The rags-to-riches story Jersey Boys, which chronicles the career highs and lows of Frankie Valli and the Four Season, made its Broadway debut in 2005, racking up four Tony Awards (including Best Musical), spinning off international versions and launching a US tour in 2006 which is still on the road today. Now director Clint Eastwood brings that show to the big screen with several cast members from Broadway or touring companies reprising their roles.

The story, if you’re not familiar, traces the origin of the group that became known as The Four Seasons. Tommy DeVito (Vincent Piazza) has a band that performs in a local nightclub in Belleville, NJ. One night he gives friend Frankie Castelluccio (John Lloyd Young) a shot at singing with the group and brings him in as their lead (and Frankie changes his name to Vally and then Valli). When their friend Joey Pesci (yes, that Joe Pesci, played by Joseph Russo) introduces Tommy, Frankie and Nick Massi (Michael Lomenda) to songwriter Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen), who had a hit song when he was 15, Frankie decides he should be an equal partner in the group, very much against Tommy’s wishes. Needless to say, Frankie was right but not everything was sunshine and roses as Tommy dug himself and the group into a financial hole that Frankie vowed to get them out of.

Jersey Boys, the movie, follows the stage musical fairly closely save for some extra expository scenes at the beginning of the movie. But the movie is just missing something that makes the show so wonderful, and it’s just that lack of energy that you get when this great music performed live on stage. The film itself is oddly quiet for the most part, with very little musical underscoring during the non-singing scenes. Perhaps Eastwood felt a score would take away from the songs, but it just makes the movie feel a bit empty and lifeless.

The performances are quite good across the board, with Young reprising his Tony Award winning role as Frankie … although it’s a little hard to buy him as a 16-year-old at the film’s start. His Frankie Valli is the group’s, and the film’s, anchor but he seems to always have the weight of the world on his shoulders. Even when he sings with that amazing voice, he rarely smiles. Even looking through all of the press photos, I could not find a single instance of him smiling. And Eastwood claims the actors all sang live on set, but there are times when that seems questionable (and the credits list many of the songs as “performed by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons” which makes the situation even more curious).

Piazza bring the most spark to his role as the volatile Tommy and Renée Marino, reprising her Broadway role as Mary Delgado (eventually Mrs. Valli), also brings some much needed fire to her scenes with Young. Russo does a pretty good young Joe Pesci, but the actor who will probably get the most notice is Mike Doyle for his flamboyant portrayal of writer/producer Bob Crewe. Some may say it’s a bit too over-the-top, but Doyle plays the role pretty much as it was played on stage, and with input from Valli and Gaudio, the depiction is probably accurate.

Eastwood directs the film with little flash, restraining himself from incorporating a lot of modern camera moves and quick edits during the musical numbers which is fitting for the era. The film is production designed perfectly, and cinematographer Tom Stern gives the film a very muted, almost sepia-toned palette. For the most part, the musical segments sound terrific, but things go horribly awry at what should be the film’s big moment.

In the stage version, when Frankie performs his signature song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” it’s a moment that is meant to give you goosebumps as he gets to the chorus and a full orchestra is revealed. In the movie, that reveal comes off a little more awkwardly because Eastwood is shooting the reveal too much in close-up. But that’s not the worst of it. The audio mix is atrocious, and the song has been re-orchestrated to include some brash, sharp, too loud saxophones which almost make your ears bleed, and they completely omitted that signature Bob Crewe musical touch that tells you it’s a Bob Crewe song (and if you’ve ever heard the music Crewe did for the movie Barbarella, you’ll know what I’m talking about). It was a terribly off-key musical moment in an otherwise perfectly fine audio mix. And let’s not even talk about the terrible old age makeup and wigs applied to the actors for their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction scene.

Eastwood closes the film with what is essentially a curtain call, uniting the entire cast to dance and sing down the street to “Oh What a Night.” It would have been nice had he also put the actor’s names with their faces since so many of them are virtual unknowns to movie-goers. I had really high hopes for Jersey Boys, especially after enjoying the stage version so much earlier this year but having that so fresh in my memory probably made it nearly impossible to appreciate the movie. And be warned, the movie is rated R mainly for the extremely colorful language which has also been imported from the stage version. If you’re sensitive to that sort of thing, you may want to think twice about seeing either. If you’ve always wanted to see the show but haven’t, then this is an okay introduction (for the most part), but if you do have the chance to see it live, don’t pass it up.

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The life and times of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is making the leap from the musical stage to the big screen, and we want to give readers in the Baltimore, DC and Virginia Beach areas the opportunity to attend an advance screening of the new movie musical Jersey Boys directed by Clint Eastwood.

The film tells the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The story of their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Rag Doll,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Who Loves You,” and many more. These classic hits are now being embraced by a new generation of fans through the stage musical, which has been running on Broadway for more than eight years and has also enjoyed successful tours around the globe.

