Oh What a Night

Jersey Boys
Broadway in Chicago

The current open-ended run in Chicago tells the story of the Four Seasons and Frankie Valli. While many of these musicals that pose as a cover band for famous music group this production combines great music with an interesting story line. The play covers the formation and rise to fame of the group including their crime ridden beginning that kept members going in and out of jail. The first act plays a little like small time mafia movie. The second act turns to a more human story as the original group breaks up and we follow the career of Valli.

Dominic Scaglione Jr. soars as Valli and fills every note with gusto. His voice is excellent and can carry all of the the difficult songs. Shonn Wiley also stands out in an endearing performance as Bob Guardio.

While not an earth-shattering piece of art, it doesn't have to be. The music takes everyone back to a previous era. And whether-or-not your are reliving your own memories or calling to mind stories told to you by your parents, the story is delightful and cannot help but make you have a good time. Everyone walking out of the theatre seemed to be smiling.


Happy Birthday: Caryl Churchill (b. 1938), Helen Wagner (1918-2010) & Sally Benson (1897-1972)