Melbourne
Observer
$2
NEW WBIZ ★ LIFES TYLE ★ TR AVEL ★ FEA TURES ★ BARGAINS ★ SPORT NEWSS ★ SHO SHOWBIZ LIFESTYLE TRA FEATURES
Melbourne
95
ISSN 1447 4611
Observer
Ph 1800 231 311 Fx 1800 231 312
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019
VICTORIA’S INDEPENDENT WEEKLY NEWSPAPER
50TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION $2.95
STATE EDITION Vol 51 No 1725 SERVING VICTORIA SINCE 1969
including GST
OH, WHAT A NIGHT STANDING OVATION
● Ryan Gonzalez (Frankie Valli), Cameron MacDonald (Tommy DeVito), Thomas McGuane (Bob Gaudio) and Glaston Toft (Nick Massi) in Jersey Boys. Photo: Jeff Busby.
■ Melburnians dressed in cocktail attire to welcome back Jersey Boys, for the third time in 10 years. The Regent Theatre was packed to full capacity and the final standing ovation left no doubt that our city loves Jersey Boys and warmly embraces its return. This interpretation of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons’ story is slicker and more energy-pumped. Some shortened song versions ensure we whiz through the highs and lows of the remarkable story of the four boys from a tough New Jersey neighbourhood who formed the iconic 1960s rock group. Based on the book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe, the storytelling is democratically presented from the individual perspective of each group member. Thanks to Sergio Trujillo’s dynamic choreography, the show’s physicality complements the strength of the great vocals under Luke Hunter’s musical direction. It is terrific to see home-bred and trained young Australian performers excelling in professional musical theatre and there are triple threats aplenty. Ryan Gonzalez is outstanding as Frankie Valli, capturing the man as
well as the performer. Cameron MacDonald (larrikin Tommy Devito), Thomas McGuane (Bob Gaudio) and Glaston Toft (Nick Massi) beau tifully bring their characters alive to immerse us in their fortyyear story. The adverse effect of the group’s touring on partners and families is well portrayed by vivacious Christina D’Agostino (Frankie’s wife Mary). The versatile cast depicts various characters and I particularly enjoyed Joshua Mulheran’s personable performance as young, future actor Joe Pesci. Jersey Boys is classed as a jukebox musical, but it seems more than that. Autofictional with narrators taking part in the story as characters, but we learn of the motivation behind some of the song-writing, the unglamorous side of performing and affect on relationships This first-class musical theatre production could be enjoyed by all ages if some unnecessary swear words (questionable for the 1960s) are deleted. If over 12, be sure not to miss Jersey Boys. Bookings: www.ticketmaster. com.au - Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Great apartments in Cairns
Argosy On The Beach ● See 46 67 Turn ToPage Page
Book direct 07 4055 3333 www.argosycairns.com Turn to Page 25 Turn To Page 59
Old Victorian Fencing 35 Moore Rd, Airport West Phone: 9335 2501 oldvictiorianfencing.com.au
Grosvenor in Cairns Holiday Apartments Fully Self Contained 1 and 2 bedroom apartments Looking to escape the cold this winter; then head on up to Cairns - always warm!
● See advert, back page
Visit www.grosvenorcairns.com.au or email info@grosvenorcairns.com.au
or ring 1800 629 179
Camberwell Sewing Centre
LATEST SPECIALS
Turn to Turn ToPage Page2827
Sellers of fine antiques, vintage and collectables at affordable prices. Free shipping around Australia. Contact us for details. www.marpleantiques.com.au Call Us: 0408 270 289 Email Us: admin@ marpleantiques.com.au