Last night Sweetie and I ventured downtown to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center to see the touring production of “Jersey Boys.” It is the story of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons starting from way back when a few kids from New Jersey gathered under a street light and came up with their new sound.
They get into the business and go on tour playing clubs all over the USA looking for their big break under names “The Lovers,” “The Royal Teens,” and “The Romans” looking for the big hit.
A little past halfway in the first act the band finally finds their hit “Sherry.” When that song starts it almost explodes off the stage and has a visceral effect on the audience. These guys nail the song and they follow it up with “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man.” It might be the best three consecutive songs I have ever heard in a musical.
From then on the production is about band dealing with their success and the pressures and problems of trying to keep a family together while touring. It is also about the complicated business dealings in the musical business and the effect that has on the band. It is also how the band held their own against the British Invasion of the 1960’s.
It also shows the musical evolution of the group from upbeat teen pop songs to more grown up and introspective fare such as “Stay”, “Bye Bye Baby”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”, and “Rag Doll.”
I loved this show, Five Stars out of Five for Musicals as far as I am concerned. It’s here in Tulsa until June 24 and then it goes to Denver. Go see it, you’ll love it.
I did too. It was awesome and I would see again if I could this week. Great show.
I would love to see it! And I always love your enthusiasm when you share things that you see/read/experience something cool and fun! Next best thing to seeing/reading/doing it myself! Have a great weekend!
Sylvia
That sounds like such a neat show. It’s been a while since I saw a live stage production. I have always enjoyed them.
Sounds like a great show. last show I saw was Wicked so I need to go sometime!
I can’t see shows like this. Too many people who talk and flip their cell phones.
Give me a good DVD any day!
Sue and I saw this on Sundayande thought it was super. Five stars for sure.
I saw it and also loved it – my era!
Can’t take my eyes off of you, is one of my all time favorites.
What a great time. They had some great tunes.
I know I’d love it and I think my husband would like it too but I haven’t been successful in getting him to go.
Doc gave my tickets away instead of exchanging them for a different date.
I’m a little bitter. 🙁
It’s one of my favorites! It’s coming back to Denver later this year, maybe I need to see it again.
It is definitely a winner! My husband and iI saw it on Broadway a few years ago … of course it helped that we grew up hearing all their tunes 🙂
I truly love that show. I grew up with my dad going on and on about how good Frankie was and I’m so glad he did. I too have searched endlessly for a biography of sorts for them, but never found anything worthwhile.
As for Jersey Boys, I have seen it in San Francisco while tickets were cheap.. and London and both were amazing nights.
love every one of their songs and I bet I still know all the words .. not like the French I took which is now .. gone .. all gone .. if only languages were taught to music
That sounds like such a neat show.
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