New Victoria Theatre Woking – until 8 October 2022
Reviewed by Lorna Hancock
5*****
Jersey Boys is a bio-musical telling the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. With book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and the incredible hits of the band, written by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe. The smash hit musical has won 65 major awards and as the show starts to unfold it’s not hard to see why. It follows the story of four boys from the wrong side of town, and their rise to becoming one of the most successful bands in history, selling over 175 million records worldwide, all before they turned 30.
The musical is structured into four ‘seasons’ each one brilliantly narrated by the different band members from their own perspective, which flows beautifully throughout the production. If you think this is your usual jukebox musical, you would be wrong, as their story is just as captivating as their sensational hits.
Michael Pickering was remarkable playing Frankie Valli, with his phenomenal vocal range and a falsetto to impressively match Valli’s. From the pleasing harmonies of ‘Sunday Kind of Love’ to his mesmerising rendition of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ it’s quite clear his voice is truly something exceptional.
Dalton Wood plays a very believable Tommy DeVito with his flawless mobster demeanour. Along with Blair Gibson as Bob Gaudio and Christopher Short as Nick Massi, the energy and camaraderie between the group and Frankie was delightful to watch. The synchronisation of their simple choreography was very visually pleasing, and the charming harmonies they achieved together really showed us the stage was alive with magnificent talent.
When talking of talent, it came a plenty across the whole cast. However I couldn’t finish this review without mentioning Damien Winchester, playing Barry and numerous other bit parts throughout the show. With his electric energy, excellent characterisation and voice, he brought the stage to life every time he came on.
If you are looking for an entertaining experience to brighten up these gradually darkening Autumnal days, the charm of the Jersey Boys definitely won’t disappoint you. Oh what a story, and Oh What a Night!