TheatreCompany

Location: The Prince Edward Theatre

Like many West End shows, Jersey Boys takes us on a musical journey that is inspired by the work of a well known band. However, unlike the fictional story of shows such as We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys chronicles the real story of the band The Four Seasons, featuring the legendary Franki Vallie.

We all remember some of the hit songs of The Four Seasons, from the likes of “Walk Like A Man” and “Sherry”, which is why their influence lives on in shows such as Jersey Boys. Penned from talented writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, Jersey Boys is a trip down memory lane that will appeal to fans of The Four Seasons and those who haven’t heard of them as it tells a thoroughly gripping story.

The Four Seasons came about from the partnership within a group of talented musicians. Named after a bowling alley in New Jersey, The Four Seasons consisted of Franki Vallie, originally a solo artist, who teamed with Tommy De Vito to put the band together and make their mark on musical history. They were soon joined by Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi and the future was set.

It was never plain sailing for The Four Seasons. Like many bands they had their highs and their lows, but luckily for them it started on a high. They released with first single in the 1960s under the name “Bermuda/Spanish Lace”, which was huge success, meaning that they were able to sign up to Vee Jay Labels straight away. They followed it up with a song that would become their signature track; a little number known by the name of “Sherry”. Their status was cemented. However, the financial troubles of the label led to one of the documented ‘lows’ as they were left with a record deal. Help came in the form of Mercury records and they continued a long line of success through to the 1970s where their decline was implemented by an ill advised switch to Motown. The Four Seasons were no more, but their music would continue to be remembered through the decades.

For fans of the band, this show is a musical and contains many of their hit songs. Back in the 1960s, these songs consisted of “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Let’s Hang On (To What We’ve Got)”, “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)” and “My Eyes Adored You” as well as the mentioned “Sherry” and “Walk Like A Man”.