Jersey Boys, a Terrific Broadway Musical

In my haste yesterday I forgot to mention that over the weekend I had some free time Sunday night to see a Broadway play. Over the years I have seen a number of Broadway plays and musicals, depending on what is hot or interests me at the time. This weekend it was Jersey Boys, a musical based on the lives of the 1960's rock band the Four Seasons. The Four Seasons were one of the most popular bands of the era and captured the hearts of millions. The play tells the story of four "wise guys" from New Jersey with incredible talent who make it big. The play Jersey Boys has won four Tony Awards for its score and storyline. The show pulls you in to the plight of these talented teens and their turbulent rise to super stardom. Although Frankie didn't found the group, he was the lead singer and became the face of the band, which eventually was renamed Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. There are so many times during this performance when the audience genuinely feels as if it is Frankie Valli himself singing. I was surprised by the number of songs I recognized and found myself singing and humming along, tapping my feet. This was a band with real #1 hits like "Sherry", "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Walk Like a Man", "Rag Doll" and "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)". When Frankie Valli did solo work, he went to number 1 on the charts with "My Eyes Adored You", "Grease" and "Can't Take My Eyes off You". I can remember my dad liking Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. I wonder if that's why I was so into the music of this show. It was so intoxicating, that when I returned to my hotel I went to iTunes and purchased the Frankie Valli and the Four Season's Anthology album.

If you ever get to New York, I recommend seeing the Jersey Boys, it is a terrific show. And if it is ever on tour in your town, do check it out. You'll be toe-tapping in no time at all. For those of you who can view YouTube, here is a clip from the London West End cast. It is a mix of songs performed in the show. It think the New York cast is better, but enjoy it anyway:

-Rick Rockhill