The cast of Jersey Boys was in fine fettle last night at Hull New Theatre as they rocked, jived, and crooned through the slew of hits released by the eponymous Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in the 1950s and 60s.
What is Jersey Boys About?
Now a stage classic, Jersey Boys has won 65 major awards and has been seen by over 27 million people worldwide. In short, Jersey Boys depicts the rise and fall of the original Four Seasons, comprised of Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi, Frankie Valli, and Bob Gaudio which includes highs like pulling hits such as ‘Sherry’, Big Girls Don’t Cry’, and ‘Walk Like a Man’ out of the bag and lows where the group finds itself stricken with grief and betrayal.
Expectations
Admittedly, I am a huge fan of the Four Seasons and have waxed lyrical about the stage play and film adaptation since I saw them in the Liverpool Empire Theatre and the cinema respectively. Therefore, I entered Hull New Theatre with high expectations which I think were shared by my fellow audience members, most of whom also appeared to be adoring fans of the Four Seasons and, likely, Jersey Boys. Although my high expectations did not obstruct my excitement in the slightest, I have long been eager to re-watch the stage play and looked forward to doing so in the tasteful Hull New Theatre.
Needless to say, the show met my expectations — it was the perfect homage to the Four Seasons and early rock and roll music. The star turns: Michael Pickering (Frankie Valli); Blair Gibson (Bob Gaudio); Lewis Griffiths (Nick Massi); and Dalton Wood (Tommy DeVito) delivered with aplomb and did each song justice which, I am not ashamed to say, allowed me to sing along gleefully. Michael Pickering’s emotionally charged performance of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ — one of Vali’s biggest hits —stands as the foremost moment of the night and received deserved thunderous applause which he accepted with humble gratitude. Additionally, the quartet’s joyful performance of the ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’; ‘Walk Like a Man’; and ‘Sherry’ medley which precipitates the ending of Act One struck a reminiscent note and was every bit as special as it was intended to be — the live-action retro camera was a nice touch.
Star Turns
Michael Pickering as Frankie Vallie stood out among the cast. Of course, Jersey Boys naturally affords the leading man a great deal but the role is demanding because of Frankie Valli’s remarkable three-octave range and supremely strong falsetto which demands a performer of a certain caliber that, in this case, was Michael Pickering. He belted out a wonderful rendition of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, mentioned above, and delivered every other number splendidly; his execution of ‘I Can’t Give You Anything But Love’ — a smash hit for Jimmy McHugh in 1928 — also stands out.
Moreover, it would be remiss of me to exclude Damien Winchester from mention. Adopting the all-purpose role of Barry (and others), Winchester won the hearts of the audience by providing timely comedic interpolation. On occasion, he also showcased his breathtaking voice, treating the crowd to a rip-roaring display of his range in the post-show performance.
Why Should You Watch Jersey Boys?
Any fan of the Four Seasons would do well to attend a performance of Jersey Boys during its stay in Hull — you will not be disappointed. Additionally, I, as a younger man, feel obliged to say that the memory of early rock and roll music sadly appears to be fading from popular memory. This is a terrible shame, perhaps catastrophic, because early rock and roll constitutes the foundations upon which most contemporary music is based; it also has and continues to affect the morays and milieu to which we are accustomed. I have previously stated that Jersey Boys was the perfect homage to early rock and roll and, to that end, many would benefit from attending a performance that may, in some small way, rekindle the popular imagination in favour of early rock and roll.
Hull New Theatre
Hull New Theatre provided the perfect backdrop to Jersey Boys last night. Nestled away in Kingston Square, New Theatre is a haven for the performing arts and complements this perceived reputation with a charming aesthetic that is palpable upon entry. The warmth and courtesy with which I was greeted last night only serves to strengthen this commendation.
Jersey Boys is in Hull New Theatre until May, 28th 2022 and, if you are anything like me, you will be clamouring to purchase tickets. You can do this through the Hull New Theatre & Hull City Hall Box Office which is available online, via telephone, and in-person:
Online: What’s on | Hull New Theatre & Hull City Hall (hulltheatres.co.uk)
Telephone: 01482 3000306
Hull New Theatre Address: Kingston Square, Hull, HU1 3HF (Box Office opens 2 hours prior to each performance)
Hull City Hall Address: Hull City Hall, Queen Victoria Square, Carr Lane, HU1 3RQ (Box Office open Monday-Saturday 10a,-5pm and open 2 hours prior to each performance)
