Searching for a beautiful flashback of nostalgia? Are you ready to have your socks knocked off with flashy falsetto? Looking for something you can sing along to? Do true stories of the American dream inspire you? Then what are you waiting for? Get over to see Pioneer Theatre Company’s Jersey Boys. The show runs through Sept. 28, 2024, at the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre on the University of Utah campus.
Part documentary, part theatrical-exposé, part dramatic-comedy, this is not your typical jukebox musical. This has an authentic, natural flow to the songs; Bringing to life the exciting growth and eventual conclusion of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Right from the get-go, the pacing is quick and engaging. It is a perfect demonstration of the environment of New Jersey Streets, and this particular group of guys. I compliment Director, Karen Azenberg, and the cast for keeping this show quick to the punch and exciting.
Composing the quartet on stage were Adam Enrique Hollick (Tommy DeVito), Daxton Bloomquist (Bob Gaudio), Brent Thiessen (Nick Massi), and Trevor James (Frankie Valli). Each actor had phenomenal moments on stage, together and individually. Personalities for their characters were quickly established on stage. Allowing you to understand and develop relationships with the group right from the beginning.
This show has a unique narration style that gives the audience a chance to hear from all four members of the group. These actors had the audience eating out of their hands the entire night. Each one of them displayed exceptional skills in comedic timing, vocal skill and charismatic influence.
Along with the “Four Seasons,” I would like to throw a special acknowledgment to the ensemble of this show. The talent and stage presence of this ensemble cast helped this show stand out amongst the rest that I have particularly seen at PTC. Each member of the ensemble had their own stage story to tell and they were crucial in this performance.
The vocals were exactly what you should expect; smooth and captivating. From the creamy baritone to the dynamic falsetto, Phil Reno (Musical Director/Conductor) captured the Four Seasons’ Hall of Fame sound. Meanwhile, the dialects convinced me the whole cast was from New Jersey. Sarah Shippobotham (Dialect Coach) brought the authenticity of this show to the next level.
Sound Design, (Aaron Hubbard) had a good balance for the most part. There were some moments when certain individuals were noticeably louder than the others on stage, pulling from the performance. Choreography (Dance Captain – Lenny Daniel) was also classy and simple throughout the show. You could tell the Jersey Boys spent more time with the choreographer than the rest of the cast, resulting in a disparity between the two groups.
Deeply impressed by the storytelling that came from Brenda Vand Der Wiel’s Costume Design. In the beginning, everyone is in dull browns and yellows. As the story begins to unfold (and more importantly) as the group gains popularity, you can see their clothes getting nicer, bigger, fancier and flashier. All the things you would expect to see with rising celebrities. However, as the show goes on and the group continues to change, they slip into more refined and classy-looking attire. The costumes were period and believable.
Jo Winiarski’s set was an impressive system of moving pieces. Multi-faceted layers, constantly shifting to fit the new location of the show. Each humongous piece moves quickly and effortlessly, without distracting the audience. The set changes seemed to fall into the natural blocking of the show, regardless of the size of the set piece. An impressive feat of logistics from Stage Manager James O. Hansen and the crew.
Lastly, I will say that the lighting played off the set and actors in such an inspiring way. The Blues and Pink’s glistening off the whole stage is something that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. I don’t think I have ever seen a lighting design that has caught my attention more. Well done PTC and well done Christina Watanabe.
Do keep in mind that this show contains strong language. It’s a show about a group of guys from New Jersey, what do you expect?
Overall, I would highly recommend this show. It was entertaining and exciting the whole way through, exceeding my modest expectations. This is a great opening show for PTC’s 2024-2025 Season that you won’t want to miss. Come see these Jersey Boys “Walk Like A Man” at Pioneer Theatre Company this September.
- WHAT: Jersey Boys
- WHEN: Sept. 13 through 28, 2024
- WHERE: Pioneer Theatre Company, in the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre
- Tickets and info: pioneertheatre.org
Get the latest on arts and entertainment in and around Utah. And while you’re here,subscribeand get six issues ofSalt Lakemagazine, your guide to the best of life in Utah.