The atmosphere was charged for a reunion that was meant to be. The four original Australian-based Jersey Boys, handpicked at the time from 800 hopefuls, have taken to the stage again to recreate the magic from 17 years ago. Jersey Boys kicked off at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre in July 2009. I speak of Irish-born Bobby Fox who played Frankie Valli in the hit musical, Scott Johnson who was Tommy DeVito, Stephen Mahy who transformed into Bob Gaudio, and Glaston Toft who stepped into Nick Massi’s shoes.
In real life, singer Valli and guitarist DeVito joined keyboard player Gaudio and Valli’s friend, bassist Massi to form The Four Seasons in 1960. Jersey Boys, the musical was their story, about their life and times. I am talking about a group that cranked out 11 number one hits between 1962 and 1965. This celebratory concert has been in the offing for some time, but then COVID-19 got in the way and now it has finally happened, with a flourish.
They recreate the hit tunes from the stage show, plus more in a cavalcade of 20 stirring up tempo tunes and ballads. All the big numbers are there. I speak of the likes of Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, My Eyes Adored You, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and December 1963 (Oh, What a Night).
All four boys are in fine form – from falsetto to baritone, you name it and it is there. So are the slick moves … the finely tuned choreography. And the eye-catching elegant attire – black trousers and patent leather shoes, set off by striking red jackets with black trimming. Then, switching the latter to an attractive blue tone and, finally, to dinner jackets.
Accompanying the singers is a talented eight-piece band, complete with brass section, also dressed to the nines, featuring musical arrangements and direction from Jack Earle. In between songs, they get the chance to share stories about their evolution from guys who didn’t know each other to being thrust into the limelight as the Jersey Boys. Scott relays an amusing yarn about how he was confident he had nailed his part in the quartet, until it came time for him to show off his dance skills.
In any event, one moment the four was cast and the next the collective was meeting Frankie Valli himself in Las Vegas. They speak of the surreal experience of seeing their show viewed by the likes of Tom Cruise, Serena Williams, Carole King, James Taylor and Neil Diamond. The camaraderie (and chemistry) between the lads is plain to see.
The experience is enlivened by the big sound of the show and by the razzmatazz lighting: multi-coloured spots and lighting towers, often against a stary sky backdrop. The latter is the work of Jason Bovaird, the head of Moving Light Productions. So, everything hangs together beautifully – the songs, the musicality, the staging, the patter and the chit chat – bar for the immediate lead up to, and the first encore number.
Bobby Fox tries to quieten the crowd by merely mouthing words (for some time) heading to an a cappella version of Earth Angel, only much of the audience don’t buy into the joke. And then, in a large space, singing without microphones isn’t always advisable because voice alone doesn’t travel all that well. So, it was at the Palais Theatre. Still, that was but a small blip in an otherwise outstanding concert that I would gladly see and hear again tomorrow.
More than that, the warmup act was something mighty special and dynamic in its own right. I speak of the powerhouse performer and entertainer Ruva Ngwenya, who played Tina Tuner so brilliantly in the musical Tina less than two years. What an immense voice and stage presence she has, that so suits the style of music she tackles, three huge numbers in River Deep Mountain High, Proud Mary and the iconic The Best. There she is with two dancers in tow shaking her booty.
So, collectively, Jersey Forever is a wonderful, invigorating couple of hours of solid entertainment that is well worth a repeat visit. It will next be staged at the Coliseum Theatre in Western Sydney on 12th September, 2026. For more further on upcoming performances, go to https://coliseumtheatre.com.au/whats-on/jersey-forever/ and www.jerseyforever.com.au
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Eurovision on Tour (touring) – music review
- Ordinary Days (fortyfivedownstairs) – musical theatre review
- Songs from the Canyon (Palais Theatre and touring) – concert review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
