Were it not for the indefatigable harmonising of the celebrated boy band, The Four Seasons, Jersey Boys would be a great example of Bertolt Brecht’s ‘Epic Theatre’. Its structure, with each main character breaking the fourth wall to tell a chapter of their history, the ensemble elements with performers playing multiple roles, the sparse representational set, informative slides projected on the back wall, simple signposts flying in and out to indicate changes of place, deadpan comic moments, striking tableaux punctuating climactic scenes, these elements all arise from Brecht’s genius; except there isn’t anything discordant about the music in this show.
Jersey Boys delivers a hybrid of ‘Epic’ and ‘Jukebox’ styles that provide audiences with an immensely satisfying experience as much as an educational one. Therry Theatre’s production is awesomely entertaining. Under the direction of Jude Hines and musical direction of Leanne Savill, with their team, this production flows through the story at a rocking pace.
Each of the Jersey Boys takes a turn in telling their collective story, starting with Tommy DeVito (Trevor Anderson), who brings just the right amount of local Jersey charm to win the audience over and accept his perspective unquestioningly. The narrative is picked up by Bob Gaudio (Philippe Quaziz), who effortlessly seduces with handsome confidence before Nick Massi (Sam Davy) starts to provide a beautifully downplayed reveal of what we thought we knew. Finally, Frankie Valli (Lindsay Prodea) dots the i’s and crosses the t’s, completing the tragic puzzle of their journey.
The emotional nuance is balanced perfectly by this cast. On the one hand, the production exhibits all the glitz and pizzazz of a local boy band’s rise to national (and then international) fame, and the multitude of hit songs are delivered impeccably. On the other hand, it deftly unwraps the shocking realities of the times. The underbelly of America and some most tragic consequences rise to the surface, leaving an indelible mark; Mary Delgado (Nikki Gaertner Eaton), the ‘at home wife’, and Francine (Jasmine Duggan), the recalcitrant daughter, both contain gravitas in their roles, slight as these roles are.
Ultimately, it’s the consistent jaw-dropping brilliance of the original Four Seasons delivering their goods that makes this show mesmerisingly, infectiously entertaining. This raging success is definitely due to the whole ensemble, but the blended brilliance of Anderson, Quaziz, Davy, and Prodea as the Jersey Boys is to be lauded.
Jersey Boys
Until Saturday, 17th of August 2024
ARTS Theatre, Adelaide
