As Close to the Broadway Play as Possible!

Rating: 8/10 (14 July 2014)

I had my trepidation's along with Frankie Valli about movie adaptations from the Broadway stage productions but Jersey Boys does not disappoint. From the Get go Jersey boys has an energy and a fast pace avoiding drawn out Chatty scenes as seen through the eyes of Tommy DeVito (played by Vincent Piazza),the street smart full of himself tough Jersey youth. Enter our main star Frankie Valli,(John Lloyd Young), a young green 16 year old hair dresser, dripping behind his young virgin ears and into the life of Petty theft, Mob bosses and Nightclubs.Our third character of the group is Tommy's best friend and sidekick, lanky and soft spoken Nick Massi. This a journey into the world of Rock and roll working small seedy venues throughout New Jersey, Brill Building and finally meeting with flowery record producer Bob Crewe who gave those three a foot in the door. The final piece of the puzzle was a creative unassuming clean-cut songwriter Bob Gaudio played by Erich Bergen. Guadio's lyrics seemed to click as the Four Seasons recordings take off to the young masses. Fame and fortune comes swiftly to the boys but unbeknownst to the group Tommy gets involved with mob ties and money trouble as the story unfolds. Another beautiful aspect of our tale is the observance of our lead singer Frankie as we watch him develop from a young boy from Bellville,New Jersey to a top notch performer/celebrity. Frankie's ongoing problems during his career was like all singers/musicians was juggling family and work.Another bright spot in this movie is new-comer Renee Marino who acts like a seasoned veteran actor. Battling alcoholism and fallout with troubled daughter Francine shows the hardships and reality of having a famous parent.Despite all the to molt, the story has a nice flow. Christopher Walken adds some comic relief as the local Mafia Don and surprise cameos by Barry Livingston and Billy Gardell give this story some texture. How does this movie end? With some applause!!