'Jersey Boys' Brings Harmony to Mill Mountain

From the moment they burst upon the stage, fully in song, the faux Four Seasons had Mill Mountain Theatre’s vocal, enthusiastic full house in a bear hug. And they didn’t let go for the full 2 ½ hours of this theatrical biography.

“Jersey Boys” tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, a 1960s pop music vocal group that was a huge hit on Broadway, winning Best Musical Tony and Olivier Awards. This version stars four veteran pros: Lake Wilburn as Frankie, the focal point of the story; Jarrett Jay Yoder as Tommy, the manipulative, irresponsible founder of the group; Rhys Williams as steady Nick; and Kenneth Francoeur as the redoubtable Bob Gaudio, the group’s creative genius. Gaudio was in MMT’s “West Side Story” as Tony previously.

(Let me caution the skittish that the production is salted with course language, the kind Jersey Boys of the 1960s would likely speak.)

They are supported by a large cast of singers/dancers, most of whom play multiple parts, and a six-piece house band that keeps the pace lively. The staging, with a spare set, is more functional than gaudy and the 1960s costuming is often stunning, always atmospheric, and never distracting. The lighting is, appropriately, almost a character in the play, throwing up stark backlighting occasionally to emphasize the power of a particular piece.

Kristen Brooks Standler does yeoman’s work as director/choreographer in this big, complex production.

The 'Jersey Boys' in rehearsal.

“Jersey Boys” is the oft-told story of four blue-collar teenagers from northern New Jersey who find their calling with their distinctive vocal harmony, featuring the falsetto range of Valli, who was the focal point—and the group’s very definition—from the beginning. It is a musical feast, but also a personal story of a roller-coaster ride of sudden fame, a backslide, and changes, but always the music.

“Jersey Boys” was as much fun for watching this older crowd mouthing the words of the songs and clapping to the beat as it was hearing the familiar sounds of Four Seasons songs (“Sherry,” “Big Boys Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” etc.) and Valli’s high pitch. It was often eerie how much these four actors blended into very close proximity to the originals.

“Jersey Boys” inspired a long, raucous standing ovation, which was well deserved. This is one of the most enjoyable MMT productions in a while. You can reserve tickets ranging in price from $26.50 to $48.50, at 540-342-5740.