Jersey Boys is playing now through October 16, 2011 at the Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall on the campus of Michigan State University. “Jersey Boys,” which won a Tony and a Grammy in 2006, tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
The musical plays out a lot like a live version of VH1’s “Behind the Music.” While some audience members might come in prepared only to have fun — which “Jersey Boys” certainly delivers on — there is the surprising aspect of an interesting history lesson. Included in that history lesson are appearances by many of good ole Jersey folks who played a role in the Four Season’s success — including the now-famous actor Joe Pesci, who the audience learns introduced Bob Gaudio to Tommy DeVito back in the day, solidifying the original Four Seasons group.
Jersey Boys has lots of heart and personality. This kind of show could not succeed without great talent on the stage. And Jersey Boys has it. The four stars (Joseph Leo Bwarie, Michael Lomenda, Preston Truman Boyd, and Matt Bailey) actually sing much better than the originals (revealing my age here). The quartet is tight, crisp and amazingly in tune.
Especially impressive is Joseph Leo Bwarie who plays Valli himself. His voice is so clean, so crystal clear that he makes hitting the high notes in Four Season hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and so many others, seem effortless.
No additional songs were added, so the only music we hear are the ones we know so well (“Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and more). The show is propelled as much by the intriguing story as it is by the spectacular singing of those gotta love ‘em songs.
Jersey Boys will be performing through October 16, 2011 in East Lansing, MI before moving to Hartford CT for the performances starting from October 19, 2011. Buy Jersey Boys Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall Tickets Online with new Discounts – Save 5% OFF on Order over $75.00 (Offer Valid till Oct 10, 2011).