Starring in the film, John Lloyd Young reprises his Tony Award-winning portrayal of the legendary lead singer of The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli. Erich Bergen stars as Bob Gaudio, who wrote or co-wrote all of the group’s biggest hits. Michael Lomenda and Vincent Piazza star respectively as Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito, two original members of The Four Seasons. Oscar winner Christopher Walken stars as mobster Gyp DeCarlo.

The screenings will take place on Monday, June 16, 7:30 PM at the following locations:

• AMC Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015 All WASHINGTON passes have been claimed
• AMC White Marsh, 8141 Honeygo Blvd, White Marsh, MD 21236 All BALTIMORE passes have been claimed
• AMC Lynnhaven, 1001 Lynnhaven Mall Loop, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 All VIRGINIA BEACH passes have been claimed

Please read the following instructions carefully. Failure to follow the instructions may result in disqualification.

• To be eligible for passes, copy and paste one of the locations of your choice into the comment box: BALTIMORE, WASHINGTON or VIRGINIA BEACH.
• Include your full name and correct email address in the appropriate spaces on the submission form — NOT in the comment box.
• One entry per person/per email address will be accepted. Duplicates will be discarded, excessive duplicates will result in disqualification.
• Two Admit One GoFoBo passes will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until all passes have been distributed.
• Each pass contains a unique code that will be scanned at the door. Passes can only be used once. No duplicates will be accepted.
• Only one person per couple needs to comment. Please keep these offers fair for everyone.
• Passes do not guarantee seats at the screening, which are first come, first served. Please plan to arrive early.
• The film is rated R — no one under 17 will be admitted without parent or guardian.

Have a look at the film’s trailer and then tell us where you want to see the movie! Jersey Boys opens in theaters June 20th.

The life and times of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is making the leap from the musical stage to the big screen, and we want to give readers in the Boston and Hartford areas the opportunity to attend an advance screening of the new movie musical Jersey Boys directed by Clint Eastwood.

The film tells the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The story of their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Rag Doll,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Who Loves You,” and many more. These classic hits are now being embraced by a new generation of fans through the stage musical, which has been running on Broadway for more than eight years and has also enjoyed successful tours around the globe.

Starring in the film, John Lloyd Young reprises his Tony Award-winning portrayal of the legendary lead singer of The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli. Erich Bergen stars as Bob Gaudio, who wrote or co-wrote all of the group’s biggest hits. Michael Lomenda and Vincent Piazza star respectively as Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito, two original members of The Four Seasons. Oscar winner Christopher Walken stars as mobster Gyp DeCarlo.

The screenings will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 7:00 PM at the following locations:

• AMC Boston Common, 175 Tremont St, Boston, MA All BOSTON passes have been claimed.
• AMC Plainville, 220 New Britain Ave, Plainville, CT

Please read the following instructions carefully. Failure to follow the instructions may result in disqualification.

• To be eligible for passes, copy and paste one of the two locations of your choice into the comment box: BOSTON or HARTFORD.
• Include your full name and correct email address in the appropriate spaces on the submission form — NOT in the comment box.
• One entry per person/per email address will be accepted. Duplicates will be discarded, excessive duplicates will result in disqualification.
• A unique GoFoBo code good for up to two Admit One passes will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until all codes have been distributed.
• Only one person per couple needs to comment. Please keep these offers fair for everyone.
• Passes do not guarantee seats at the screening, which are first come, first served. Please plan to arrive early.
• The film is rated R — no one under 17 will be admitted without parent or guardian.

Have a look at the film’s trailer and then tell us where you want to see the movie! Jersey Boys opens in theaters June 20th.

The life and times of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is making the leap from the musical stage to the big screen, and we want to give you the opportunity to see the new movie Jersey Boys directed by Clint Eastwood.

The film tells the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks in New Jersey who came together to form the iconic 1960s rock group The Four Seasons. The story of their trials and triumphs are accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Rag Doll,” “Bye Bye Baby,” “Who Loves You,” and many more. These classic hits are now being embraced by a new generation of fans through the stage musical, which has been running on Broadway for more than eight years and has also enjoyed successful tours around the globe.

Starring in the film, John Lloyd Young reprises his Tony Award-winning portrayal of the legendary lead singer of The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli. Erich Bergen stars as Bob Gaudio, who wrote or co-wrote all of the group’s biggest hits. Michael Lomenda and Vincent Piazza star respectively as Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito, two original members of The Four Seasons. Oscar winner Christopher Walken stars as mobster Gyp DeCarlo.

CliqueClack has five pairs of Movie Money available for use at any participating theater showing the movie in Los Angeles beginning June 20th. The Movie Money is good for any screening, any day of the week and is valued at up to $12.00.

A random drawing will be held to select five winners. Simply leave a comment on this post and you will be entered into the drawing. Contest entry period will close on Thursday, June 12. Winners will then be selected at random and contacted by email. One comment per person/per email address will be accepted.

Have a look at the film’s trailer and then tell us you want to see the movie! Jersey Boys opens in theaters June 20th.

