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Jersey Boys ~ The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons ~ National Theatre

Jordan Wright
December 17, 2019 

(l to r) Corey Greenan, Eric Chambliss, Jon Hacker and Michael Milton – Photo: Joan Marcus

In an era when Motown was delivering hit after hit and Black singing groups ruled the charts, a quartet of Italian kids from the blue-collar town of Belleville, NJ began their journey to stardom.  Most of them were small-time crooks who knew a hot hustle when they saw it.  Tommy, one of the original members, was street smart enough to keep the others out of the worst kind of trouble, though all of them wound up serving time in the pen.  After they all got out, they re-formed, playing local dives and bowling alleys – an arduous route followed by many bands.  Only a handful of these white quartets made it big.  How Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons achieved the pinnacle of success and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame defines this Tony, Grammy and Olivier-award winning musical.

Bob Crewe’s Apartment ~ (l to r) Michael Milton, Corey Greenan, Jon Hacker, Justin Albinder, Sean McGee and Eric Chambliss – Photo: Joan Marcus

Valli’s powerhouse falsetto and the group’s sweet harmonies, set them apart from other groups, but success didn’t come easily.  After years of struggle as unknown studio backup singers for big recording artists and a sleazy group member who put them over $1M in debt, the group finally found their identity when a young Joe Pesci (Yes! That Joe Pesci.) introduced them to a little-known singer/songwriter named Bob Crewe.  Crewe subsequently churned out mountains of hits for the group and apart from their personal troubles managed to keep them on the road and on the charts.  Of particular interest for me, was learning about Crewe, the most grounded, educated and philosophical of the band members.

Thanks to Murray the K, a popular New York City radio disc jockey, the group got airplay of their first release, “Sherry”.  It went straight to the top of Billboard’s pop charts selling one million records.  After that the hits, and the fans, kept coming – “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Walk Like a Man”, “Dawn” and dozens more.

Snowflake Ladies ~ (l to r) Katie Goffman, Connor Lyon, Amy Wagner and Ashley Bruce – Photo: Joan Marcus

The plot, though somewhat predictable and thin as a minute, is based on their fortunes and misfortunes.  Think of it as the glue that supports the musical numbers.  Fans will hear over two dozen of their biggest hits plus a few of their earliest song stylings.  Sung by a quartet whose voices are a near perfect match to the originals, think of it as a Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons concert.  The harmonies are pitch perfect.

(l to r) Ashley Bruce, Amy Wagner and Connor Lyon – Photo: Joan Marcus

Former original Broadway cast member Jon Hacker as Frankie shows off an astonishing falsetto range accompanied by slick dance moves.  Expect James Brown-style splits and spins executed in retro sharkskin suits.  All the band’s songs are choreographed as are those for a sexy mini-skirted girl group that accompanies the boys on tour.

A high energy concert-styled musical set in a retro 60’s music scene, it features all their greatest hits.

Highly entertaining.  (Note: This show is appropriate for ages 12+ only due to strong language throughout.)

Directed by Des McAnuff; Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice; Choreographed by Sergio Trujillo; Music by Bob Gaudio; Lyrics by Bob Crewe; Lighting by Howell Binkley; Costume Design by Jess Goldstein; Orchestrations by Steve Orich.

Starring Sean McGee as Bob Crewe; Michael Milton as Nick Massi; Eric Chambliss as Bob Gaudio; Corey Greenan as Tommy DeVito; Ashley Bruce as Mary Delgado/Angel. The rest of the cast all play multiple roles.

Through January 5th at the National Theatre – Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.  For tickets and information visit www.TheNationalDC.com or call 1.800.514-3849.

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