Jersey Boys bring on a new cast at Trafalgar Theatre

The history of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons may not be universally known, but their songs have reached across the globe, with many artists remixing and covering them. Jersey Boys brings us the real background of how a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group began on the streets of Jersey, and the stories of each of its four members. Tommy DeVito (Benjamin Yates), Bob Gaudio (Andy Smith), Nick Massi (Karl Wilson) and Frankie Valli (Luke Suri) all take turns in the spotlight in this revival at the Trafalgar Theatre.

Suri, who had recently been an alternate for Frankie Valli on the UK tour, takes on the main role in this cast change and proves, from the very first song, why he has been chosen for such an iconic role. He manages to emulate the unique falsetto of Frankie Valli almost effortlessly but also adds his particular flair to the portayal.

The musical begins with the “leader” of the band, Tommy DeVito (Benjamin Yates), taking the audience through the humble beginnings of the Four Seasons. Though it becomes clear that many of the issues the group faced were caused by DeVito, the boyish charm showcased by Yates humanises the character, making him a flawed, but loveable. 

The audience is then ushered through the show by Bob Gaudio, who is usually played by Adam Bailey, but for this performance understudy Andy Smith took on the mantle. That said, without looking at the programme, it would have been impossible to know: the performance was flawless and his chemistry with Suri on stage made the friendship between Valli and Gaudio even more believable.

Though referred to as the “Ringo” of the band, the character of Nick Massi (Karl Wilson) is integral to the show, and Wilson does a good job of keeping the audience entertained with very few words and many facial expressions. His low vocal register is brought out best in iconic numbers like Big Girls Don’t Cry and Walk Like a Man, where the singer is really able to shine.

It is interesting to see how this show has been adapted for its new home in the West End, however, none of the changes detract from the fabulous voices reverberating around the stage. What makes all this possible – aside from the crew behind the scenes – are all of the actors on stage, who take on multiple roles throughout. To name a few, Joey Cornish, Matthew Goodgame and Kevin Fullnick are all indispensable.

Jersey Boys is an incredible night out for those in need of a feel-good story and a good sing and dance along (at the end!). It works so well because it is laid bare and, as Valli puts it, “When everything drop[s] away and all there was, was the music – that was the best.” The music is what made the Four Seasons successful, so it is fitting that this is what the audience will take away with them due to the top calibre artists on-stage.

Natallia Pearmain

Jersey Boys is at Trafalgar Theatre from 10^th August until 30^th April 2023. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Read our interview with owner and producer Howard Panter here.

Watch a trailer for the show here: