Reviewed by Jennifer Benoit-Bryan
Jersey Boys, the winner of Tony, Grammy, and Olivier awards, is back in Chicago for just a few weeks and if you haven’t seen it yet you should book seats soon. Jersey Boys provides an insider’s look at the trajectory of the careers of Frank Valli and the Four Seasons: from growing up in New Jersey, to forming a band, through massive successes, and finally dissolution. The story is told through the lens of seasons in time, from spring to winter, with each member of the band narrating a quarter of the production. This device for marking the passage of time and phases in the life of the band works well and provides some needed structure to the narration.
Jersey Boys is a well-executed mix of dramatic stage play and nostalgic greatest hits concert. The show wobbles a bit out of the gate without clear direction, but soon the audience is swept up in feel-good 60’s songs, fronting a darker drama of the relationships between the band. This show really peels the curtain back and displays the conflicts, egos, gambling, and greed that ultimately broke up the band.
Hayden Milanes has incredible range and steps in to the voice of Frankie Valli with finesse, particularly in the songs “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, and ”Sherry”. Another big voice and strong acting talent in the production is Drew Seeley, who plays Bob Gaudio with a convincing lack of street smarts. The role of Nick Massi, played by Keith Hines, expertly provides deadpan comic relief that brings many a laugh through the show. One other actor who deserves a glowing mention is Barry Anderson; his delightful portrayal of effeminate producer Bob Crewe was a high point of the show.
In good productions I usually don’t notice the lighting design unless it’s badly done; it’s generally well integrated into the action on stage, supporting the actors but not drawing too much attention. However, the lighting design by Howell Binkley stands out in this production as exceptional. There’s a scene at the peak of the Four Seasons’ fame in which the actors are on stage playing to a full house, and the lighting design makes the audience feel like they’re right behind the band looking out at a crowd of adoring fans. The actors face away from the audience toward a screen at the back of the stage that twinkles with thousands of little lights that evoke camera flashes, while strong lights flood the audience in simulation of stage lights, and cheers echo through the theatre. It’s a reversal of the fourth wall that this reviewer for the Fourth Walsh found to be truly evocative and memorable.
This touring production of Jersey Boys deserves its high honors, and those who have not yet seen it are lucky to have another chance here in Chicago.
Running Time: Two hours and fifteen minutes with one fifteen minute intermission
At the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph Street through May 24, 2015
Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice
Directed by Des McAnuff
Tickets: $35-$115 at 312-977-1710 or www.BroadwayinChicago.com