Jersey Boys - Ivoryton Playhouse

Jersey Boys is the gold standard for jukebox musicals.  A critical and commercial success when it opened on Broadway on November 6, 2005, the show ran for 4,093 performances, making it the 11th-longest-running musical in Broadway history. It also won the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical.

It’s no wonder that once the rights became available for regional theaters they would pounce on staging a production.  The Ivoryton Playhouse is the first non-touring theater to offer the show.  As with the Broadway production, it has proven to be a critical success and crowd favorite.  Originally slated to close on September 10, the run has been extended to the 17th of the month.

 

The two strengths of Jersey Boys are, first, the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.  The show is littered with their chart topping hits such as "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Sherry," "My Eyes Adored You," “Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "Walk Like A Man," and many others.  They are performed by a talented group of actors, especially Sean Burns as Frankie Valli.  He possesses a powerful falsetto voice that resonates throughout the theater.  The second notable aspect of the show is the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice.  They have crafted an interesting, fact-based story, that nimbly lays out the story of the band - from their formation as hungry musicians in the 1960’s, to their rise to fame, and their eventual breakup.  The libretto shows the highs and lows of their careers, warts and all.

 

Director/Choreographer Todd L. Underwood guides the musical with a steady hand, keeping it breezy and fast-paced on Scenic Designer Cully Long’s conventional, platformed set.  He elicits real emotions from the cast that gives the production a weightier quality.  The musical segments, with a Sound Design by Jacob Fisch, are crisp and crackling.  They are the high point of the show and Mr. Underwood stages them with vigor and assurance.  As choreographer, he has devised some well-syncopated dance moves while the group performs their hits.

 

The other cast members fit together flawlessly to form a highly satisfying unit.  Michael Notardonato brings a smooth level of professionalism to the role of Bob Gaudio.  It is one of the marquee roles and Mr. Notardonato carries off the portrayal with skillfulness and aplomb. Evan Ross Brody’s Tommy DeVito is the ying to Bob Gaudio’s yang.  The actor might come across as a tad too crude, but he effectively presents a musician mired in his self-importance, weaknesses and failings. Brendan McGrady’s portrayal of Nick Massi is understated with a humorous self-deprecating attitude.  Ryan Knowles’ depiction of songwriter/producer Bob Crewe is, at first, a bit too effeminate, but effectively evolves to a more fully-realized character as the show progresses.

 

Jersey Boys, a rollicking, crowd-pleasing favorite, playing at the Ivoryton Playhouse through September 17.  Click here for dates, times and ticket information.