If you’ve seen this production before, be prepared for a little upping of the risqué factor here in Las Vegas.  The language is a little coarser, making it, some would argue, a little more authentic.  It’s Jersey, after all.

But the story and the music is the same:  the evolution of the music and the careers of kids from Jersey trying to carve out some success.

Part theater and part concert performance, Jersey Boys tells the story of the The Four Seasons, the boy band from the wrong side of the Jersey tracks.  The story is told by, and from the point of view of, four different narrators.  Each narrator represents one of the four seasons, and one of The Four Seasons, as they tell the story of the different goals and self interests that fueled their careers.

The first acts tells the story of some bumbling guys from Jersey trying to carve out a life in music.  When one of the guys gets sent off to prison, Frankie Valli starts fronting for the group, bringing a wide vocal range and an impressive falsetto.  Still, until the group met up with songwriter Bob Gaudio (Who Wears Short Shorts?), success eluded them.

Valli and Gaudio formed a songwriting partnership on the basis on a handshake.  In a world of contracts and lawyers it’s hard to believe that the partnership continues today – on that same handshake.  The partnership lead to successful times during the 60’s,with songs like Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Walk Like a Man.  They were clean cut and establishment during a counter-culture era, but the fans loved them.

In the second act we learn that life was not all top ten hits and adoring fans for The Four Seasons.  There were very dark times of gambling (how ironic for a Vegas show), criminal conduct, drinking, womanizing and ruined marriages,and death.  The Four Seasons broke up, to be replaced by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.  The music from this stage of their careers was different, too, with hits like Stay, Let’s Hang On (to What We’ve Got) and Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry About Me).

The show came to its conclusion with one final song, the cast took its bows as the audience was on its feet in thunderous applause.  At that moment, it wasn’t theater, it was a concert. And we weren’t willing to let the bad leave the stage without an encore.

Jersey Boys performs at The Palazzo on Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7 pm.  Tuesday & Saturday at 6:30 and 9:30 pm. The theater is dark on Wednesday.  Tickets start around $65 (plus tax and handling fees), and a variety of room/ticket packages and VIP seating options are available.  The performance last about two hours, with a short break between acts.  You can purchase tickets for Jersey Boys online, through the box office on site, or through your hotel concierge.

Whether you grew up in this era, or are hearing the music of The Four Seasons for the first time, you’ll be caught up in it.  Caught up in the story of the music — and the music that is the story.  Oh what a night!

Image credit: Amazon

Post from: Fly Away Cafe