Review: THE JERSEY TENORS at Ridgefield Playhouse

At the Ridgefield Playhouse, on Saturday, September 22, I had the pleasure of seeing an amazing show that exceeded my high expectations! A male quartet called THE JERSEY TENORS mesmerized the packed house with a variety of familiar songs, doing justice to every one of them, backed by a talented four piece band.

They got the audience right into the show from the start, opening with "Big Girls Don't Cry," and then proceeding to introduce themselves in comedic wise-guy ways. Brian Noonan, Danny Calvert, Cameron Johnson, and Vaden Thurgood have amusing stage antics, incredible stage presence, and tight stage chemistry, as they clearly enjoy every moment on stage, bringing out the best in each other, radiating forth positive energy that flows through the audience. They perform with strong voices that blend together flawlessly, while conveying feeling and emotion behind their words. They received several standing ovations after various songs throughout the show.

Performing before an audience that spans generations, THE JERSEY TENORS provide something for everyone. While the Four Seasons are the most frequently performed group, this show also includes a "Bohemian Rhapsody/Killer Queen" Queen medley and music by Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Billy Joel, Journey, Bon Jovi, Kool & the Gang, The Beach Boys, Ronny & the Daytonas, John Travolta, Joe Dolce, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston, "One Day More," from Les Miserables, and several opera songs including, "Torna a Surriento," "La Donna E Mobile," and a brilliant lyrical rock/opera mash-up between "O Sole Mio," and Elvis Presley's "It's Now or Never," which bases its melody on "O Sole Mio." For me, the highlight was a stellar rendition of "Battle Hymn of the Republic," performed with energy, emotion, and stunning harmonies, including during an a cappella moment in their arrangement of the song.

The personality based humor generates plenty of laughs while always remaining clean and appropriate for all audiences, as are the song lyrics. The fourth wall gets broken as the audience becomes more than merely engaged, but directly involved, with two audience members coming up on stage during "Ladies' Night." The audience sings or claps along on other numbers.

The four Jersey Tenors each also perform one individual song, showcasing the fact that they all provide valuable contributions, as individuals, to the collective sound of the group.

THE JERSEY TENORS only had this one appearance at Ridgefield Playhouse presently scheduled, but they can be followed on Facebook. Their website can be viewed at https://thejerseytenors.com/. If you get an opportunity to see them in your area, I highly recommend their show.

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