'JERSEY BOYS' at the Kennedy Center: A Spectacular Behind-The-Music Story
Matt Faucher, Devon Goffman, Jon Hacker, and Eric Chambliss in ‘Jersey Boys.’ Photo by Joan Marcus.
By Vanessa Perez
Tony Award-winning, ‘Jersey Boys‘ immersed its Kennedy Center audience into a world of dive bars and recording studios in a behind-the-music story of phenom, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. This American rock band and international music sensation was cast and played by Jon Hacker (Frankie Valli), Eric Chambliss (Bob Gaudio), Matt Faucher (Nick Massi), and Devon Goffman (Tommy DeVito).
The audience was captivated by tight harmonies like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Beggin’,” and “Working My Way Back To You.” Understudy, Justin Albinde gave a compelling Frankie Valli performance with outstanding vocals that earned him a standing ovation at the end of the night. Skillful vocal performances by cast members Eric Chambliss (Bob Gaudio), Matt Faucher (Nick Massi), and Devon Goffman (Tommy DeVito) were notable as explosive energy, and fraternal chemistry was at the heart of this nostalgic production.
Favorite audience numbers were “Sherry,” “Oh What A Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” and ““Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” evidenced by the huge applause at the end of each number. The harmonies were concise, and each lead’s performance contributed to the unity of the ensemble. Members of the audience could be seen mouthing along to the words, and watching in amazement as these songs were brought to life.
Eric Chambliss, Jon Hacker, Devon Goffman, Matt Faucher, and the Company of ‘Jersey Boys.’ Photo by Joan Marcus.
The play was written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and directed by Des McAnuff. The choreography was created by Sergio Trujillo. Music by Bob Gaudio, and lyrics by Bob Crewe. Music Supervision, Vocal/Dance Arrangements, Incidental Music by Ron Melrose, and Orchestrations by Steve Orich. Set designing was created by Klara Zieglerova, and costume designing by Jess Goldstein.
Running Time: Two hours 40 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Jersey Boys plays through June 26, 2022, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Eisenhower Theater, 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC. Tickets ($49–$159) can be purchased online.
COVID Safety: Masks are required for all patrons inside all theaters during performances at the Kennedy Center.
CAST
Eric Chambliss: Bob Gaudio
Matt Faucher: Nick Massi
Devon Goffman: Tommy DeVito
Jon Hacker/Justin Albinder: Frankie Valli
Jared Chinnock: Swing
Amy Coelho: Francine and others
Kenneth Quinney Francoeur: Swing
Katie Goffman: Mary Delgado and others, Dance Captain
Antonio King: Berry Belson and others
Connor Lyon: Lorraine and others
Kevin Patrick Martin: Hank Majewski, Norm Waxman and others, Fight Captain
Sean Mcgee: Bob Crewe and others
Madison Mcgrew: Swing
Hamilton Moore: Swing
Alec Michael Ryan: Gyp DeCarlo and others
ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Des Mcanuff
Book: Marshall Brickman
Book: Rick Elice
Composer: Bob Gaudio
Lyricist: Bob Crewe
Choreographer: Sergio Trujillo
Music Supervision, Vocal/Dance Arrangements and Incidental Music: Ron Melrose
Scenic Design: Klara Zieglerova
Jess Goldstein: Costume Design
Lighting Design: Howell Binkley
Sound Design: Steve Canyon Kennedy
Projection Design: Michael Clark
Hair and Wig Design: Charles Lapointe
Fight Director: Steve Rankin
Steve Orich: Orchestrations
John Miller: Music Coordinator
Noah Turner: Music Director
Tara Rubin Casting: Casting
Michael Bello: Associate Director
Danny Austin: Associate Choreographer
Vanessa Perez is a summer intern at DCTRENDING and Sophomore at Boston University.