The Boys Bring Jersey to Toronto

Show: Jersey Boys

Authors: Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice

Director: Des McAnuff

Location: Toronto

Run: August 21 - November 9, 2008

Reviewed By: Jenny Sung (Toronto Correspondent - Canada)

To be honest, I wasn't sure who Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons were when I first heard of the musical ‘Jersey Boys'.  All I knew was that the show was getting amazing reviews and had won the Tony for Best Musical in 2006.  Then, I heard the tune "Sherry" played during the television ads for the musical, which I instantly recognized.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I saw the list of musical numbers in the playbill and recognized many of the numbers!  They were all tunes often used in films, commercials, or covered by more recent artists - all of them catchy and exciting songs.  Once in the theatre, I looked around me and noticed that the audience was mainly composed of the Baby Boomer generation.  No doubt that this musical and these songs bring back a strong sense of nostalgia to them - these are the people who grew up to The Four Seasons' hits, but as someone from a younger generation I was intrigued as to whether Jersey Boys would be as delightful for me as the Baby Boomers in attendance.  Although I couldn't relate to the musical as much as the rest of the audience, I knew I was in for a great show when the first drum solo kicked in and dancers in brightly coloured costumes ran out on stage, full of energy and pizzazz.

The story follows the creation of the hit-making quartet The Four Seasons from their humble beginnings as a street corner trio who take on the young Valli (then, Castelluccio) as their lead singer.  It details all of their ups and downs as a group: losing members, gaining members, working without a record deal, huge hits, family blows, and a lifetime legacy.  Their story is told from four different perspectives, beginning with the group's mover and shaker, Tommy DeVito (Jeremy Kushnier), who got the ball rolling on the band's fame.  Kushnier's performance sets the perfect break-neck speed of the show with his fast talk and perfect comedic timing.

The band's principal songwriter, Bob Gaudio (Andrew Rannells), flawlessly takes over the lead point-of-view, which includes his resounding solo with "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)".  The tall and lanky Rannells has a striking resemblance to Gaudio, and his performance takes on the young songwriter's initiation from boyhood to man, spot on.  Next, Nick Massi (Steve Gouveia), the band's bassist becomes the principal storyteller, but just like the rest of his persona in the show, he continues on with dull asides and a deadpan voice.  Massi is definitely the character with the least to express.  It's fitting that he starts off the second act of ‘Boys' which takes a decidedly dramatic turn.

Finally, the man who holds all the cards in the game - Frankie Valli (Joseph Leo Bwarie) - closes the show as the last remaining original member on stage.  Bwarie's interpretation of Valli exceeds an imitation of the legendary singer's unique voice; he encapsulates the young singer's growth from awkward teen to a thick-skinned showman seamlessly.  He never seems to tire through all the back to back glass-shattering solos and dramatic dialogue - A fantastic casting choice indeed! Even if the music outdates you, this is one performance that is completely worth the price of a ticket. 

The quality of the performances astounded me, from not only the cast, but from the musicians (who appear on stage playing live) and the choreography of Toronto native Sergio Trujillo.  The visual impact of the stage is eye candy as well, with numerous costume changes, big hair, bright lights, and long gams.  All you need is an appreciation for good entertainment and having a fantastic time to be able to enjoy this soon-to-be classic musical.

‘Jersey Boys' is showing in Toronto at the Toronto Centre for the Arts from now until early November this year.