Boy, what a throwback
ANGELA UPEX REVIEWS THE JERSEY BOYS AT SUNDERLAND EMPIRE
ONE of the strongest memories I’ve got from childhood is the songs of Frankie Valli drifting through the house and my mother bopping in the kitchen.
As such, seeing Jersey Boys – the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and also one of the most successful musicals of all time – at the Sunderland Empire offered me a chance to relive part of my youth.
It is the story of four ordinary boys from the wrong side of the tracks who struggled their way to success and ultimately became one of the most successful bands in pop history, selling 100 million records worldwide and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before they turned 30.
The musical was far more gritty than I imagined. It tells the story of their offstage lives, as the group rise from the tough streets of New Jersey.
The story starts in the 1950s where Tommy DeVito – after spells in a correction facility – takes a young Frankie under his wing and, with Nick Massi, teaches him how to perform.
They eventually hear about a teenage songwriter, Bob Gaudio, talent-spotted by a youngster called Joe Pesci (yes, the famous actor) and he’s also brought into the band. This all leads to the creation of the distinct Four Seasons sound.
And then there’s the songs which are part of the lexicon of popular music, including Beggin,’ Sherry, December, 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, My Eyes Adored You, Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got), Bye Bye Baby, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Working My Way Back to You, Fallen Angel, Rag Doll and Who Loves You. Every single one was delivered with great aplomb.
Taking the part of Frankie and his distinctive falsetto voice was Dayle Hodge. He was remarkable at capturing the journey from awkward teenager to a man who became a global star, yet couldn’t escape personal tragedy.
His support on stage came from Simon Bailey (who played baritone Tommy), Declan Egan (tenor Bob Gaudio) and Lewis Griffiths (bass singer Nick). They were outstanding, with perfect harmonies all round.
The language is very colourful so it’s not a show for children. But Jersey Boys is a fantastic show and a must-see.
It’s all about the music, the resonance of it that echoes across the years. Soon enough, I was back bopping in the kitchen.