JERSEY BOYS 2022 REVIEW
TRAFALGAR THEATRE, LONDON
SATURDAY 23RD APRIL 2022 @ 2.30PM
***** 5/5
It’s been a long time coming to see Jersey Boys again having not seen it since 2019. My dad introduced me to the Four Seasons so it always feels very nostalgic. I headed to the Trafalgar Theatre and here’s what I thought of the show in my Jersey Boys 2022 review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
Considering my relationship with jukebox musicals, this is one of the few that I actually enjoy. It feels more like a biographical musical, rather than a jukebox. It has a developed storyline and you get to learn more about the artists. When I saw it was returning to the West End, I knew I had to grab a ticket.
After debating what to watch, I managed to grab a £25 day rush ticket on TodayTix for the front row! I’ve never sat front row before so I was sceptical as to what my view would be like. When I arrived at the theatre, I was thrilled with my view. I didn’t have to crane my neck too much. The legroom is amazing too.
THE CAST
Usually, I opt for female-led shows. Jersey Boys is the exception to that rule. I’ll start by saying this is one of the most handsome casts I’ve ever seen. Seriously, everyone is attractive in this show.
The best part of this show is how well the four leading men blend together. Each of them has very distinctive looks and personalities. When they come together, they make the most beautiful sound.
FRANKIE VALLI
Starting with Frankie Valli, Matteo Johnson played him beautifully. Despite a few microphone problems in places, Johnson as Valli started off naive. He definitely discovers that he’s the main reason they’re successful. As a first cover, he’s worthy of taking the role full-time in my eyes.
BOB GAUDIO
The real MVP of the quartet is Bob Gaudio, played by Adam Bailey. He writes and produces their music. He basically made their sound into what we know it is today. Bailey might have a babyface (much like myself) but his Gaudio is wise beyond his years. His and Johnson’s voices blend beautifully in Cry for Me. His rendition of Oh What a Night is beautifully sung. It’s also incredibly funny in its staging and storyline.
NICK MASSI
Mark Isherwood as Nick Massi is another first cover but he was made for this role. It turns out he’s just about played every role in the show over the years. It’s safe to say he knows the show better than most! I’d say he has some of the funniest lines despite him being the quietest member of the group. Isherwood plays Massi very cool and nonchalant with the driest sense of humour.
TOMMY DEVITO
However, my favourite cast member has to be Benjamin Yates as Tommy Devito. He’s meant to be the villain during several parts but it’s impossible to boo or hate Yates! He’s the one who starts off the show. Whilst he’s a bit of a lovable rogue, Yates is a proper triple threat. I couldn’t tell if he broke character in one part as we all laughed at a joke. It was certainly funny though so we can let him off! I’ll be looking out for him in future roles. He deserves to be a leading man for years to come!
THE SUPPORTING CAST
Whilst the four leading men certainly cover the most ground in the show, the ensemble and supporting cast are just as incredible too. Ben Irish as Bob Crewe (and others) has some of the funniest dialogue throughout. I’m 100% sure he’s the long lost twin of the guy who played Colin in Pretty Little Liars/Adam in Glee too.
Andy Smith as Joe Pesci and Jack Campbell as Gyp Decarlo are also hilarious despite not being given tonnes of stage time as these characters. Both are covers for these roles and you couldn’t tell. It really was impressive how these covers were seamless in their roles.
THE PRODUCTION
Obviously, the soundtrack is the highlight of Jersey Boys. I wish we got some longer musical numbers but it’s a good blend of music and story. You get a bit of history into the creation of some songs as well as some background on each character. The show is split into four seasons too, which I love, so each leading man gets a star moment.
The set itself is industrialised with a wire backdrop and stairs throughout. It means you can focus on the performers. The scenery and props aren’t distracting either but enhance the plot.
FINAL THOUGHTS
One final note: seeing a West End show is not a karaoke session. I’ve paid to see the performers do what they do best, not Tone Deaf Tracey in the row behind. I appreciate Jersey Boys has some iconic music. However, I shouldn’t be able to hear you over the performers. This cast is the best of the best. You should definitely allow them to shine! You should also minimise the talking too whilst you’re at it. Talk during the interval if you need to!
I’d advise anyone to get front row tickets too as you’ll feel really involved. Be prepared to sing and dance along at the end too. I was tempted to join in with the full choreography but I refrained from doing so!
In all seriousness though, spending the night/afternoon out with Jersey Boys is an absolute treat. I’m hoping it won’t be my last visit to the Trafalgar Theatre. It’s not a huge cast but they fill the stage with their incredible talents. I genuinely think it’s a show not to be missed. It’s only on until October so book while you can.
If you enjoyed this Jersey Boys 2022 review, read some of my other theatre reviews here. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter for more stagey trips too. Stay tuned for three more reviews of my long stagey weekend in London.
