Jersey Boys

Finally, here's a musical review with a compelling storyline. Whether or not, back in the day, you were a fan of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the context provided in Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice's book makes this a winner.

The Four Seasons first big hit was "Sherry." (L to R) Josh Franklin as Bob Gaudio, Erik Bates as Tommy DeVito, Joseph Leo Bwarie as Frankie Valli, and Steve Gouveia as Nick Massi Photo: Joan Marcus

As the name implies, Jersey Boys lays bare the influence of stereotypical Garden State forces—poverty, crime, mobsters, and a depressing industrial landscape—on the protagonists, a group of guys who like to play music and sing.

Like most musical groups, these guys had their share of personality clashes and personnel changes, marriage and extra-marital activities, intoxicants, money woes, and contract issues. Unlike most musical groups, these guys had a lot of hits and went through a lot of cash.

(L to R) Frankie Valli (Joseph Leo Bwarie) and Bob Gaudio (Josh Franklin) form a lifetime partnership on a handshake. Photo: Joan Marcus

Just as our parents always suspected, there wasn't a whole lot of thought behind the lyrics, but that hardly matters if there's a catchy tune and you're dancing with your boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone with whom you'd like to have such a relationship.

The ingredients of the Four Seasons success and how these elements came together is the storybook side of the tale, with Tommy DeVito giving Frankie Castelluccio (Frankie Valli) a chance to sing, and Frankie convincing Tommy and Nick Massi to take Bob Gaudio into their group as the songwriter.

They put up their own money to record. (L to R) Steve Gouveia as Nick, Joseph Leo Bwarie as Frankie, Josh Franklin as Bob, and Erik Bates as Tommy Photo: Joan Marcus

The rest is history. "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)," "Dawn (Go Away)," "Let's Hang On (To What We've Got)," "Bye Bye Baby," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," and "Rag Doll" all get full treatment, along with a host of other tunes, some memorable and some not. Throw in a few one-hit-wonders—The Royal Teens' "(Who Wears) Short Shorts"; Hal Miller and the Rays' "An Angel Cried"; Miss Frankie Nolan and The Romans' "I Still Care"; and Billy Dixon and the Tropix' "Trance"—and you're back in the '60's watching Dick Clark and American Bandstand.

Joseph Leo Bwarie as Frankie Valli Photo: Joan Marcus

Once he gets warmed up, Joseph Leo Bwarie does an admirable job with Frankie's trademark falsetto and silky tenor. There's plenty of drama in the group's ups and down with Erik Bates, Josh Franklin and Steve Gouveia drawing distinctive portraits of Tommy, Bob, and Nick. Jonathan Hadley as Bob Crewe (the group's manager and lyricist) adds comedic flavor. The ensemble is solid in all respects and dance up a storm.

Denver Center Attractions presentation of Jersey Boys runs through January 3rd. 303-893-4100 or at www.denvercenter.org.

Bob Bows