Small Theatre – Really Big Show
Reviewed by Mary Alderson
We travelled to Tweed to see the opening of Jersey Boys at the Marble Arts Centre, and we couldn’t have been happier to make the trip. First, Jersey Boys is one of my favourite musicals – the story is told so creatively, and of course, the music is wonderful. More on that below. But secondly, it’s a delight to see the new addition almost complete at the Marble Arts Centre, and it is also special to see Co-Executive Director Tim Porter’s dream come true. Tim has been the driving force behind the Marble Arts Centre and it is wonderful to see his dream expand to include The Village Playhouse in Bancroft. (Extended stay at the Village Playhouse to August 31.)
This marks the sixth time I’ve seen Jersey Boys on stage, and I have to say, it is one of the best. Two things make it good: one, it is in the small, intimate Marble Arts Centre. In fact, Tim says it is probably the smallest theatre to produce this musical. With something just over 120 seats, everyone in the audience is close to the stage. When the characters narrate the plot and talk directly to the audience that intimacy gives a strong, real connection. Two, this production is very well cast. Credit goes to Director Julie Tomaino who pulled together excellent actors/singers, many of whom have had experience in Jersey Boys previously. Tomaino is also very experienced – this marks the fourth time she has directed Jersey Boys!
Jersey Boys is the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their rise (and fall) to fame and fortune. We learn the early history – Tommy DeVito and his brother Nick are bad boys – singing under street lamps, and pulling jewellery store break and enters. They hear about a young teenager who sings like an angel, Francesco (Frankie) Castelluccio, and get him to join their trio. Frankie changes his last name to Valli with an “i” not a “y” on the advice of his future wife, Mary. She says that he’s Italian so it has to be an “i” – and “y” is a b***s**t letter because it doesn’t know if it’s a vowel or a consonant. Between jail time and personnel changes, the Four Seasons eventually evolves. Tommy is the self-proclaimed leader, with Frankie, Nick Massi and later Bob Gaudio.
The story is cleverly told. The point is made early that if you ask four people, you’ll get four different stories. So, each character (the four of the original Four Seasons) narrates a section of the story. Each has a different story about how their fame and their lives unfolded. The entire musical offers a very emotional ride,
William Lincoln is brilliant as Tommy DeVito. He has the swagger of a dislikeable arrogant jerk, but yet somehow retains the hint of charm that makes Tommy tolerable. When he comes back for the finale at the Hall of Fame, he is completely forgivable.
Caleb De Pompinio is delightful as Frankie Valli. He grows before our eyes, starting out as a kid, and then progressing to where he can take charge of decisions and make his own way.
Griffin Hewitt as Bob Guadio is appropriately retiring, not really wanting to be on stage. The audience loves it when he sings “December,1963”, better known as “Oh, What a Night”, the autobiographical account of Gaudio’s, uh…, first time.
Mayson Sonntag is perfect as Nick Massi, giving us a guy going along for the ride, who realistically explodes when he gets fed up.
This strong group as the Four Seasons is supported by an equally strong cast of seven others, who all play several parts totalling over 100 characters. Of note is Liam Crober-Best who plays an excitable young Joe Pesci. There is not a weak link in the cast; they handle all their different roles with apparent ease.
It’s the songs that make Jersey Boys so entertaining. “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Walk Like a Man”, “Dawn (Go Away)”, “Beggin’”, “Rag Doll” and “Working My Way Back to You” had me singing all the way home. An audience favourite is Frankie’s first solo hit with a horn section “Can’t Take My Eyes off You”.
As Director Julie Tomaino says, “Their music transcends generations and it truly is timeless. It’s catchy and fun and exciting and you’ll be humming the songs as you exit the theatre.”
I would love to tell you to rush to Tweed to see Jersey Boys, but it’s sold out already. Still, make the call, you might be able to get a single ticket here or there. However, you will be able to catch it at The Village Playhouse in Bancroft August 13 to 24, and I can assure you it will be worth the drive.
Note: This show contains “authentic New Jersey language”. Don’t bring the kids – the show is liberally sprinkled with the f-word and other epithets, as well as adult content.
Jersey Boys continues at the Marble Arts Centre, Tweed, until August 10. It continues at The Village Playhouse in Bancroft August 13 to August 24. (Extended to August 31.) Tickets are available by calling 613-478-6060 or visit https://www.tweedandcompany.com/
Photo: Griffin Hewitt as Bob Gaudio, Caleb Di Pompinio as Frankie Valli, William Lincoln as Tommy DeVito, and Mayson Sonntag as Nick Massi. Photo by Heather Cardle.
Jersey Boys
Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio
Lyrics by Bob Crewe
Directed & Choreographed by Julie Tomaino
Musical Direction by Joey Herbison
Performed by Troy Adams, Mark Allan, Liam Crober-Best, Caleb Di Pompinio, Gabi Epstein, Griffin Hewitt, Jeremy Lapalme, William Lincoln, Mayson Sonntag, Michelle Yu, Jeannette Vannieu
August 6 to 10, 2025, Marble Arts Centre, Tweed
August 13 to 24, 2025, The Village Playhouse, Bancroft Extended to Sunday, August 31
Reviewed by Mary Alderson