Jersey Boys

ACT-CT in Ridgefield,

By: Karen Isaacs - Oct 29, 2024

 

Jersey Boys is one of those shows that I never get tired of seeing. When I saw the show in 20xxx on Broadway (it was opening), I wasn’t expecting much – just another jukebox musical – but I was enchanted. I still am.

This production at ACT-CT in Ridgefield, through Sunday, Nov. 17, is a very good production. It may not be the best I’ve seen, but it features a strong cast, a ten-piece musical ensemble, and good direction by Christopher D. Betts and choreography by Emily French.

The book – the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons – by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice is one of the things that sets it above many jukebox shows. Each of the original members of the group narrates a part of the story. This allows for different perspectives on the group’s history and personalities.

Tommy DeVito (Matthew Stoke) tells the story of the group’s beginnings, “under the streetlights” in Belleville, New Jersey. DeVito was the force behind the group coming together but was later responsible for the breakup. As the show continues, we hear the perspectives of Valli, Bob Gaudio, who wrote many of the group’s hit songs, and Nick Massi, another original group member.

Gian Raffaele DiCostanzo has played Valli in numerous productions. It seems that the roles (like the roles in Million Dollar Quartet) have provided multiple employment opportunities for some performers; they travel to productions throughout the country and the world. DiCostanzo is very good. He has the vocal chops and does a great job with Valli’s big hits. He hits those falsetto notes with ease.

Bob Gaudio, who wrote some of the group’s biggest hits, is played with a casual charm by Christian Englehardt. Anthony Cangiamila, playing the stoic bassist Nick Massi, provides the humor. He has a sardonic perspective on the group, particularly on Tommy DeVito.

As Tommy, Matthew Stoke makes him too much the tough guy; we need to see some glimmer of vulnerability, which would help explain some of his actions.

Abigail McLendon, Aerie Wiliams, and Amanda Pinto play various women – from Frankie’s first wife (Aerie) to his daughter (Abigail) to his girlfriend (Mary), as well as backup singers. All are very good.

Three men portray all the other male characters. Ryan Williams is Gyp, the gangster who helps the group; Justin Michael Duval is Bob Crewe, the record producer; and Matthew Boyd Snyder is Joe Pesci, the neighborhood kid who is always around the group.

Betts makes Pesci and Crewe too stereotypical. Pesci is so frantic and fast-talking that it appears he is on speed. This also makes it difficult to understand most of what he says.

As is usual with productions at ACT–CT, the scenic design by Jack Mehler, costumes by Tristian Raines, and lighting by Charlie Morrison are excellent.

Music Director Mason Frasher leads a ten-piece ensemble.

You will enjoy this production. Tickets are available at ACTofCT.org.