(L to R) Eric Chambliss, John Hacker, Devon Goffman, Matt Faucher, and the Company of “Jersey Boys.” Photo by Joan Marcus.
“Jersey Boys” celebrates the still-vibrant tunes of music superstars, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, with big dance numbers and quick and witty humor, wrapped in that most American of stories—the dramatic rise of first-generation immigrants to international fame and fortune. The Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Award-winning hit musical recently ended an amazing run in New York City which included 11 years on Broadway and five years off-Broadway—it is now in its 15th touring season. On June 16, the show welcomed its 30 millionth global guest at the Kennedy Center. (For more information, read the press release here.)
…a fun evening at the theatre for all generations with tunes you’ll be humming long after the curtain closes.
Four musical Jersey boys grow up together in a humble Italian neighborhood where they perform in a bowling alley, sometimes bump up against the law, and occasionally find themselves doing brief stints in jail. Talent and relentless determination, however, eventually bring the group success beyond their wildest dreams, but at a steep price that includes broken relationships, troubled children, and dangerous mob connections.
“Jersey Boys” is a demanding musical, but the cast proves itself equally adept at singing, dancing, and acting. Justin Albinder’s (Frankie Valli) vocal range and the group’s impressive blend might have you wondering if the real Frankie and the Four Seasons aren’t behind those microphones. As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses the triumphs and trials of individual band members interspersed with some of the group’s most beloved songs, such as “Walk Like a Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “My Eyes Adored You.”
Justin Albinder plays an ambitious Frankie Valli who reaches the heights of stardom but suffers personal setbacks when his marriage to Mary Delgado (Katie Goffman) ends in divorce and he tragically loses a daughter (Amy Coelho). Eric Chambliss plays a confident Bob Gaudio who knows he’s the group’s driving force, and after many years in the business, retires happily to his yacht near Nashville. Devon Goffman takes the role of Tommy DeVito, a sympathetic character who quits the group at the height of its renown, choosing instead to make amends with the children whose lives he has been absent. Matt Faucher delivers a memorable performance as Nick Massi, the mob-connected hothead who finds a home in Las Vegas while the remaining band members pay off his rather sizable debts.
The two-level set (scenic design by Klara Zieglerova) is connected to a staircase on either side, creating additional performance space that allows the story to unfold at a quick tempo. The band, lead by music director, Noah Turner, is situated directly under the set’s second level, largely hidden from view. Costumes evoke the era (costumes by Jess Goldstein), a time when musical groups performed in matching suits and neckties, and the women’s options were limited to skirts and frilly things, no matter the occasion.
Whether “Jersey Boys” takes you down memory lane or serves as your introduction the group, this musical guarantees a fun evening at the theatre for all generations with tunes you’ll be humming long after the curtain closes.
Running time: Two hours and 40 minutes including one intermission.
“Jersey Boys” runs through June 26, 2022, at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 2700 F Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20566. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
