New Jersey Nights (UK Tour)
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 22nd October 2013
New Jersey Nights pays tribute to the career of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Not to be confused with the West End production of Jersey Boys, the only similarity between the two is that they feature the same musical numbers. If you take New Jersey Nights for what it is - a cheap but cheerful fun night out featuring a high quality cast - you will have the time of your life, like the people of Aylesbury certainly had last night.
Damion Scarcella, Simon Schofield, Jon Hawkins and Ricky Rojas lead the cast as the four singers. Their harmonies cannot be faulted. Each of the four had their moment in the spotlight and took turns to guide the audience through the career of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Emma Rogers' choreography is mostly appropriate, although I do not have a clue what the three female dancers were doing in minimal clothing during 'Big Girls Don't Cry', it looked most bizarre.
A particular highlight during the first act was a solo number performed by Jon Hawkins who demonstrated effortless vocals. Simon Schofield then impressed during 'Walk Like A Man' which closed the first half, his range is unbelievable. The four put their own spin on most of the numbers, giving the show extra flare but without losing any of the original magic.
Sometimes these concert style shows can be very cringey and over rehearsed. While New Jersey Nights certainly has its moments, overall the production is slick and smooth. Direct address isn't overused and it's occasionally interesting to hear about different moments from the group's career. The chemistry between Damion Scarcella, Simon Schofield, Jon Hawkins and Ricky Rojas seems to be very natural, they were having a great time which rubbed off onto the audience.
The evening came to a close with a megamix (of course) which brought almost the entire audience to their feet. Everybody was dancing and singing without a care in the world and I noticed some truly impressive moves. If you love the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and are prepared to take New Jersey Nights for what it is you will have a fun-filled night. You will not find a better Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons tribute show.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
New Jersey Nights runs at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Saturday 26th October 2013.
Please visit www.newjerseynights.co.uk for further information and tickets.
Please visit www.newjerseynights.co.uk for further information and tickets.
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