BWW Reviews: JERSEY BOYS Opens at the Majestic

2006 Tony-winning best musical Jersey Boys has premiered at San Antonio's Majestic Theatre.  Winner of four Tonys, Jersey Boys is a musical that follows the life of 1960s idol Frankie Valli and how The Four Seasons came to be.

But what is Jersey Boys?  Think of it as a live version of VH1's Behind the Music.  The show is a live documentary, with narration by the cast sharing what was happening in their young lives, paired with traditional scripted scenes and live, concert-style performances of classic songs that make you want to sing along (I'm sure the cast would love it if you did, but no guarantees about your neighbors!).

Jersey Boys stars Joseph Leo Bwarie as Frankie Valli, and he is more than adept with the role.  His vocals are incredible and worthy of the infamous lead singer.  The show's main narrator is guitarist Tommy DeVito, played by Matt Bailey, who everyone loves to hate and hates to love.  Bassist Nick Massi (Steve Gouvela) provides quiet consternation with the group's drama, all leading up to the moment that Bob Gaudio (Quinn VanAntwerp) and his seemingly endless supply of original hit songs is discovered and added to the group, officially cementing the group as The Four Seasons and launching them to infamy.  By the way, all the actors play their own instruments - live!

Featuring hit classics like "Earth Angel," "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry,) "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," and more, Jersey Boys - one of the hottest tickets on Broadway - is a gem of a show to grace the Majestic stage and San Antonio is lucky to have received it.  And here's a fun piece of trivia:  Jersey Boys actually takes place in the Majestic Theatre AND the Empire Theatre!  Due to logistical needs, the backing band (not to be confused with the orchestra) is actually housed on the stage of the adjacent Empire Theatre!  Oh, and feel free to get up and dance and sing along during the encore!

Jersey Boys is playing at the Majestic Theatre through September 26.  Tickets are available at the box office, online, or by calling (210) 224-9600.

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