Jersey Boys is a musical that follows the story of Frankie Valli, and his origins in The Four Seasons. Frankie is befriended by Tommy DeVito, who convinces him to be the lead singer in his new band, The Four Lovers. Nick Massi and Bob Gaudio also join after being spotted by Tommy, and they try to forge a career as a quartet. After repeated failings to gain any real success, they rename themselves The Four Seasons after a bowling alley, and reinvent themselves as performers.
After becoming extraordinarily successful, it is revealed that Tommy had been falling behind with debts and was struggling to repay what he owed, and is taken away to Las Vegas where the people he owed could keep an eye on him. Meanwhile, Nick leaves the band, stating that he had had enough of performing, and Bob tells Frankie that he should be a solo act backed by four musicians; hence why he later became Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
With staggering timing and flair, the four main actors (Matt Corner, Simon Bailey, Declan Egan and Matt Hunt) captured the true essence of The Four Seasons, rocking their way through one song after the other, from ‘Oh What a Night’ to ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’.
Alison, who recently saw the musical, said, ‘It was a great show with a fantastic cast and wonderful music. I wanted to get up and dance! I’d definitely recommend it for a good night out!’
As Frankie Valli himself said, ‘Here was a story no-one knew,' and this was certainly true. For instance, did you know that a teenaged Joe Pesci (of Goodfellas fame – “Yes, that Joe Pesci”) was the person who recommended Bob Gaudio (who wrote songs such as ‘Walk Like A Man’ and ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’) to Tommy DeVito to be a member of the band?
Sadly, Piccadilly Theatre will be saying “Bye Bye Baby” to Jersey Boys on the 26th March 2017 after nine years, so hurry to see this musical extravaganza before it is too late. Whether a committed Valli fan or someone who vaguely knows a couple of tunes, it is a show that people of all ages will enjoy – just be prepared to be humming the songs for weeks afterwards.
Amy Pickard, Rosebery School.
