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Early 1960s relived in 'Jersey Boys'
(by Herb Hammer - June 29, 2011)
THEATER, BY HERB HAMMER
Early 1960s relived in 'Jersey Boys'
Scores of baby boomers are flocking to the cavernous State Theatre these summer nights to relive their youth and their love of the Four Seasons, the singing sensations of the 1960s, more often remembered as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
This is the sound time around at Playhouse Square for "Jersey Boys," the 2006 Broadway hit which is still playing New York and is certainly popular enough for a third go-around in downtown Cleveland. The show's popularity will most likely last longer than the brief careers of the singing group.
The book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, combined with Des McAnuff's hard-driving directing, are what stir audiences. Then there are the nostalgic songs, of course, and the singers, who are more talented than the originals. And this is just the touring company.
The story, conveniently close but not too close to the beginning, middle and end of the group's career, begins when Frankie Valli was little more than a kid. Once Tommy DeVito gathers the group together, their rise to fame is written so you really don't quite know how they got there.
From blue-collar New Jersey to Top 40 recording stars, the show races along. Though each of the four have distinctly different personalities, together they have the square sound that in many cases overcame the popularity of the Beetles and the Rolling Stones.
The creators wait until the second act before they pour out the Four Seasons' hits. And though we are given bits and pieces of their personal lives, it's the songs and singers that bring the house down.
Personality conflicts finally cause the group to disintegrate. It's then that the scrawny little Frankie pours out "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and virtually stops the show.
Joseph Leo Bwaire is a sensation as the falsetto voice Frankie Valli. His rich and pure sound deserves the audience's delight.
Josh Franklin has the correct vocal quality as even-tempered Gaudio. As Nick Massi, Steve Gonveia brings a quirky style to his character. Matt Bailey, as Tommy DeVito, the creator of the group, is tough and unsympathetic.
The rest, and there are plenty of them -- girl groupies, agents, drummers, wives and a whole array of hangers on -- fit in from start to finish.
The creators jam the stage, yet, through the smart hands of Mr. McAnuff, keep the action flowing.
The songs by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe are standard Seasons fare. The singers, with their early 1960s strut, bring them to life.
Friday's audience appeared restless as it waited for something to happen. When it did, as the old Top 40 hits came pouring out, the crowd released a clapping and cheering rarely heard in Playhouse Square.
"Jersey Boys" is anything but a great show. But it is entertaining and, yes, wildly entertaining for those whose memories of the halcyon days are all about, the singing sensations, the Four Seasons.
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