Jersey Boys at Forrest Theatre through Dec. 12, follows the highs and lows of the band from the group’s founding to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
Jersey Boys is fantastically directed by Des McAnuff, who also directed the show on Broadway, with book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. The story is broken into four sections, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, and each band member narrates a season, adding his own spin to the events. Tommy DiVito, the band’s founding member and initial driving force, takes the first section. Tommy details how he, his brother Nick, and friend Nick Massi, were trying to make it as a threesome with little luck. Then Tommy discovered teenager Frankie Castelluccio, a boy with a “voice of an angel.” Tommy decides to bring Frankie into the fold, Nick Massi mentors him, and Frankie changes his name from Castelluccio to Valli. When Nick DiVito lands in prison for an extended visit, the group is forced to find a replacement. With the help of Joe Pesci, yes that Joe Pesci, the guys are introduced to song writer Bob Guadio. Despite reluctance from Tommy, Frankie invites Bob to join the group and history is made when Bob writes the band’s first hit, “Sherry.” Fame,
This fast-paced, dynamic show is full of action, drama and humor. A tremendous cast supports lively music that has the audience clapping and singing along. Joseph Leo Bwarie is excellent as Frankie Valli. With The Four Season’s large repertoire of hits and 33 songs in the production, the music has to be good. And it is. Jersey Boys is a show not to miss.
Jersey Boys runs at the Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19107, through Dec. 12. Show times are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Matinees are Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. There will be no performances on Thursday, Nov. 25 or Sunday, Nov. 28 and Dec. 12.
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