REVIEW: "Jersey Boys" in Chicago

Performance: Friday, July 31st @ 8:00pm

Location: Bank of America Theatre, Chicago, Illinois

I have been told numerous times by my theatre loving friends that Jersey Boys is a must see production. When I discovered that I was barely going to miss the opening of Spring Awakening and that I would see Jersey Boys instead, I will admit that I was feeling pretty lukewarm. My likings tend to fall in the direction of musicals with original songs and Broadway seems to have taken to the idea of "recycled" music. I did, however, go in with an open mind and ready to enjoy a night of theatre and I am so glad that I did!

To a rapt audience, Jersey Boys brings the story of Frankie Valli (once known as Francis Castelluccio) and The Four Seasons from the days of singing under the street lights in New Jersey, through the loss and gain of band members, money, and the fame that still follow Valli today. It is impossible to find fault in any of the performances and the performances of Michael Cunio (Tommy DeVito), Michael Ingersoll (Nick Massi), Shonn Wiley (Bob Gaudio, and Dominic Scaglione, Jr. (Frankie Vallie) provided immediate transport back to the height of The Four Seasons fame. Not a moment went by when you didn't believe their portrayals of these musical legends.

While caught in the grip of the music, large screens hanging above the stage held projections representing sixities style comic strip images that helped to set the mood. The set was simple with a silver metal staircase stage left that led up to a walkway that stretched the length of the stage and off stage right, which provided a very poignant exit. Small rolling set pieces and large neon signs took the audience from place to place seemlessly.

The only true fault I could find in the production were some microphone malfunctions during the first half of the show, which caused the audience to lose brief moments of dialogue. I can definitely say that I have been converted. While productions such as Mama Mia and Movin' Out used artists' music to create a new and unique story, Jersey Boys used all of The Four Seasons' music as a way of tell THEIR story. The audience was able to experience their music within the context of how and when it was created. I left energized and have had the music playing in my head every since.

If you are interested in learning more about Jersey Boys in Chicago, click here. Frankie Valli continues to perform around the United States. In fact, he will be performing at the Indiana University Auditorium this coming season. Valli is now 75 years old.