Jersey Boys | Venue Cymru

Currently embarking on its 20th Anniversary UK Tour, Jersey Boys is a timeless, feel-good musical; reminding one of just how successful jukebox musicals can truly be. Telling the remarkable story of how Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons rose from the streets of New Jersey to international stardom and featuring a catalogue of their greatest hits, the musical explores the highs and lows - friendship, ambition and personal struggles - that accompanied the band's rise to fame; becoming one of the most successful groups in music history.

In order to bring such a successful career to the stage, Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice's script splits the stories into seasons where each member of the band (Tommy DeVito, Bob Gaudio, Nick Massi and Frankie Valli) is able to give their own perspectives on how the events of the band unfolded. This gives a well-rounded insight of the band, providing plenty of moments of humour, introspection and high-risk stakes drama.

The pacing of Jersey Boys is relentless from the moment the curtain rises with the energy never dipping for a minute. Des McAnuff's direction never misses a beat, utilising Klara Zieglerova's set design to its fullest. Whilst Jersey Boys is not driven by elaborate staging, the industrial steel framework supports seamless transitions between recording studios, concert venues and intimate backstage moments or homelife, maintaining the show's momentum throughout.

Howell Binkley's lighting design complements the staging, moving between the vibrant concert-style lighting, to the more subdued states which allow moments of quiet contemplation. Michael Clark's projection design adds visual context by establishing changing locations and passages of time. A highlight of the projection elements include when the Jersey Boys' performance is broadcasted live onto the screen, enhancing the show's immersive element.

Luke Baker gives a career defining performance as Frankie Valli, effortlessly mastering star quality with incredible vocals paired with Valli's distinctive falsetto, performing one of the most demanding vocal roles in musical theatre with ease. Rather than relying on imitation, Baker ensures that there is emotional depth to his character, portraying an individual going through the motions throughout his career. Baker's charisma and confidence cements him as the leading man of The Four Seasons, deservedly receiving an incredible reception from the audience in several standout musical moments, including Can't Take My Eyes Off You.

Carlo Boumouglbay balances charm with volatility and vulnerability well, giving a compelling performance of Tommy DeVito's conflicting personality. Boumouglbay's natural stage presence allows the audience to feel drawn into the story, even when the topic matter is heavy and is being presented in the fast pace of the show. Lewis Kennedy is brilliant as Nick Massi. Kennedy's nuanced yet assured performance provides great moments of humour with subtle facial expressions, comedic timing and dry wit. Vocally, Kennedy's rich bass tone compliments the quartet harmonies wonderfully. Toby Miles' Bob Gaudio is effortlessly likeable, full of youthful optimism and ambition. Miles captures Gaudio's maturity throughout the show, conveying the creative drive and level-headed nature which undoubtedly had a vital impact on The Four Seasons' success as a band.

Beyond the individual performances, it is the quartet's collective chemistry which truly elevates the production. Throughout, the interactions feel genuine and effortless, allowing the relationships at the heart of the story to resonate just as powerfully as the music itself. There is an undeniable bond between Baker, Boumouglbay, Kennedy and Miles which is evident through the exceptional unity and precision both in vocal performance and choreography.

Twenty years later and Jersey Boys still remains a joyous celebration of the incredible legacy that The Four Seasons left on the music industry. With outstanding performances, slick direction and a stacked soundtrack of their greatest hits, Jersey Boys knows its target audience and more than delivers.

Jersey Boys plays at Venue Cymru until Saturday 08th August - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Mark Senior