Is it too early to gush?

My Eyes Adored You

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Photo credit: Joan Marcus

The National Theater played host to Jersey Boys for the second time in two years, premiering on Saturday, November 12th.   Is it too early to gush?  Would it be unprofessional?   Let me just note, the day we become complacent about stuff like this?  That would probably mean we’re in a place no one would want to visit.

Finale

Jersey Boys, the touring Broadway wonder has hit the National Theater for a run that will take place from now until January 7th.  So why go?  Are you KIDDING me?  Let’s just say you have been in another dimension for the last over 40 years and have no idea who The Four Seasons are.  Let’s just say you are totally without any sense of rhythm.  Let’s just say you can listen to this music without having an earworm that will last for at least 3 weeks,  No to all.

This show features the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, illustrating their rise to fame through all the trials and tribulations of … well  … New Jersey to world-wide fame.  We won’t divulge more, lest we become spoilers.

The ladies of Jersey Boys

Many of this cast were here with the touring company a couple of years ago, and shockingly, have not become bored nor jaded, describing how each matinee and evening is a labor of love.  I believe them.  Who wouldn’t want to, if we had the talent, tell this story of courage, tenacity and talent on a nightly basis?  Who wouldn’t want to sing these songs out loud?  Show of hands.  I join you.

While this isn’t Ibsen or Tolstoy, it is a romp through the ups and downs of real human lives, told with humor, sensitivity and certainly hit music.  It’s surprisingly fun with some starkly dramatic moments.  It’s human.  And it’s non-fiction.  Sorry for the judgment, but you’d have to be made of wood not to enjoy this.  One word: Go.

The Cast at Carmines

Incidentally—the after party after Saturday’s premiere was held at Carmine’s, where the cast joined us mere mortals and a good time, as always, was had by all.   

They are as marvelous as themselves as they are as their characters….and that, after an evening on stage, is a tribute.

Welcome to DC, Jersey Boys.  Doo…dooo….dooo…dooo …  Who loves you?