Review: 'Jersey Boys' in Toronto

Jersey Boys is thrilling high-energy entertainment.

At first glance it may seem to be just another "jukebox" show. The past few years there have been a number of these musicals where a series of hit songs by one artist (Queen or Abba for example) are threaded into a slender story. Sometimes the story works, as in Mamma Mia. Sometimes it is insultingly stupid as in We Will Rock You,  but rarely does it result in a show that balances dazzle with drama as in Jersey Boys.

It doesn't hurt that the score consists of 33 hit songs made famous by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The book tells a tough and true story of the rise to fame of this quartet of neighborhood thugs who sold a staggering 100 million records. The success at such a young age proves to be more than they can handle.

So Jersey Boys is another variation on the success corrupts theme. In this case, however, the script - despite a number of clichés - is an honest and hard-hitting tour through their professional ups and personal downs.

Though very much an ensemble piece, Joseph Leo Bwarie quickly establishes command of the stage with his pitch-perfect performance as Frankie Valli. On stage for virtually the entire show, Bwarie's energy and charisma allow him to create a multi-faceted portrait of this legendary performer.

Frankie Valli did not do it alone and neither does Bwarie. Jeremy Kushnier plays his mentor, surrogate brother, and permanent source of irritation, Tommy DeVito.  Kushnier does not soften any of Tommy's rough edges and creates an accurate portrait of the ultimate kid who never wants to grow up. 

Andrew Rannells has a different approach to the somewhat shy but determined Bob Gaudio, the one member of the Four Seasons who remained well grounded despite all the trappings of fame.  It's a less flashy role but Rannells captures Gaudio's undeniable talent, and his voice blends beautifully with Bwarie's. 

Steve Gouveia as Nick Massi has the character least defined in Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice's script. What is it that makes Massi quit the group at the pinnacle of its success? We never find out and the script only offers Massi's answer: he doesn't know himself. Given this handicap, Gouveia still manages to make his quarter member a strong presence.

Andrew Wilder provides exceptional musical direction; the lively choreography created by Sergio Trujillo is precisely executed. Des McAnuff directs The Whole enterprise with flare and style in a series of scenes that whisk us from locale to locale in a flash.

If only every jukebox musical were as well written and executed as Jersey Boys!

Jersey Boys is at the Toronto Centre for the Arts Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 pm with 2 pm matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. For tickets visit www.dancaptickets.com or call Ticketmaster at (416) 872-1111.