Review Roundup: JERSEY BOYS Second National Tour

JERSEY BOYS, the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning hit musical, opened in Philadelphia, PA at the Forrest Theatre, on Friday, December 9 (performances began Tuesday, December 6) and will play through Saturday, January 14, 2012. From Philadelphia, JERSEY BOYS will play Dayton, OH's Schuster Performing Arts Center Tuesday, January 17 through Sunday, February 5.

The cast of the second national tour of JERSEY BOYS is lead by Brandon Andrus (Nick Massi), Colby Foytik (Tommy DeVito), Jason Kappus (Bob Gaudio) and Brad Weinstock (Frankie Valli), with Barry Anderson and Thomas Fiscella. The ensemble of JERSEY BOYS includes Stephen Cerf, E. Clayton Cornelious, Kaleigh Cronin, Brent DiRoma, Larry Esparza, Natalie Gallo, Devon Goffman, Wes Hart, Dave Hiltebrand, Ruby Lewis, Christopher Messina, Hayden Milanes, Michelle Pruiett, Skye Scott and Carlos Valdes.

Howard Shapiro, Philadelphia Inquirer: It wasn't just the bright new national tour cast of JERSEY BOYS up on the Forrest Theatre stage, bowing to wild enthusiasm at the curtain call at Friday's opening of a five-week run. There, standing amid the guys who play the Four Seasons and the sizable ensemble that backs them, was the creative team - the folks who devised the show that won the best-musical Tony in 2006 and has proceeded, in several national tours, to win over audiences nationally. There was Bob Gaudio, the hit-churning songwriter and longtime Four Seasons performer, whose compositions - 'Sherrie,' 'Big Girls Don't Cry,' 'Dawn (Go Away),' 'Rag Doll,' 'Walk Like a Man,' to name only a few - are indelible in an American generation's history. He bowed standing next to the actor Jason Kappus, who portrays him so appealingly on stage and bears an uncanny younger resemblance to the man.

Andrew Clark, Philadelphia Edge: Attention Philadelphia...JERSEY BOYS is back! After a record-breaking engagement last year, the Broadway smash has returned to the Forrest Theatre -- and what a return it was! It is a spectacular example of the 'American Dream' and is delivered beautifully. Enough cannot be said about the cast of this show. Innovative storytelling, constant energy and action, and a stellar cast to create a theatre experience unlike any other. Highly recommended as it is one of the most fun nights you will have in the theatre this season. After years of smashing records and winning awards, JERSEY BOYS has lost none of its luster. Make sure to catch it before it leaves Philly!

Melody Simpson, Hollywood the Write Way: Oh what a night! Talk about Jersey pride! This group's musical achievements alone make me proud to be from here. And the harmonies. Bravo! The crowd was cheering during 'Sherry,' rocking to 'Big Girls Don't Cry,' and clapping along to 'Oh, What a Night' while I connected to 'My Eyes Adored You.' These boys may have been making hits awhile before I arrived on this earth but their music, these lyrics are timeless. 'My Eyes Adored You' won me over. The group choreography from the late 50s and on also reeled me in. These guys have the full package! It's no wonder JERSEY BOYS on Broadway was awarded 4 Tony Awards, 2 Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Drama League Awards. The cast and crew have put together a magnificent show here which I am sure is just as wonderful as the current Broadway run. So when JERSEY BOYS comes to a town near you, don't hesitate to buy your tickets!

Steve Ramm, Travel AOL: The Tony Award- winning musical JERSEY BOYS is back for its second visit to Philly and has settled in a for a LONG run (through January 14) at the Forrest Theatre. This is the first stop on the new National Tour of the show. I can see this show touring for years to come. As they say in the business, this show has" legs". I saw it last year and just had to see it again. It's a must see.

Enjoying Philadelpia: We can state categorically, that JERSEY BOYS is among the best shows we've ever seen. Philadelphia had the honor of being the launch site, so to speak, for the second national tour of Jersey Boys, and it was really something to see. The actors were nothing short of sensational. JERSEY BOYS is not to be missed

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