Review: Pop musical gritty yet magical
BRIDGET JONES
REVIEW: Pop music. It's often considered a dirty, shameful pair of words. A term that conjures up images of over-produced, under-dressed princesses and throw away, flash in the pan songs.
But once upon a time, pop was king and the Four Seasons sat very comfortably in the nearby throne. The utterly marvellous musical Jersey Boys celebrates the joy of what music was, and the surprisingly gritty story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
To call this a successful musical is something of an understatement - Jersey Boys has broken records all over the world.
Millions of people have seen and heard the tale of four boys from the wrong side of the track, fighting tooth and nail to get to the top. The end result was success, but there were more than a few rough patches for the Four Seasons along the way - mobsters, tax issues, broken hearts.
It's a story told with a rye smile and a lot of heart. From the rocky beginnings to the even rockier end, Jersey Boys is not a musical like others that you may be familiar with. After all, this is a musical about music, so while the story is strong and delivers a few surprises, it's the way the groups' songs are interwoven, and at times it's like being at a concert, 40 years in the past (complete with screaming girls).
And that's where the magic is - good, old fashioned, carefully crafted pop songs. From the moment their first hit, Sherry Baby, rings out from the stage you can't help but hum along quietly - and sometimes rather loudly - to yourself. These are the songs that have lasted more than 40 years and remain pure gems: Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Big Girls Don't Cry, Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye). You have no idea how many hits this group had, and how many you know all the words to.
The core cast recognise this is a tale of four boys who are universally loved, and they do them absolute justice. Dion Bilios as Frankie Valli is a little shining star, nailing the unique sound of the singer and standing out as every inch the front man, and Declan Egan was charming as songwriter Bob Gaudio. Meanwhile, Glaston Toft's Nick Massi was the comedic star, with Anthony Harkin's Tommy De Vito was the bad boy you can't help to love.
Together, these four have combined to make magic. The characters are terribly easy to care about, and the four-part harmonies are a joy to listen to, wrapping you up like vocal candyfloss.
So pop a quarter in the jukebox and take a trip back to a time where harmonies and catchy choruses never fail to warm the heart. Jersey Boys can't help but smack a smile on even the coldest of hearts.
Jersey Boys
Where: The Civic Theatre, Auckland
When: April 10 - May 17
Tickets from The Edge.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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