Having seen the genesis of the Des McAnuff-directed “Jersey Boys” at La Jolla Playhouse, one revels in the glorious, full-blown Broadway touring production now playing at the Civic Theatre (continuing through Nov. 11). Still playing on Broadway and soon to open a new theater in Las Vegas, “Jersey Boys” is, to put it mildly, wildly successful.
Though the Oct. 19 opening night Civic Theatre audience was more restrained than that at the Playhouse in October 2005 (there were two spontaneous-combustion standing ovations during the show), the production nonetheless benefits from one’s greater familiarity with it and from the space a larger venue allows. Musically it is tops, with the exception of diffused, diction-impaired initial numbers (“Ces Soirees-La” and “Silhouettes”) likely the fault of Civic Theatre microphones, a frequent occurrence.
Once the Four Seasons quartet, which had difficulty defining itself both in the show and in real life, gets its act together with the addition of composer/arranger/performer Bob Gaudio (lanky, likable Erich Bergen in a grand performance), the show is electric, and the character definition more clear than I remember.
Even the tragic suicide of Frankie Valli’s (Christopher Kale Jones) 22-year-old daughter (Sarah Darling) seems more poignant than in the show’s premiere, perhaps due to rewriting and perhaps to better acting. Bergen and Jones and the other two Jersey Boys “” Vista-raised Deven May as the belligerent Tommy DeVito and San Diego’s own Steve Gouveia as Nick Massi “” seem bonded beyond mere on-stage camaraderie. They achieve a fine sound as the phenomenal foursome climbs from trying to get attention, to enormous success, to breakup, to reunion as inductees into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
The rags to riches tale is told from four or more viewpoints, and the warts on each real man are apparent, Frankie’s womanizing and DeVito’s gambling in particular. Joseph Siravo, who plays other roles as well, provides a grand and benevolent Mafia don in Gyp DeCarlo, and the company members, who perform vocals and even instrumental riffs, lend excellent support. John Altieri is also effective as record producer Bob Crewe.
Those who love the Four Seasons’ hits “” “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “My Eyes Adored You” and Valli’s “Fallen Angel” ” are transported, and those who did not grow up listening to them are new devotees.
Because Valli’s tessitura is so high, Jones sings only six of eight performances per week. Even so, the music critic finds that mid-voice his instrument takes on a dry character, very edgy and unpleasant, almost nasal but not placed in the nose, though the highs are phenomenal, as they should be. It’s not an easy thing to embody the sound that came so naturally to Valli, who still performs at age 72.
Appropriately, the show ends with the Four Seasons’ reunion at the Hall of Fame, following which each takes the spotlight and delivers a historical footnote to the rest of his character’s life. Hokey, maybe, but by then you really care.
Since these guys raised themselves on the mean streets of Jersey, parents are advised that the language is not appropriate for children.
The Civic Theatre is located at 1100 Third Ave. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call (619) 220-TIXS.