Jersey Boys - A New West End Treat!

On a more upbeat note from the peace demonstration (see previous post), our Ides of March outing was more than saved when we were fortunate enough to get seats at a pre-opening performance of Jersey Boys playing at the Prince Edward. This play about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons has achieved rave reviews from La Jolla, California where it was first staged, all the way to Broadway. We sat by some of the producers who were anxiously awaiting the reaction of the theatre patrons in hopes that the show will now play as well in the West End.

The all British cast must have spent a lot of time with accent coaches, because the New Jersey accents were spot on! It always amazes me how one does this, because even though we've lived in the UK now for the better part of almost 12 years, no one would take me for a local. I guess that Tennessee accent is just a little tough to wash out!

But the show was terrific. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and as the old saying goes, "the joint was rocking!" The brilliance of the original musical talent behind the group came through and was well represented as song after song whisked us into a trance of nostalgic enjoyment.

The entire cast and show were wonderful, but I would be remiss if I did not point out especially Paul Ayres and Stephen Ashfield. Paul was actually a 2nd understudy for the role of Frankie Valli, but he has a great talent and allowed it to come forth in an amazing performance this afternoon. The last few songs in particular were outstanding and left the audience on their feet begging for more!

And Stephen's performance in the role of Bob Gaudio displayed a natural talent that will go very far. He was as at ease on the stage as if he were at a cocktail party among friends.

All in all it is a show not to be missed. And, be sure to buy a programme, as there is a lot of detail about how the play came to be and the history of the group. Jersey Boys opened Tuesday, 18th March 2008 at London's Prince Edward Theatre.

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