Jersey Boys, the hit Broadway musical, is on the road once again and audiences will be saying, “Oh what a night,” after spending an evening with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Younger members of the audience may not know who Frankie, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi are, but if you’ve ever turned on the radio you’re more than likely to be familiar with their hit songs.

The show tells the story of four guys from Jersey, from their humble beginnings singing together under a street light, the struggle to be heard, the personal ups and downs (warts and all — the show pulls no punches), to their triumphant reunion at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. As the show starts, we meet Tommy DeVito, a singer in a trio with big dreams, who gives young Frankie Castelluccio a moment in the spotlight during one of their nightclub gigs. DeVito knows the kid has star quality so he invites him to join the group (which has various names from week to week). Looking to expand to a quartet, DeVito’s pal Joey Pesci (yes, THAT Joe Pesci!) introduces him to Bob Gaudio, a young songwriter who had already had a hit with the song “Who Wears Short Shorts.” DeVito’s trio becomes a quartet and history, as they say, is made.

But it’s not all smooth sailing as we see relationships crumble, gambling and mob debts pile up, the death of Valli’s daughter, and the strains of constantly being on the road taking a toll on the group. If you’re expecting to walk into the theater and simply hear a string of hits from the group, you’re in the wrong place. This isn’t just a tribute show. It has real substance to it, showing us how the group came about and honestly portraying the dynamics of the players, both on stage and behind the scenes. It’s surprising and admirable to not have the facts sugar-coated to make this a simple feel-good show. But it’s not a downer either, because the cast and the music will lift you up.

The cast on this tour is simply amazing. The clever structure of the show allows each member of the group to relate their story from their own viewpoint, breaking the fourth wall to fill us in on the events that are unfolding around them. Nick Cosgrove has the toughest job as Valli simply because he has the most recognizable voice. Cosgrove may not sound exactly like Valli (and who could?) but he captures Valli’s falsetto and makes the music his own. Nicolas Dromard’s DeVito almost seems like the show’s lead, particularly during the first act where he is our guide through the early years of the group. He makes DeVito a bit pompous, cocky and over-bearing but you still feel sorry for him as his money problems spiral out of control, nearly taking the group down with him because everything he did, he did for the group (at least, in his mind).

Jason Kappus gives Gaudio a certain naive charm when he first joins the group, but as DeVito talks business with him, we see that Gaudio isn’t as naive as we — and DeVito — thinks he is. Depending on who’s telling the story, Gaudio’s entrance into the group was either a brilliant move on DeVito’s part or simply a group decision based on Gaudio’s songwriting talent. Either way, it was a good decision because Gaudio went on to write some of the group’s (and Valli’s) biggest hits including “Oh, What a Night.” Brandon Andruss plays Nick Massi, the real mystery man of the group who barely has a thing to say (which he points out when it’s his turn to tell the tale), but he does have one great moment as he finally cracks from putting up with Tommy’s antics for ten years.

One of my favorite characters in the show was Bob Crewe, played by Barry Anderson. Crewe was the Four Seasons’ legendary producer (and he also co-wrote the score for the movie Barbarella which features a very distinctive sound that can also be heard in “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”). Anderson isn’t on stage much, but when he is he makes the most of the role with some of the best comic delivery of his lines. I’m such a fan of the Barbarella soundtrack, so it was wonderful to see Crewe portrayed in the show. I have to give it up to the rest of the cast too. There are 19 actors in the show with many of them playing multiple roles, some as many as 17, with amazingly swift costume and wig changes to walk out of and back into a scene as a different person. Marlana Dunn (as Mary Delgado) has the fastest change in nine seconds (Cosgrove’s Valli also has 12 quick changes, the fastest at 15 seconds).

One thing you won’t be while watching Jersey Boys is bored. The show moves at a quick pace, with musical numbers coming in a steady stream (and music from other groups of the era is also featured), set pieces flying in and out or back and forth across the stage, great choreography and direction, and terrific lighting design. There is a stunning moment right before the intermission when a photographer snaps a picture and the lighting changes to make the entire stage look almost like a black and white photo. Throughout the show, Frankie and Bob Gaudio talk about their own side deal and how they’ll even have a horn section, and when that horn section finally arrives on stage, it’s a genuine goosebumps moment (that even had some people in the audience in tears).

Like We Will Rock You, I really had no clue going in what this show was about, assuming (again) that it was just a greatest hits collection of the group’s songs. Jersey Boys tells a story of real men trying to make their way through life while making a name for themselves and the winding path they took to achieve their goals. With a great cast, great music and a solid production, Jersey Boys is not to be missed when it comes to your town. Jersey Boys is currently playing at Baltimore’s Hippodrome Theatre through November 24th. Other cities on the tour include South Bend, Philadelphia, Richmond, Worcester, Scranton, St. Louis, Tampa, Orlando and more. Visit the show’s official website for more dates, information and tickets.

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