NE1 Previews: Jersey Boys, Theatre Royal

We’re working our way to the Theatre Royal to join the Jersey Boys in a tale of success, stardom and sweeping sopranos.

This jukebox musical brings the stories of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to life on stage. It tells the biographical tale of a four New Jersey boys from the wrong side of the tracks looking to make their way in the wonderful world of show business.

The stage show journeys through their rise to stardom. It’s the late 1950s and Tommy DeVito discovers the sweeping falsetto of Frankie Valli. It takes some time, but a moment of musical magnificence is born when keyboardist-songwriter, Bob Gaudio joins the group and The Four Seasons are formed. Finally, it clicks. A quartet of polished and precise, finger-clicking men in dapper suits. A new sound, a new image and an iconic moment in music history.

The UK tour’s principal Frankie Valli, Michael Watson, is mesmerising - in everything from his musical notes to his moves and his stage manor. His execution of the role is as accurate as can be – perfectly exposing both his vulnerable side in his early years, as well as his becoming of a strong man later in life.

This stage show is engaging from the off, straight into those much-loved musical numbers including: ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’,
‘Walk Like a Man’ and ‘December 1963 (Oh What a Night)’.

Whether you’re a Frankie Valli fanatic, you favour The Four Seasons or you’re completely new to the story and the songs, this one is sure to have you bopping away to the beats.

The soundtrack to an entire generation; it’s a story, a celebration and a peek into life behind the big red curtain. Oh what a night!

Tickets from £18. Tuesday 31 July - Saturday 11 August 2018: theatreroyal.co.uk