04/10/2024
SHOW REVIEW - JERSEY BOYS- NAPIER OPERATIC SOCIETY
Reviewed by Marcus Allan
You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and boy will your feet be tapping. And once you leave the theatre all you’ll want is more.
And it’s nearly impossible not to feel this way.
The Hawkes Bay Premiere of Jersey Boys is truly impeccable, as it tells the story of the iconic Franki Valli and The Four Seasons through all those songs you know so well. From Beggin’ to the show-stopping Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You, the soundtrack will ring in your head hours after you leave the theatre.
The highs and lows of the Jersey Boys are captured realistically through the four leads, conveying the difficulties of four clashing personalities rising to fame, all with convincing Jersey accents.
Franki Valli, played by West End star Kristen Lavercombe, is a treat to watch. His remarkable vocal abilities match those of the real Franki Valli, singing flawlessly with ease for much of the two-and-a-half-hour run time. Plus, his acting thoughtfully shows the progression of a star being born, as Valli grows from an innocent teenager to a powerhouse vocalist with family troubles.
Supporting him are the other three Jersey Boys who each perform to the same standard as their international co-star. Dan Ball as Tommy DeVito captures a man deep in debt at the height of his career. Ball makes his character unlikeable for the audience, but this is a true testament to his convincing acting skills. Ty Purdy, in his role as Bob Gaudio, is infectious to watch. You’ll be inching to get onstage and groove with him. Plus Sean Boston’s low notes as Nick Massi are integral to making the four come as close as possible to the real deal.
The rest of the cast is no different, with an ensemble all performing to that same professional standard.
Professional. That is the keyword here.
Accolades must go to director, Glen Pickering, who has carefully crafted the story with authenticity and charm. His strong direction is complimented effortlessly with choreography from Suzanne Stilwell, plus a ‘Broadway’ level set and lighting design.
Pete Tihema’s musical direction is truly the ‘Sherry’ on top, with a live band that does justice to those famous hits.
Go and be transported back to the world of the Four Seasons while it is right on your front doorstep.
The show runs till the 12th of October, with tickets still available on Ticketek.
