Theatre Review: Jersey Boys at MK Theatre

In Summary 

Genre: Jukebox Musical

Running Dates: 23 February - 5 March

Where to see it: MK Theatre (UK Tour)

Duration: 2 hr 30 (inc. 20 minute intermission)

Keywords: musical, rock and roll, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Content Warnings: strong language

The Review:

Oh what a night! Jersey Boys has come to Milton Keynes Theatre, and the opening night went off without a hitch. As it was my first time seeing the show, I wasn’t sure what I was in for but I loved every moment of it. 

Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical that charts the formation, rise to fame, and ultimate breakdown of the famous rock ‘n’ roll band The Four Seasons. The story is told in four parts by each member of the group following the seasons of a year: Spring - Tommy DeVito (Dalton Wood), Summer - Bob Gaudio (Blair Gibson), Fall - Nick Massi (Lewis Griffiths), and Winter - Frankie Valli (Michael Pickering). It was a clever way to highlight the different and often contradictory perspectives they each had regarding the band’s history - from dealings with mob bosses to being inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And there was plenty of the typical “Joisey” accent thrown in for good measure.!

With music by the original Four Seasons songwriter, Bob Gaudio, it’s no wonder the show features many of the group’s greatest hits. I was surprised to realise so many songs I’ve known my whole life are actually Four Seasons songs! Particularly noteworthy was Pickering’s performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” in the second act, as well as Griffiths’s bass vocals that shone through every song he was a part of. Each of the Seasons really had star quality and embodied their roles wonderfully.

If you’re a fan of rock ‘n’ roll and always wondered how songs like “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” got to be the musical sensations we’re still singing them 60 years later, you don’t want to miss this show! The choreo is tight, the harmonies are silky smooth, and the leads have a way of making you feel like you were right there with them for every high and low those four boys from Jersey experienced.

The Round up:

See if: You love rock ‘n’ roll, the 60s, and Heath Ledger’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” scene in 10 Things I Hate About You.

Similar to: Grease, Mamma Mia!

Review by Jessica Nelson

Jersey Boys will be running at MK Theatre until Saturday 5th March, and tickets can be brought over on their website. You can find out where else they’re touring over on the Jersey Boys website.

Disclaimer: Tickets were given in return for a review.