Four guys from New Jersey navigate the highs and lows of super success after becoming a musical quartet called the Four Seasons. This is Jersey Boys and it is currently playing at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse.
Let’s get the easiest part out of the way first. In the parlance of the record business, this is a #1 hit. The true-life story of the Four Seasons makes for a gripping tale due to the roughness of the singers. None of them were saints and having to navigate a cutthroat business like the music industry certainly didn’t help matters. Aside from their fascinating personal stories, this show is further enhanced by the fact that it’s told from the point of view of each member of the group who have their own personal slant on events. As always, the truth lies somewhere in the middle of all the viewpoints. And, of course, there’s the great music from one of the biggest groups in pop.
This fantastic tale is beautifully performed by a cast that brought their collective A game for an amazing night of theatre.
I had the privilege of seeing Michael Ingersoll’s directing debut with a production of this show in Missouri a few years back. Then I was amazed that it was his first show due to the skill and insight he brought to the production, but time has only improved his already impressive abilities.
Ingersoll brings a grandmaster’s hand to the production. There are no throwaway moments in the show. Everything means something and it was incredible to see the little details that Ingersoll packs into each scene to flesh out the play. Ingersoll manages the space well and uses all of the stage to keep his actors moving and animated which is especially crucial for the musical numbers. He has also guided his actors to pristine and virtually flawless performances.
The four leads are well supported by a powerful ensemble who sizzle in their various character roles. Tom Walljasper exudes authority and a bit of danger as “fixer” Gyp DeCarlo. Sarah Leigh Beason has an explosive temperament and nerves of steel as Valli’s first wife, Mary Delgado. Tristan Tapscott captures the eccentricities and flamboyant personality of Bob Crewe.
Joe Collins is a charming sleazebag as Tommy DeVito. DeVito is an interesting character study as he is thoroughly unlikable, yet you can’t help but be mesmerized by his personality. Collins does yeoman work painting the picture of a man who is truly his own worst enemy. Success isn’t enough for DeVito who is always chasing the next scheme or swindle and his personal foibles nearly destroy the group at their peak. Collins also well plays DeVito’s sense of self-delusion. He really believes he is the leader of the group and their glue when, in reality, he put them together and then Gaudio and Valli then became the de facto leaders.
Kelly Brown brings a quiet frustration to Nick Massi. Massi is quite the tragic figure because he’s on a search for happiness and I’m never certain he actually found it. He never seemed comfortable being part of the group and was often annoyed by the antics of DeVito which flew in the face of his precise nature. All success brought him was the means to make himself more miserable though drink and women. Brown nails Massi’s pivotal moment of deciding to leave the group and leaves you with the hope that, on his own, he might finally be able to find himself.
Bobby Becher brings youthfulness and confidence to Bob Gaudio. A musical genius, Gaudio was already well-versed in the ups and downs of the music business before joining the Four Seasons as he had written the hit “Short Shorts” at the tender age of 15. Becher’s Gaudio always knows which direction he’s going and knows what is needed for the group to reach the pinnacle of success. Becher is certain without being arrogant and he has a magnificent tenor, shining in “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)”.
Bear Manescalchi gives a stunning performance as Frankie Valli. Manescalchi has such poise and confidence in the role and gives Valli a wondrous arc as he evolves from a meek kid to the sure superstar. Manescalchi is capable of great moments of pathos especially with his mourning of his daughter who died of a drug overdose. Manescalchi makes you cry right along with him and then sob when he honors her with “Fallen Angel”. And while we’re on the subject of singing, Manescalchi’s voice cooks as he sounds just like Valli and nails that singular falsetto on all of the Four Seasons’ hits such as “Dawn”, “Rag Doll”, “Sherry”, and “Walk Like a Man” just to name a few.
Ron May’s musical direction is tip top. He’s got the four leads sounding and harmonizing just like the original Four Seasons and also has his ladies in fine fettle when the Angels perform “My Boyfriend’s Back”. Ashley Becher’s choreography suits the simple dance movements performed by the Four Seasons, but she also has some fun by having her dancers break out a fancy maneuver here and there. Rich Hamson’s costumes match the era of the 1960s and the singular suits of the Four Seasons are a perfect match to those worn by the real McCoys. Nanya Ramey has designed a simple set of a steel walkway with an occasional sign or two popping into the scene. This set combined with the props of Kendall McKasson brings the world of the Seasons to life. I liked Heather Hauskins’ use of lights especially with the consistent use of swirling, colored spotlights for the concert sequences and the slow, sad dimming of the lights during the show’s more tragic moments. Emmett Boedeker has the actors sounding clear as a bell and adds a few ambient sounds here and there to aid storytelling.
It’s a fabulous night of theatre and you get a sumptuous meal to boot. I think the simplest way I can describe Circa ‘21’s Jersey Boys is, “Oh, what a night!”
Jersey Boys runs at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse through July 6. Showtimes are Wed-Sat at 7:30pm, Wednesdays at 1:15pm, and Sundays at 5:30pm. Tickets cost $63 ($56 for Wed matinee) and can be reserved by calling 309-786-7733×2. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse is located at 1828 3rd Ave in Rock Island, IL
Chris' Corner 