By Tracy Hawkins
Anyone who grew up listening to WIBG, Hyski, and the Geator with the Heater will appreciate the sounds rockin’ the stage at the Walnut Street Theatre. “Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons” is a wonderful look back at how this unlikely group captured the hearts of teens all over the U.S. in the 60’s and 70’s.
Spanning the band’s earliest beginnings as “The Four Lovers” in the ‘50s, to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, the story is told from the perspective of each of the band members. There is brotherhood, there is betrayal, there is loss and love, there is a lot of humor, and above all, just four blue-collar guys trying to make music.
Will Stephan Connell as Frankie Valli. Photo by Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios
Director and Choreographer Richard Stafford brings together a wonderful cast of largely Walnut Street vets with show-stopping results. Will Stephan Connell (Frankie Valli) breaks your heart as he sings “My Eyes Adored You” to the retreating back of his wife (Kimberly Maxson), who has announced that she wants a divorce. With all due respect to Frankie Valli, Mr. Connell takes those great standards and makes them even better. The performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” brought the house down.
They say you are only as good as the actors around you, and there is a lot of talent in this production. Ken Sandberg (Tommy DeVito), Chris Stevens (Nick Massi) and Eddie Olmo II (Bob Gaudio) bring both the comedy and very able voices as the remaining members of the band. The set (John Farrell), lighting (Matt DeMascolo), sound (Ed Chapman), and costumes (Mary Folino) seamlessly take you to a bowling alley, Rahway prison, the Brill Building, and numerous nightclubs that the band played over the years.
If You Go:
The show runs through Nov. 3, and tickets are available at www.walnutstreettheatre.org. Run time is 2 hours, 30 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission.