Review: JERSEY BOYS Is Music To The Ears At The Citadel Theatre

Sixteen-year-old Frankie Valli dreams of seeing his name lit up on concert hall marquees. When he stumbles upon a vivacious musical performance in a packed Newark bar, his quiet life suddenly turns upside down. In the blink of an eye, he goes from rapt audience member to centre stage after the performance concludes. He not only thrills the crowd but wows the two initially skeptical performers, Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito. The musicians take the starry-eyed teenager under their wings, welcoming him into what would later become the wildly successful pop group, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

The upbeat jukebox musical, Jersey Boys, made its Broadway debut in 2005 and later went on to win the coveted Tony Award for Best Musical. Brimming with many of the band's infectious hits including Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like a Man, and Sherry, the show whisks audiences away to the 1950s up until the early 21st century. From the first notes to the final curtain, The Citadel Theatre's production of Jersey Boys crackles with energy and delights with its world-class performances. Decades-long fans of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons along with those less familiar with the world-famous group will be swept up in this effervescent production.

Stepping into the shoes of the charismatic Frankie Valli is no easy feat, but award-winning actor, Farren Timoteo, makes it look effortless. Timoteo is a veritable triple-threat who brings both bravado and vulnerability to the daunting role. Watching Frankie evolve from a naïve teenager to a magnetic young adult to a seasoned middle-aged star is entertaining and occasionally heartbreaking. Equally enjoyable to watch are Jason Sakaki, Devon Brayne, and Kale Penny as the band's other original members, Bob Gaudio, Nick Massi, and Tommy DeVito (respectively). Together and individually, the four actors deliver fantastic performances that will linger with audiences long after the show's final notes. As Frankie's spitfire first wife, Mary Delgado, Daniela Fernandez is a scene-stealer and earns big laughs with her character's many one-liners. Sheldon Elter is formidable as the band's Godfather-esque benefactor, Gyp DeCarlo, and Christina Nguyen shines in her featured role as Frankie's youngest daughter, Francine.

It would be remiss not to mention the several, often intricate dance numbers choreographed by Julie Tomaino. In the spirit of a true Broadway spectacle, Jersey Boys brims with catchy ensemble pieces that complement Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons' performances. Leona Brausen's costumes bring additional pizzazz and Gillian Gallow and Beyata Hackborn's set relays both the grandeur of Hollywood and the intimacy and turbulence of the band members' personal lives.

Jersey Boys is a truly unmissable night of theatre and one of The Citadel's finest productions to date. The musical plays at the venue's Shoctor Theatre until March 12.

Photo by Nanc Price for The Citadel Theatre's production of Jersey Boys (2023), featuring Jason Sakaki, Kale Penny, Farren Timoteo and Devon Brayne

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