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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Jersey Boys Also see Gil's reviews of Anything Goes and Fetal
The musical follows the story of Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, Bob Gaudio, and Nick Massi, four young men from New Jersey who form The Four Seasons and become one of the biggest musical acts of the 1960s. Structured like a documentary, the show takes the audience through the band's humble beginnings, their chart-topping success, internal conflicts, and eventual break-up, all while showcasing their legendary hits like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." What sets Jersey Boys apart from other jukebox musicals is its unique storytelling approach, with the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice using each member of The Four Seasons to narrate a portion of the story from their own perspective. This allows the audience to see different facets of their journey, from Tommy DeVito's rough-edged ambition to Bob Gaudio's keen songwriting skills, Nick Massi's quiet frustrations, and Frankie Valli's personal sacrifices. The structure creates a dynamic and immersive experience, making the drama as compelling as the virtually non-stop music presented in the show; there are more than three dozen songs heard in the musical. The book's only flaw is that it doesn't really mention that Bob Crewe, the man who we see as the group's producer, also wrote the lyrics to many of their hits. The cast deliver exceptional performances. As Frankie Valli, Noah Cornwell's rich singing voice and wide vocal range effortlessly evokes the signature falsetto that made Valli famous, while his acting skills perfectly capture Valli's emotional journey from a young kid with a big voice to an international superstar who suffers personal and financial hardships. Justin Wolfe Smith's portrayal of Tommy DeVito, the group's charismatic yet reckless founder, is effectively brash and compelling as he brings tension and unwanted drama to the group's dynamics. Daxton Bloomquist delivers a warm and clear performance as Bob Gaudio, the thoughtful, business-savvy member whose songwriting genius propels the band to success, while Noah Archibald is appropriately reserved as Nick Massi, the quiet yet witty bassist whose dry humor adds nice pops of humor to the show. The supporting cast, including Lucas Coatney-Murrieta as the group's producer Bob Crewe, Lynzee Foreman as Valli's first wife, D. Scott Withers as a mafia man who helps the group through some rough patches, and Matt Villar, who provides a few pops of humor as Joe Pesci, along with a fantastic ensemble, play a range of mobsters, record producers, and the band's family members with ease. Larry Raben directed Jersey Boys when Phoenix presented it in 2019 and his direction is slick and dynamic, keeping the pacing sharp and the transitions seamless with each scene flowing effortlessly into the next, maintaining a rhythm that never lags. Lauran Stanis' choreography is superb and evokes the many stylized and synchronized moves of 1960s pop and rock groups. The music direction by Kevin Robert White delivers impressive vocals and harmonies and excellent notes from the 10-piece band. The majority of the creative elements are also brought over from the 2019 production, including Robert Kovach's two story-set that mimics a bridge, Daniel Davisson's energetic, concert-style lighting that immerses the audience in the world of 1960s rock and roll, and Cari Smith's costumes that perfectly capture the evolving styles of the era, from the groups early streetwear to their polished stage outfits. Jersey Boys is a thrilling and deeply satisfying theatrical experience. Featuring phenomenal music and engaging storytelling, it offers a glimpse into the triumphs and tribulations of one of America's most beloved musical groups. With an excellent cast, tight harmonies, and fantastic direction, Phoenix Theatre's production is immensely rewarding for longtime Four Seasons fans and newcomers alike. Jersey Boys runs through May 4, 2025, at The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N Central Avenue, Phoenix AZ. For tickets and information, please visit phoenixtheatre.com or call 602-254-2151. Music by Bob Gaudio Cast: |
