the role here in Brisbane after being in the Canadian cast. The vocal demands of the character are certainly very high and I was blown away by the quality of singing from his very first song to the final bows. Not only did he have to maintain the falsetto (really high!) singing, but he had to play a character who had a very turbulent life, dealing with a rough neighbourhood, the rise to fame, divorce and the death of his daughter.

I really recommend going to see Jersey Boys. Brisbane audiences only have until the 14^th October but don’t worry as it will be continuing its Australian tour.