Time to break out the pomade and start rehearsing those four-part harmonies. Jersey Boys is headed to Little Rock.
The musical tells the back story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, a Jersey-based pop band that made music inroads with hits like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll” and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night).” The show premiered on Broadway in 2005 and has been touring steadily since and racking up awards, including the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical. New York Times theater critic Ben Brantley once described the show as a mix of Dreamgirls and Goodfellas, and it’s an apt comparison. While the tracks in this musical are decidedly upbeat and familiar, the plot line isn’t nearly as bubbly.
“It’s realistic and part of what those four guys went through is such that we don’t recommend it as a family show,” says Ed Payton, CEO of Celebrity Attractions, which books touring Broadway shows in the area. “It’s not gratuitous stuff, but it’s part of the story they’re telling. You’re not going to say, ‘Aw, shucks.’”
The official tour page for Jersey Boys likes to call the content “authentic Jersey language,” so, there’s that. But while the show might not be one for tots, it is a good option for the “I-don’t-do-musicals” set. No weird songs you’ve never heard before. Familiar names. Joe Pesci.
“The story is an incredibly compelling one, just fascinating how many connections they had to other stars,” Payton says. “One of the key people is Tommy DeVito, who is related to Danny DeVito.”
Actor Joe Pesci was a friend of the band as it was forming in New Jersey. Pesci served as a producer of the original show and is portrayed as a character in the show, though not by himself (bummer).
Payton says he first saw the show shortly after it opened on Broadway and has seen it several times since. If you’re not convinced on the staying power of this show, just take a listen to the soundtrack (available to stream on Spotify). Try to get “December, 1963” out of your head. Just try.
Jersey Boys is scheduled for shows Wednesday through Sunday at Robinson Center Music Hall. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster for $35-$145.