Manchester’s Palace Theatre is currently playing host to the Tony Award winning sensation ‘Jersey Boys’. Not just any tour however, this is 20 years of the hit musical.
Jersey Boys follows the ever interesting story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, right from the very beginning of their journey – and what a journey it is. Labled as the ‘Blue collared kids who formed an iconic Red Suit Group’, the band’s story is one that will live on forever as well as the music.
This show is living proof that the true story of someone’s trial and tribulations, brought to life on stage can be a wonderful thing – I don’t think there is another musical, play or performance that depicts someone’s life as the Jersey Boys.
The musical talent on that stage was unbelievable, now obviously they are all professional but at times it wasn’t about the musical aspects. It was 4 men, making music, making songs that everyone loves – they were the Four Seasons, and it’s hard not to smile at.
I have to start with Luke Baker. I can only imagine the pressure felt when you get told ‘You’re playing THE Frankie Valli’ – but I don’t think I have ever seen a more well suited person to a real life enactment before. Baker WAS Frankie Valli. He had the voice, the swagger and more importantly, and this is something that can’t be taught, he has that likability. Frankie Valli was loved at the peak of his career and you need to have that shine through in every instant of the performance and Luke Baker manged this tenfold. It’s not an easy job changing yourself into a voice that was recognised by everybody… unless you are Luke Baker.
Carlo Boumouglbay next, with the lovable rogue that is Tommy DeVito. Now in the real-life story, as well as getting the group together in the first place, Tommy realistically starts the downfall, with his jealousy, debts and temper. However, in the musical, Tommy needs to be on the audience’s side from the off as the blue collar, ‘rough around the edges’ type. Carlo managed every ounce of that. Throughout the show he brought the seriousness to life but with the right amount of humour and likability to match. It was a brilliant performance, and he embodied that real life persona perfectly.
Lewis Kennedy next, as Nick Massi. Nick is probably the most understated of the four, which makes it even more impressive to make a memorable performance. Lewis did exactly that. There was a real calmness to his performance, and it was manged with a lovely dry and witty humour throughout. Nick Massi was the more passive of the four season and that essence was nailed by Kennedy. It must be mentioned too that he was the perfect bass to the group, both playing and vocally and it really brought everything to life and mad it feel real.
And finally, Toby Miles as Bob Gaudio. The younger, slightly more awkward member of the group when he arrives but you quickly realise that behind that innocence is the musical brain that is going to completely change their fortunes. Toby captured that progression brilliantly. If you were unfamiliar with Gaudio’s involvement in the Four Seasons, then this was the perfect performance for you to understand his work. The man with the brain to write hits – not songs, HITS! To bring that across while maintaining the vulnerability of him being less ‘blue collar’ than the other three but still holding his own – that is a wonderful thing and that is the word I will use for Miles, Wonderful!
This show is the perfect story telling piece and if you are a fan of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, definitely don’t miss it – A fan of 60s music? Don’t miss it! Whatever you do – go and see this 20th anniversary of the Jersey Boys while you can!
Tickets available at:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/jersey-boys/palace-theatre-manchester/
