http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/musicals/memorable-mix-transcends-the-jukebox-20100919-15hsj.html?autostart=1
Living in a city with a vast array of artistic and cultural attractions, knowing that Jersey Boys has come to Sydney was no surprise. The writer has, however, used an interesting way to introduce the performers at the beginning of the article. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons are described as caesars of '60s pop who were spawned by the triumvirate of the blacks, the Jews and the Italians. For those who are not familiar with the musical, this gives them a bit of background information of the show and the history of American popular music.
The book itself is described by the writer as having snappy dialogue and bullying one-liners, which has in turned created a number of unique characters with distinct voices. This uniqueness not only appears in the four leads, but also in the supporting cast. Valli's wife, Mary, for instance, possesses a trait of sharp tongue that makes her irreplaceable by anyone else.
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| Jersey Boys performed in the Princess Theatre, Melbourne. |
If some of the acting lags slightly behind, one should devote his attention on the singing, which is how the show is defined. The writer was frank at this point, arguing that a little failing on the acting is not enough to drag the show down. The best hits such as Big Girls Don't Cry and Walk Like a Man were described as bursting onto from the stage with verve, polish and conviction, that adds vividness and colour to the article. This has recalled my experience while watching the show in Melbourne. The charm of the performers and the power of the music and lyrics are still lingering in my mind.
I agree with the writer that the inadequacy of pop songs in the musical does not evade emotional angst and trauma of the audience. I was touched while hearing the Fallen Angel, which describes Valli's feeling after his daughter's drug-overdose death. Some songs are certainly emotionally moving. I like the way the writer concluded the article. 'I'll bet many memorable songs were being sung on the way home by many a smiling face'. Undeniably, I am one of them.
Jersey Boys is now playing in Sydney. The video below shows some of the best hit songs in the musical.
Other sources:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/holiday-deals/jersey-boys-hits-sydney/story-fn561c52-1225927321012
Photo courtesy of:
Blogger's photo collection: Jersey Boys at the Princes Theatre, Melbourne (taken on 30 June, 2010)
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNbu3U-_AAU
I LOVE THE SHOW...=)
ReplyDeletemore than words!!
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