BWW Reviews: JERSEY BOYS - A Blockbuster Hit

BWW Reviews: "JERSEY BOYS" - "A BLOCKBUSTER HIT!"

Written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice

Music by Bob Gaudio

Lyrics by Bob Crewe

Choreography by Sergio Trujillo

Directed by Des Mc Anuff

April 8th, 2014 at 7:30P.M.

Buy your tickets NOW!

"JERSEY BOYS" is a MUST SEE PRODUCTION!

The National Touring Company of "JERSEY BOYS" is currently playing at Carol Morasani Hall at the Straz Center in Tampa , Fl, though April 13th.

The cast, songs, the story, the direction, the choreography, the sets, the lighting, the costumes, ... is a everything you want in a Broadway production. AND..in addition, in the leading role of Frankie Valli, is the multi-talented, triple threat, Tampa Bay's own, Hayden Milanes. "JERSEY BOYS" is a BLOCKBUSTER HIT!

"JERSEY BOYS", opened on Broadway in November of 2005, at the August Wilson Theatre. The production is the winner of the 2006 Best Musical Tony Award, the 2006 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the 2010 Helpmann Award for Best Musical ( in Australia).

The story begins in the early 1960's and revolves around four "Jersey guys" who form a singing group, eventually known as "The Four Seasons" and their rise to the top of the charts. The storyline is a good one, unlike other "juke box" musicals, this book has substance and a wide range of emotions in the ups and downs of the "Four Seasons" celebrity lifestyle. "JERSEY BOYS" could be classified as a documentary/musical. There is just enough content to make us really care about the characters. These are stereotypes, but they are not over the top, blown up caricatures by any means. These are true to life depictions and those of us from "the neighborhood" would agree. Add to this tight harmonies and superb direction by Des McAnuff and choreography by Sergio Trujillo, and you have got one major HIT! Songs like "Sherry", "Sunday Kind of Love", "Big Girls Don't Cry", nearly three dozen, top of the chart songs, make it a magical event!

Everyone in the production is perfectly cast. Nicholas Dromard gives an outstanding performance as the egotistical, bad boy, and founder of the band, Tommy DeVito. Mr. Dromard struts around, commanding the stage with the gusto of a sideshow barker. He brings a challenging sincerity to the role, that clearly defines his riveting performance.

As Bob Guadio, Quinn VanAntwerp gives a totally committed performance, as the loveable, naïve, newcomer to the group. Mr, VanAntwerp is honest and endearing in his role, completely at ease in his gradual transformation into the confident superstar songwriter. Adam Zelasko as "the forgotten man" and arranger of the harmonies, is charming as the bass voiced, arranger of the harmonies. His low profile portrayal is captivating in its simplicity.

Hayden Milanes is a stunning Frankie Valli. Mr. Milanes has it all! A beautiful voice with a soaring falsetto, good looks, fine acting, and a cherubic innocence, giving him a star turn in an unforgettable performance.

And there are others...more outstanding performances by the hilarious Barry Anderson as Bob Crewe, Thomas Fiscella as the mob leader Gyp DeCarlo, Marlana Dunn as Mary, Ian Joseph, De'Lon Grant, Jacie Dotin, Rachel Schur, John Rochette, Mark Verdino, Skye Scott, Tommasso Antico, Larry Esparza, and Shaun Taylor-Corbett.

The lighting design by Howell Binkley, set design by Klara Zieglerova, costumes by Jess Goldstein, and the Musical Direction by Ron Melrose were all Top Drawer!

Although the era is before my time, I heard this music as a child growing up with older siblings who were teenagers. The opening night crowd screamed and whistled and applauded from the moment the show began. They jumped to their feet for a rousing, well deserved STANDING OVATION!

Regardless of your age, this production is engaging for everyone and the music will have you smiling from ear to ear. DO NOT MISS "JERSEY BOYS" at the Straz!

Contains authentic, "profane Jersey language"

"JERSEY BOYS" will play Carol Morsani Hall, April 8th- 13th, 2014 at at the Straz Center, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place • Tampa, Florida 33602 Tickets: $48.00 - $116.00 and may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside Tampa Bay, or in person at the Straz Center Ticket Office or online www.strazcenter.org

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