"Jersey Boys" is playing inside the theatre at the new Palazzo Resort. ...Ok, here it is. This is the best show that I've seen in a long time. It's the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and the music, the story, the acting, singing, setting, and execution of everything was just absolutely wonderful...and it was so good the first time, that three days later, I went and saw it a second time. I don't often simply rave about a show and so this is a welcome reprieve from my usual blather. Perhaps it is my background in legitimate theatre that brings this musical out as a welcome sight amongst all of the production shows here in Vegas.
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons had incredible staying power over the years. Their music, which inspired, thrilled, and excited a generation; had the ability to grow, change, and mature over the span of several decades. They were not part of the psychedelic bohemian movement of the sixties, but rather made their influence on a greater portion of Middle America—the waitress, the truck driver, and the kid that went off to war. Still today, the music of the group conjures up memories of playful dating, the pains of growing up, and of course, romance.
It is hard to imagine that after more than forty years, and more than 175 million records sold, that Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' popularity would now be eclipsed by the story about their lives. "Jersey Boys" is an incredible musical. It won the 2006 Tony award for Best Musical and has set box office records in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago...and the new production at the Palazzo resort will certainly be another shining feather in the "Jersey Boys" cap.
One of the things that is striking about this production is the ensemble feel of the piece. It would be easy to separate the Valli character and the other Four Seasons and make them the "stars," but it works so much better when you see everyone pulling their own weight...everyone is a part of this company. They all take their turn at moving set pieces and props...and the effect is that the show moves in a clever and quick fashion that is crisp, clean, and fresh.
Rick Faugno, who plays Frankie Valli, attributes the success of "Jersey Boys" to a combination of the great music and the real story of the four guys from New Jersey. "This is really a play with music, rather than a musical play. It is a character driven, substantive show that has an appeal to more than just Frankie Fans."
Jeremy Kushnier, who plays Tommy DeVito, adds, "So much of the music today is disposable. These songs still have an impact with the people that grew up with this music, and now it's appealing to an entirely new generation." On Broadway, Jeremy originated the role of Ren in Footloose (Helen Hayes award and Outer Critics Award Nominee), Rent; and did tours of Rent, Aida, and The Who's Tommy. His regional theatre credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar, The Full Monty, Bright Lights, Big City, and The Rhythm Club.
Erich Bergen, who plays Bob Gaurdio, recently performed the same role in the National Tour of Jersey Boys, performing in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other cities along the west side of the country. Other recent credits around the country include White Christmas (Pantages Theater, LA), The Three Musketeers (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), and, as he puts it, tons of other stuff around NYC that no one ever saw.
Jeff Leibow, who plays Nick Massi, is ecstatic to be joining the Jersey Boys family. He is the new kid on the block, and is just eager about getting the part down. "The character goes through so many dynamic changes, I'm excited about making him active and alive." Jeff's regional theatre credits include: Jamie in The Last 5 Years (San Francisco Bay Area Theater Critics Circle Nomination), Barry in Putting It Together (San Francisco Bay Area Theater Critics Circle Nomination), Michael in Smokey Joe's Café, Man 1 in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Radames in Aida, and the world premieres of Memphis (directed by Gabriel Barre) and Kept (directed by Scott Schwartz).
When I saw the show during its previews, I got to see the alternate Frankie Valli, Joseph Leo Bwarie. I also want to give him kudos...no one will be short changed by seeing this alternate. He does a great job as Valli and is certainly ready to carry his own touring production.
The only complaint that I would have about this production doesn't really even involve the show, but the theatre itself. The entire audience is funneled through one set of stairs and one opening...it takes forever to exit this space, (Hello, Fire Marshall,) and the eight-minute intermission is a huge disservice to anyone that needs to get up during this two-hour plus show, and because the "pause" is too short, the first ten-minutes of the second act is constantly interrupted with people returning late and grumbling and complaining as they struggle to find their seats in the dark. It is a poor choice and a bad design in what otherwise is a beautiful theatre.
"Jersey Boys" is a great show. It is worth the time. It is worth the money. I love it. Go see it.
"Jersey Boys" is playing inside the theatre at the new Palazzo Resort. ...Ok, here it is. This is the best show that I've seen in a long time. It's the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and the music, the story, the acting, singing, setting, and execution of everything was just absolutely wonderful...and it was so good the first time, that three days later, I went and saw it a second time. I don't often simply rave about a show and so this is a welcome reprieve from my usual blather. Perhaps it is my background in legitimate theatre that brings this musical out as a welcome sight amongst all of the production shows here in Vegas.