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.

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.