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| The Four Seasons (from left): Bob Guido (Andrew Cope), Ricki Valli (James M. Jones), Tommy DeVito (Tyler Savin) and Nick Massi (Justin Kerekes). Scott Lasky photo |
The Tony-winning “Jersey Boys,” presented by Palo Alto
Players, is more than a rousing jukebox musical featuring the hits of the Four Seasons
in the 1960s.
Instead it’s an inside look at the famed quartet, its
climb to success and the inevitable tensions stemming from fame and life on the
road.
The Four Seasons were four guys from New Jersey who
began singing on street corners.
Personnel changed over the years, but at the core of
the group were Tommy DeVito (Tyler Savin), its manager; Nick Massi (Justin
Kerekes); Bob Gaudio (Andrew Cope), its songwriter and the composer for this
show; and Frankie Valli (James M. Jones), whose soaring falsetto contributed to
the group’s distinctive sound.
Bob Crewe (Danny Martin) was the studio manager (and
the show’s lyricist) who recorded and produced some of its songs.
With each of the four men telling parts of the story,
it unfolds chronologically as the group began by singing others’ songs, such as
“Silhouettes,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” and “Earth Angel.”
About halfway through the first act the group belts
out a string of its own toe-tapping hits such as “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Dawn” and
“Walk Like a Man.”
The second act, when things start to go sour between
the men and their families, still features such winners as “Can’t Take My Eyes
Off You,” Working My Way Back to You” and “Rag Doll.”
Directed by Doug Santana with musical direction by
Nick Kenbrandt and vocal direction by Daniel Lloyd Pias, this production
features outstanding singing and acting by all of the principals, especially
Jones as Frankie, as well as the large supporting cast.
It also has some energetic dances choreographed by
Whitney Janssen. The flexible set is by Patrick Klein, who also designed the
scene-setting projections.
Lighting is by Edward Hunter, costumes by Jenny Garcia
and sound by Jeff Grafton. Nicole Hoke deserves credit for the hair and wig
designs, especially for the women.
Because ticket demand for this highly entertaining
show has been so great, a performance has been added May 1.
Running about two hours and 45 minutes with an
intermission, “Jersey Boys” will continue through May 4 at the Lucie Stern
Theater, 1350 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Because of some strong language,
it’s recommended for ages 12 and up.
For tickets and information, call (650) 329-0891 or
visit www.paplayers.org.
