DIV ER SIONS
REVIEW
THEATER REVIEW
The production is consistently tight, features top-flight performances by all four of the primary performers.
Jersey Boys BY MARK BRETZ
THE STORY Tommy DeVito is a small-time musician with big-time dreams, taking along his guitar and combo partners, brother Nick DeVito and friend Nick Massi, wherever he can line up a gig. Problem is, the lads from the tough streets of New Jersey have a penchant for trouble, causing all three of them to spend time in the state penitentiary in the 1950s. DeVito and Massi soldier on, though, and see their stock rise when Tommy brings 15-year-old Frankie Castellucio (aka Frankie Valli) under his wing and lets the kid’s soaring soprano take center stage. Tommy keeps trying out a fourth member, and endless variations on the group’s name, one more forgettable than the next. Everything changes; however, when another Jersey kid, Joey Pesci, introduces the trio to a young songwriter named Bob Gaudio.
At Frankie and Nick’s insistence, Tommy reluctantly adds Bob to the group, which takes its new name, The Four Seasons, from the refurbished sign of a local bowling alley. Thus begins an incredible musical journey, as The Four Seasons rack up Top 40 hit after hit, appear on The Ed Sullivan Show and American Bandstand, and enjoy the good life. That is, until mobsters call Tommy out on his sizable marker, gambling debts that threaten his life and the future of the group itself.
HIGHLIGHTS Since arriving on Broadway in 2005, Jersey Boys is closing in on 3,500 performances, ranking it in the Top 15 longest-running shows in Broadway history.
The book is cleverly divided into four segments, starting with Spring and ending with Winter, each one narrated by a different group member. Director Des McAnuff emphasizes the fascinating story as much as the infectious music, from the quartet’s humble beginnings in New Jersey to its worldwide fame. Hayden Milanes can’t match Valli’s improbably high voice, but he does capture the crooner’s style and charisma. Quinn van Antwerp convincingly reprises his role from the 2011 touring company as the amiable Gaudio. Adam Zelasko embodies the persona of Nick Massi, who self-effacingly refers to himself as the ‘Ringo’ of the quartet. Nicolas Dromard is very good as the cocky, swaggering Tommy DeVito, who likely was saved from a gangland execution by his loyal mates. Jersey Boys has lost none of its vigor or appeal in this energetic, enthralling and engaging presentation.
COMPANY: Touring Company VENUE: Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd. DATES: Through March 2 TICKETS: From $30; 534-1111 or metrotix. com RATING: A 5 on a scale of 1-to-5. More reviews available at laduenews. com
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THE KING’S SPEECH (2010) It suddenly strikes me how similar this film is to the one directly above it. Both deal with commanding but fragile men, and the stoic beauties by their sides. Both are about a complex character facing a daunting obstacle—in this case, reluctant King George VI’s crippling stammer. And at their core, both movies are love stories.
IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934) A tabloid reporter finds himself on a bus with a runaway heiress and extorts her into an exclusive? Why on earth this movie hasn’t been a candidate for a remake is beyond me. Perhaps it’s impossible to portray a likeable version of either character. Rob Reiner retooled the premise for the 1985 teen classic, The Sure Thing, with spectacular results.
ANNIE HALL (1977) Really, the 10th spot was a free for all. On a rainy, stay-in-bed day, it would be Ordinary People. On a timeless, classic Sunday afternoon, Casablanca or Rebecca. Alone on a Friday night? The Silence of the Lambs. Today; however, was a quirky, chilly, girl-in-a-derby-and-necktie kind of day. In many ways, this is the quintessential Woody Allen film. It perfectly balances his neurotic comedy with a more profound glimpse at human interaction.
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THE DEER HUNTER (1978) Two words: Russian roulette. Out of all the legendary scenes in film history, this grueling scene remains the most visceral, intense and harrowingly realistic. Robert De Niro’s rage explodes off the screen. The conviction of both his and Christopher Walken’s acting is remarkable. Modern audiences often complain that the film is slow, but there is real character development at work here—a process that is largely lost in the current era of quick cuts and constant explosions. The Deer Hunter may be difficult and depressing, but it is a journey well worth taking. The Academy agreed and bestowed it five awards.
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991) Well, Clarice — have the lambs stopped screaming? It is unlikely that audiences will ever stop screaming. Hannibal Lecter. The pit and the poodle. Buffalo Bill’s dance. The Silence of the Lambs gave viewers endless chills and took five Oscars for the effort – which laid waste to the theory that a horror film could never win Best Picture.
ANNIE HALL (1977) Some critics posit that Woody Allen makes the same movie over and over again, and I cannot say that I totally disagree. But, this is the greatest work amongst the similitude of his oeuvre. Annie Hall is the ace of spades in Allen’s hand while all his other films merely are kings and queens: same suit, higher value. Allen’s talents as a screenwriter have never been in doubt, as he holds the record for Best Screenplay nominations at 14.
LN wishes to thank The Chase Park Plaza and The Chase Park Plaza Cinemas. 66
FEBRUARY 28, 2014 {LadueNews.com}
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOAN MARCUS
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