There are times during “Jersey Boys” at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall when you’ll feel the call to sing along with the performers playing Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. (For the sake of fellow patrons, try to restrain yourself.)
From left, Keith Hines, Hayden Milanes, Drew Seeley and Matthew Dailey star in the national tour of "Jersey Boys." Jeremy Daniel Photo/Provided by Van Wezel
The exuberant nature of “Dawn,” “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” among many others, have a pull to people who grew up in the early 1960s, and those who have come to discover the music ever since.
You could off-handedly describe the Tony Award-winning “Jersey Boys” as just another jukebox musical celebrating the work of a classic American group. But that would be doing it a disservice because writers Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman use the group’s many hits in service of a story that details the struggles of four young singers from New Jersey who managed to make it to the top of the pop charts.
It is a compelling story that is told from shifting points of view — each singer gets a shot at putting his spin on things. So we get different perspectives as we watch how a couple of mob-influenced burglars (Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi) were eventually joined by the distinctive young singer Frankie Valli and pioneering songwriter and singer Bob Gaudio to create a sound that was uniquely their own.
Jail terms, gambling, bad debts and poor choices created plenty of drama.
Hayden Milanes and Jaycie Dotin in "Jersey Boys." Joan Marcus Photo/Provided by Van Wezel
In the show, the song “Walk Like a Man” is not only played for its nostalgic value, but to make a point about how these four guys needed to grow up if they really want to make it in the music business.
The touring production directed by Des McAnuff features four engaging lead performers who don’t always perfectly blend. And it surprisingly lacks a bit of excitement or flair that I have experienced in past performances.
Part of that is due to a sound system that muffles the sound and the words. The microphone used by Hayden Milanes as Frankie doesn’t fully allow his voice to soar above the group as it should.
But Milanes does a fine job in a role that calls for constant transformation, from an eager 16-year-old to a more mature man dealing with broken marriages, troubled relationships with his kids (the weakest and most undeveloped part of the story), all while pouring his soul into songs that with that instantly recognizable high and nasal voice.
Hayden Milanes, left, as Frankie Valli and Drew Seeley as songwriter Bob Gaudio seal a deal with a handshake in "Jersey Boys" at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Photo provided by Van Wezel
They may have just been making music, but they were also changing the pop sound along the way, leading to the dramatic introduction of a new sound with Gaudio’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Even today, it sounds special.
Drew Seeley has a lot of charm as the talented Gaudio, who helps the group grow to a new level. Keith Hines is kind of funny as the almost one-note Massi, a tall, deep-voiced guy prone to saying little until it’s necessary, and then watch out.
As Tommy, Matthew Dailey is a cocky, fun-loving braggart, totally lacking in any concern for his bandmates. A touch more anger or seriousness would deepen the performance.
The staging, with choreography by Sergio Trujillo, is vibrant, as is the band led by Ben Hartman. They keep the show rolling from the start, so you feel like you’re on one extended musical ride of fun, nostalgia and poignancy.
THEATER REVIEW
JERSEY BOYS
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe. Directed by Des McAnuff. Reviewed March 11, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Through March 15. 953-3368; vanwezel.org
