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The multi award-winning musical featuring the untold story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons comes to Cardiff
Jersey Boys has been a huge success since its inception in 2005; needless to say, its stint in Cardiff as part of a UK wide tour was eagerly anticipated. The music of The Four Seasons is instantly recognisable, the story of their offstage lives – not so much. Jersey Boys is a telling of the trials and tribulations that comes with success from each characters’ perspective, alongside a memorable and feel-good soundtrack, of course.
With the 60s aesthetic and feel-good bops, the show establishes the rock n’ roll era from the off. However, the show is frantic, moving through events without so much as a breath – perhaps this is reflective of the band’s early identity crisis. The audience is first introduced to Tommy DeVito (Dalton Wood), founding member and the driving force behind The Four Seasons in its early stages. His presence is big, his New Jersey accent thick and his affinity for conflict provides a lot of entertainment. Tommy has a much more significant backstory than anyone might realise with regards to his mobster lifestyle; his criminal behaviour shapes his entire being and creates an important dynamic within the band.
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In taking “the kid who sings like an angel” under his wing, Tommy alongside fellow member Nick Massi (Christopher Short) are the big brothers to teenage Francis Castelluccio, otherwise known as Frankie Valli. The contrast is nice between Nicky’s deep bass and the high range and falsetto prowess of Michael Pickering, who has the hard task of taking on Valli’s unique vocals. He does a sterling job despite some off-key and sometimes harsh moments; granted, it is not an easy feat. Pickering’s singing style is peculiar though, singing through limited mouth movement to achieve the high range notes which makes it appear almost like ventriloquism; at times, it is questionable if it is him singing! Nevertheless, the part is played with maturity and a self-assuredness that visibly develops throughout the show, gradually taking on the lead role with conviction.
Blair Gibson took on the role of chief songwriter Bob Gaudio and did so excellently. He has a pure, lovely voice but just doesn’t get the opportunity to showcase it, in line with his character’s reluctance to take the spotlight. They all have vital roles to play from the self-professed “Ringo” of the band Nicky, whose outburst monologue in the second act is as passionate as it is funny, to Joe Pesci (George Salmon) who is an early advocate for the band and source of laughter. Fruity language is used frequently and humorously throughout.
As a foursome, the group create a fantastic vocal blend that is all-consuming and easy on the ear. The harmonies, as well as the iconic movements (such as the march/bop) are slick and perfectly in sync. The staging is also slick and the use of bright lights to imitate a concert setting, as well as a live on-stage video feed to create “old” footage are both effective. Early number Cry for Me was a particularly powerful and effective number. A special mention must also go to My Eyes Adored You which was haunting and refined. When Sherry is performed, complete with distinctive red jackets, the too long first act comes alive. The end of the act was brilliant but it took a long time to get there, and when it did, it thundered through tracks such as Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man and December 1963 (Oh What a Night) without a second glance. As hit after hit is performed, it is surprising with each recognisable song just how many successful numbers they had.
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The long first act is somewhat understandable as it becomes apparent early on that the second act has a completely different tone; more sombre and hard-hitting as it drills down into some of the more serious issues underpinning the success of the band. Beggin’ has a jazzy groove which allows for lively dance moves and a more mature sound. Let’s Hang On (to What We’ve Got) perfectly cements the relationship between Frankie and Bob, and the wistful Bye Bye Baby is performed in stages in what becomes the soundtrack to abandonment for Frankie Valli.
One stand-out moment in the second act comes from the backstory surrounding Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. The build up to revealing the so-called “art song” is intriguing and when it comes, it is fantastic. Michael Pickering sang his heart out and it was as heartfelt as it was feel-good. The horn section Frankie so desired is finally brought to life in such a brilliant way.
The jukebox musical from Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice is enjoyable, enlightening and is told with integrity. Whilst the show was not awe-inspiring, it was never boring and had a lot of brilliant elements. The final monologues were very clever, giving a voice to each member of the group, and the Four Seasons’ reunion as Hall of Fame inductees was sentimental and fun. The musical’s bizarre opening and slightly lacklustre ending were a shame yet the full cast performance and singalong of Oh What a Night was a nod to the beloved music of a generation.
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