Chicago Weekend Fun!

I went to go see a preview performance for Jersey Boys at the LaSalle Bank Theater at 18 W Monroe Street in Chicago, IL. The Jersey Boys 2006 Tony Award winning best Musical show runs there through next April of 2008. Tickets range from $37.50 for balcony seats to $147.50 per seat for the front row. They are available to purchase online through BroadwayInChicago and Ticketmaster as well as by calling the LaSalle Bank Theater’s Box Office at 312-977-1700. The official Jersey Boys show opening was on 10/5/07 and they have the Musical scheduled until 4/30/08. This is a must see for baby boomers and people who remember the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. JERSEY BOYS the musical features their hit songs “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Rag Doll”, “Oh What a Night”, “Let’s Hang On” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. And I personally think that because they have updated the harmonies, background instrumentation and have clearer recordings, the official Jersey Boys soundtrack album is better than some of the old original recordings. I downloaded them to listen and they were not nearly as dynamic, crisp and clear as what you hear in the theater. You react the same way in the theater like these were the old recordings, but they’re better. But then again that is what 30 years of technology development can do.

The story follows Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons as they get together through various connections back in New Jersey and then become a huge national hit singing group through their first single “Sherry”. Then they take a wild roller coaster ride in the music business through tours, TV shows, performances and the behind the scenes drama of living life on the road and being away from your family. They also chronicle the lives of all 4 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members, the Four Seasons group members: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. they all started out as average American blue collar working class kids in New Jersey and then became a national sensation selling over 175 Million records worldwide and trying to keep the career moving and balance life in the fast lane at the same time. There were good times and bad times, but all in all many people would say they lived the American Dream.

I was blown away by the performances and singing in this Musical and I didn’t think it would be that great going into it last Thursday night because I am not old enough to have known the Four Seasons or Frankie Valli while growing up. What I found out though was that I knew all the songs anyway since they are always used in commercials, movies and TV shows. Plus the story is told in a very honest contemporary way that people will all be able to relate to.

I ended up getting there a few minutes late, which can be a huge rude move in theater, but we just waited in the lobby and watched the show in a flat screen TV for a few minutes and then entered in between scenes. There was a slight mix-up with the seats, some other people were sitting in them, but eventually we got seated and were quickly engrossed in the story.

The show makes great use of the stage with a lifting section from below and many scenery elements dropping from the ceiling throughout the show. There is a catwalk above the stage as well where they use the space to either look down on the scene below or give monologues direct to the audience from each group member’s perspective. The costumes are pure 1950’s and 1960’s with lots of bright colors and flashy suits to look just as they did performing back in the day. The monologue format in between scenes is really effective in filling in the storyline as time passes and to give a personal connection with each of the Jersey Boys and their own story. All the 4 Season’s actors have a unique combination of great acting, great monologues, fantastic singing ability and they’re good dancers too. It’s a complete package and they wow you every minute they are on stage. You want to get up there and sing along with them, the music is just so moving.

So, I guess it is obvious that really enjoyed the music and was very impressed by the singing. A lot of their songs are used in the show and performed in full as they were performing on stage in different cities throughout the story. This gives you a front row seat at a great concert at the same time as seeing a impeccable musical in a theater. The story winds through time until the point where they are accepted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which for many artists is the highest level award one can receive for their work.

The show echoes a slightly similar path with the Academy Award Winning Movie “Ray” from 2004 ending on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame note. They also update you on where each of the Four Seasons Members is now and what they are doing. I think the clever scene changes, monologues, updated songs, choreography, stage direction and great story of all four of the Four Seasons members makes this a great dramatic story and unforgettable Musical.

I think everyone should go see this show, it is a part of 20th century American History and a great entertaining show for all ages. I am not a baby boomer and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you were a big fan of Frankie Valli and of the Four Seasons you will enjoy it even more. You will probably be transported back in time to the place you were when these songs were popular. If you can, get tickets now, they are sold out through January so they are selling out quick!