Finally, I’m back at the theatre! Five months after a hip replacement I have returned to the theatre in style: with my three sisters and mother, treating her to a show as part of her Mother’s Day present. And what a show it was!
‘The Jersey Boys’ isn’t your normal jukebox musical. First of all, it isn’t a confusing attempt to make existing songs fit somewhat into a coherent story. This story is true and the songs fit seamlessly, performed as they would have been on stage. This appealed to one of my sisters, who is not the biggest musical theatre fan. Secondly, not only are the songs fantastic, but you are also constantly shocked by how many you know without realising they were originally by The Jersey Boys.
The story itself follows the rise of the band that was later known as ‘Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons’. Their hometown of Jersey shapes all their lives; the lack of prospects available to the youths and the casual way in which jail time is served by them. In truth, with the exception of Bob, none of the characters is actually particularly nice when you consider the things they end up doing, but learning of their background makes you more understanding of how their failings were culturally created.
Surprisingly, the show isn’t all just about the character of Frankie but is a true ensemble performance and the strength of the show is the outstanding casting of each member of the band. A personal favourite of my sisters and of mine was the quietly charming and funny bass player, Nick, played by Lewis Griffiths: his lack of words and utter control making him mysteriously appealing to us ladies. Dalton Wood provided the charisma of bad-boy Tommy DeVito whilst Blair Gibson rounded the band off by providing some much needed schoolboy innocence. Not only could all four members of the band act, but their harmonies were precise and sharp as well, and boy could they dance! Hats off must be given to choreographer Sergio Trujillo who catapulted us back 60 years to when slick, polished actions were required from all bands. The songs were so well-choreographed and each scene change had the same precision, making for a visually engaging and fast paced production.
I have most definitely not forgotten about the main man himself, Michael Pickering, who plays front man Frankie Valli. What an absolute find was he! Frankie’s own voice is so unique, with those smooth falsetto notes and incredible range, that it must have been a nigh on impossible feat to find someone to replicate it. Then to find someone who could act, dance and look like Frankie, too. Pickering remarkably ticked all of those boxes and clearly has the stamina to maintain this demanding level of performance for nights in a row. It would be unfair to say he carried the show, as the whole ensemble was excellent, but without his extremely unique skill set, it’s fair to say the show wouldn’t have been the hit it was.
The only note of criticism is that, once again, there were some sound issues with microphones. This has been a recurring issue at the Grand over the last few years. However, by no means did it affect our enjoyment of the show and indeed I’m sure some barely noticed it they were so engaged in the story and the music. The band itself was excellent, constantly providing a nostalgic soundtrack with classic tunes such as ‘Sherry’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Oh What A Night’ and, my personally favourite, ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’. My favourite scene showed a quick montage of different songs being recorded at that time whilst the Four Seasons provided the backing harmonies. The slickness of transitions between one song and another highlighted the talent of the musicians and their Musical Director, Griff Johnson.
Although the story itself is gritty and can’t really be described as uplifting, the music and choreography certainly is, and the show plays heavily on the positive aspects of the story: mainly the music. This makes for a fantastic overall show to go and see. It has an interesting, true story whilst presenting some toe-tapping catchy songs that will get you clapping along to, and even dancing along during the guaranteed standing ovation. For a girls’ night out with my mother and sisters, I couldn’t have asked for a better show!
Jersey Boys continues at Leeds Grand Theatre until 6 August.
Photographs by Birgit & Ralf Brinkhoff provided by Leeds Grand Theatre.
