Since opening on Broadway in 2005, “Jersey Boys” has been a hit no matter where it is showing. It even won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2006.
Now “Jersey Boys” has hit the road and is currently settled at the National Theatre here in D.C., with a performance as superb as ever.
This documentary-style musical chronicles the lives of the members of the hugely successful ’60s rock band The Four Seasons, headed by Frankie Valli.
The National Theatre’s intimacy and old-time beauty is the perfect locale for this show. Even with its classic setting, the intriguing aspect of the show is the utilization of technology.
There were three large display screens above the set on stage that flashed graphics in the style of the era, complimenting what was occurring onstage.
Even during segments of the show where the band was playing before a video camera, the camera was actually filming and projecting what was happening below as if it were on a TV set from the ’60s.
The incorporation of technology in this show was great because it tied the older subject matter with the 21st century.
The first act of the show was narrated by two members of the group, Tommy DeVito and Bob Gaudio, who told their sides of the story of the group’s rise to fame.
The change in perspective was not at all distracting. In fact, the different and developing personalities of the characters who narrated the show throughout made it funnier and kept the audience interested in what was going on.
The fun first act was filled with some of The Four Seasons’ more popular hits, including “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “December 1963” (better known by the lyrics, “Oh what a night!”).
The show did take a more sentimental and negative turn in the second act, narrated by the other two group members, Nick Massi and Frankie Valli.
However, the more somber tone to this act brought a more human and relatable façade to the show. It was not as if the show ended on a bad note.
The audience at “Jersey Boys” was mostly older people who were fans of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons when the group was in its heyday, but that does not mean it is unpleasant for other demographics.
One does not need to be a musical theater fiend to find this musical entertaining, mostly because the songs were once recognizable tunes played on the radio, not songs written specifically for this show.
The familiarity of the music gives this show a broad appeal.
Additionally, there was quite a bit of vulgar language used throughout, but it is not just used for kicks. It adds to the local color of these boys from “old neighborhood” back in New Jersey.
