Jersey Boys at The Bristol Hippodrome Review
Our Verdict: A Surprising Hit
Our Rating: 9/10
You absolutely don’t need to be a big fan of Frankie Valli, to thoroughly enjoy this toe tapping musical.
It’s not a cheap tribute act, but a multi-award winning show that has scooped more than 50 awards and played for more than 20 million people across the world.
Based on the true story of The Four Seasons, it’s the Goodfellas of musical theatre.
It has a snappy book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and deftly works in The Four Season’s catalogue of outstanding hit records.
The rough and ready four lads from New Jersey, transform from law breaking youths into the dapper legendary band eventually inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The action takes place on minimal set with good use of mixed media and interesting use of Lichtenstein graphics.
Tim Driesen is outstanding and pitch perfect as Frankie. His spine tingling performance of Can’t Take My Eyes Off You was theatrical magic, so much so, that none of the audience members dared to ruin the moment by joining in.
But that’s not to overlook any of the other Seasons, all of whom were engaging, talented and believable.
Stephen Webb gives a solid performance as band founder and gambling addict Tommy DeVito. As does Sam Ferriday as song writer and fourth Season Bob Gaudio.
We especially liked the tall, strong, mostly silent in act one Lewis Griffiths as Nick Massi. Not only does he have the most impressive biceps and bass vocals, he also gets the best lines in act 2 during a Weeing In Sink meltdown and the most bitter sweet exit playing the only one of the original Four Seasons who has died.
Jersey Boys is absolutely worth a watch. The cast is talented, the pace doesn’t drag and fan of The Four Seasons or not, the music is cracking and performed by an outstanding cast.
Jersey Boys is at The Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday 13th June 2015
www.jerseyboysuktour.com
