Jersey Boys – Bradford Alhambra

Back in fifties New Jersey there were three ways out of poverty – the army, getting mobbed up or become a pop star.

Frankie Valli and his three mates formed The Four Seasons to take what they thought would be the easy option. But as well as massive hits like Sherry and Big Girls Don’t Cry, this surprisingly gritty tale of the perils of rags to riches pop stardom is not without its mob connection.

Street hustler Tommy Devito is also a musician and discovers a vocal winning lottery ticket in Frankie Valli’s distinctive falsetto. Throw in the genius of songwriter Bob Gaudio and you have the Four Seasons who become the best selling boy band of all time with a string of hits.  But like all successful bands they are brought  down to earth thanks to internecine rivalries, ego and the troubled Devito’s huge debt to the mob and the IRS.

Unlike most jukebox musicals that touch on darkness Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice’s book is brutally honest, pulling no punches as none of the quartet are angels.  They are perceptive around the hidden cost of fame and how you never really escape your roots no matter how many number ones you have. It’s to the band’s credit they were prepared to be so honest, and then if you’re thinking of bringing younger kids along then beware as the language is fruity throughout.

Anyone who has listened to any greatest hits radio station will be familiar with Gaudio’s clever pop songs and that utterly unique voice. Valli had a range to die for and it’s no wonder him hitting the really high notes saw the band hit the top of the Billboard charts. Not surprisingly this was a mature audience who applauded heartedly when they heard the hits that defined their youth, but younger folk were tapping their feet too. 

Luke Baker warms nicely into Valli and his full throated rendition of their atypical later megahit Can’t Take My Eyes Off You is a genuine showstopper. Carlo Boumouglbay had the required rough diamond charm as the shameless Devito, and like the other leads nails the cheesy dance steps that were so much a part of sixties boy bands schtick.

Lewis Kennedy subtly teases out the eccentricities of taciturn deep voiced bassist Nick Massi who contributed so much to their early hits.  In a clever tonal shift, the writers turn Toby Miles’ earnest Gaudio into the narrator supplementing Devoto as power in the band shifts.

Backed by a really tight band who have to contend with the shifts in Gaudio’s songwriting style all four leads are top quality singers and given the importance of the harmonies in The Four Seasons sound are all pin sharp. The hard working ensemble play a dizzying array of characters as the narrative relentlessly moves along and Michael Levi camps it up beautifully as flamboyant producer Bob Crewe.

This may be a jukebox musical but it’s one with balls and heart. Frankie Valli is still on the road, and this hit Boardway and West End show reminds us why The Four Seasons were voted in as early members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as their peers knew just how good they were.

Jersey Boys is at Bradford Alhambra until Saturday 1st August. To book 01274 432000 or www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

Reviewer: Paul Clarke

Reviewed: 21st July 2026

North West End UK Rating: