Review – Jersey Boys at QPAC
Jersey Boys
The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Browe
Directed by Des McAnuff
Presented by Dodger Theatricals, Rodney Rigby and TEG Dainty
Playing at QPAC, Lyric Theatre, South Bank, Brisbane
Season: Until February 17. Run time: 2 hours and 35 minutes including interval. Bookings: qpac.com.au or 136 346.
BIG Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You — it doesn’t matter how old you are, you’ve heard the songs of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
But you could be forgiven for not knowing they belonged to these 1960s pop rockers (millennial me got an education).
What we do all know is they are killer tunes — and if that isn’t enough to get you over the line to see Jersey Boys at Brisbane’s QPAC, then know this tight production packs an absolute punch you’d be sad to miss.
This flawless telling of the 1960s story behind a group of petty crims who (mostly) claw their way out of trouble through musical talent is sharply delivered with banger after banger.
Ryan Gonzalez recreates the unique sounds of Valli with ease, delivering a high-energy performance that leaves the audience wanting more.
He’s backed by a stellar crew, including Cameron Macdonald as Tommy Deviot – the mastermind behind the band (and the mischief too).
Thomas McGuane as Bob Gaudio – song writing genius – and Glaston Toft as bass player Nick Massi give equally strong performances.
The dynamic between the four of them is at times tense, others hilarious, but most of all believable.
The energy levels in this show mean it passes in the blink of an eye, with excellent choreography by Sergio Trujillo keeping up with the powerful music directed by Luke Hunter and off-stage (but sometimes on) orchestra led by Steve Orich.
Quirky scene changes using a cleverly designed set were also impressive, not to mention costumes by Jess Goldstein and the ‘60s glorious hair and wigs by Charles G. Lapointe.
The Four Seasons were backed by a strong cast including Cristina D’Agostino as Valli’s wife, Mary Delgado, and Glenn Hill as producer Bob Crewe.
I keep telling people I’m not a fan of musicals, but I’ll have to add Jersey Boys to my long list of exceptions.
Worth your pennies and your precious weekend hours — get along you won’t regret it.
(Warning: You will be singing Sherry and Working My Way Back to You for the rest of the week.)