North Shore Music Theatre's 'Jersey Boys' Entertains

‘Know how lucky you are to be doing something you love so much’ - Frankie Vallie

North Shore Music Theatre celebrates an encore performance of Jersey Boys. It tells how Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons emerged to stardom. The group spends countless hours in recording studios and on tour, until eventually, drama plagues the singers as their lives weigh down on them.

Just like in 2019, NSMT’s Jersey Boys captivates audiences once again. The cast did a remarkable job, capturing the essence and familiar tunes of the 1960s. Jersey Boys was before my time and in contrast to the first time I saw the show, Jersey Boys had more of an impact on me. Lead your path the way you want to and love your passions.

Chris Marsh Clark, Zane Zapata, Chris Stevens, and Aiden Cole are a stellar quartet. They each provide dramatic portrayals, excellent vocals, and impeccable chemistry. They pay tribute to the era’s iconic sound. Clark and Zapata were especially memorable. As Tommy DeVito, Clark narrates the show in strong dictation.

Zapata channels his inner Frankie Vallie, primarily the singer’s signature falsetto. His emotional performance was remarkable. Although Vallie is living out his dream, it consumes his personal life, especially his family.

The ensemble fills important roles as supporting characters. Every role matters in the theater. The ensemble has fun dancing, singing, or playing several other characters.

A few shoutouts go to Jack Gimpel (Stanly), Ellen Roberts (Francine Vallie), and Kevin B. McGlynn. McGlynn has been seen on the NSMT stage in several productions. McGlynn impressively plays an assortment of characters. You’d really believe that it’s a different actor with McGlynn’s talented transitions.

Brought to life by the excellent stage crew, the set of Jersey Boys crafts a rustic iron structure, resembling a city apartment fire escape. It represents several locations throughout the show. Furnished with a couch, it turned from a living room into a recording studio with mics appearing from the ceiling. The theater is all about imagination, which Jersey Boys pulls off.

Not only the set, but crew members enhance the musical with sound and lighting designs. No show is never put on its feet alone. The show immerses audiences, transporting them back in time. The quartet makes a quick wardrobe change into new suits, preparing for their next concert.

For those who grew up with the famous jukebox music, Jersey Boys is a nostalgic trip down memory lane. A live orchestra plays old hits like, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ ‘Walk Like a Man,’ and ‘Sherry’ the most memorable song of the evening.

Jersey Boys is a poignant tribute to the legacy of Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons. Kevin P. Hill made the right choice to bring the iconic show back to the stage. Every aspect of the production highlights several details to create an unforgettable show experience.

Hill balanced moments of triumph with vulnerability very well. The second act takes a deeper dive into the singer's personal lives. It’s important to make time for life and avoid getting lost on the brink of stardom.

It’s been five years since I last saw NSMT’s Jersey Boys and it had more of an impact on me. Just like last time, audiences applauded and some sat forward in their seats having the best time ever. These singers impacted their lives, making something to look forward to.

Jersey Boys runs on the North Shore Music Theatre stage until May 19. Buy a ticket and get transported back to a Frankie Vallie concert. You don’t want to miss it.