When the crowd stays standing well after the curtain call, obviously reluctant to leave the theatre, it would be fair to assume that the audience loved the show.
Opening at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC (5 January), ‘Jersey Boys’ tells the inspirational, emotional and – at times – harrowing journey of one of the world’s most iconic bands.
The responsibility to retell a real life story should not be underestimated and this production more than rose to the task – handling the ups and downs of the band’s rise to fame and the ensuing dramas with grit and a heartfelt honesty.
Heading up a strong and passionate cast was Ryan Gonzalez as Frankie, bringing an endearing depth and contagious enthusiasm to the role. As the central force in the show, it’s imperative that this role be filled by someone compelling, engaging and with bucketloads of charisma – and Ryan brought all that and more.
The entire production was sharp and slick and sexy – the songs pitch perfect and the dance moves mesmerising. Lighting was dramatic, staging was minimal but effective and costumes were bold yet believable. It was hard to look away and the packed house stayed connected to the cast for the entirety of the show.
There’s something powerful about the combination of nostalgia, youthful bravado and catchy tunes – and ‘Jersey Boys’ has created a magic formula with those elements that produced an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss it.
