Jersey Boys
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music by Bob Gaudio, Lyrics by Bob Crewe
Directed by Maggie Burrows
Choreography by William Carlos Angulo
The Muny
August 19, 2025
Cast of Jersey Boys
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny
The Muny is closing out its 2025 summer season with a show that’s become a modern classic, and is to my mind, the “gold standard” of one of the two main subsets of what are often called “jukebox” musicals–the bio-musical focusing on the story of a particular artist or band. With memorable songs by legendary pop-rock group The Four Seasons and an especially strong book, this show takes a close look at the group’s four original members and their relationships with each other and with the passage of time. It’s a great show, but the Muny is taking a slightly new approach with this production that lends a thoughtful new focus to the proceedings, all the while still delivering those show-stopping Four Season hits with top-notch vocals and energy.
In his on-stage intro before the show and in his note in the program, artistic director and executive producer Mike Isaacson talks about the concept of time, and how that element is such an important part of the Jersey Boys narrative. I’ve noticed that as well over the years, in that time just keeps moving, as does the action, and that much of the drama and intrigue of the show comes from watching the characters age, grow, and adjust to the changing times and situations. While following the four original Four Seasons, each gets to tell part of the story in turn, starting with guitarist and self-styled “leader” Tommy DeVito (Ryan Vasquez), and then by keyboardist/songwriter Bob Gaudio (Andrew Poston), eccentric bassist Nick Massi (Cory Jeacoma), and finally by lead vocalist Frankie Valli (Pablo David Laucerica). The story follows these four from their beginnings as struggling young musicians in their tight-knit New Jersey neighborhood, to world-famous celebrities with a trove of memorable hits that topped the pop charts–including “Sherry”, “Walk Like a Man”, “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)”, and many more. It also deals with their personal triumphs and tragedies, including marriage and family issues, interpersonal conflicts, trouble with the law, and the overall effects of fame on these four boys from Jersey.
It’s already a well-told story, and I’ve enjoyed every production of this show I’ve seen (this one is my fourth), but this one takes a new angle that adds even more to the reflective nature of the show and the emphasis on the passage of time. For this version. older versions of the four leads (Michael James Reed as Tommy, John Leone as Bob, Drew Battles as Nick, and Jerry Vogel as Frankie) to start off the narration and appear again at the end for the final segment after a time jump in the story. This convention works well, and all of the actors do an excellent job of portraying the characters as recognizable older versions of the younger “main” actors. It also adds an element of emotion to the already stunning conclusion of the show, as we see the older Four Seasons look back on how they used to be, while hearing the strong, soaring voices of the band in their prime.
The casting is fantastic, with the main roles ideally cast. Vasquez as the tough-talking DeVito, Jeacomo as the quieter and somewhat peculiar Massi, Poston as the ambitious, business-minded and more “clean cut” Gaudio, and Laucerica as the vocally impressive, magnetic Valli are all excellent in vocals and stage presence. Their older counterparts are also memorable, also playing various other roles in the story as needed, with Leone standing out as gangster Gyp DeCarlo. There’s also a strong turn by Tristen Buettel as Frankie’s first wife, Mary Delgado. The whole ensemble is strong, full of energy and enthusiasm, performing the dazzling vocals and vibrant choreography by William Carlos Angulo with vigor and style.
This Jersey Boys is also a great looking show, continuing the trend this summer of finding the ideal staging for the Muny rather than simply following what’s been done elsewhere, or even previously at the Muny. The production makes the most of all the technological improvements that the company has added over the past few years, with a stylish, versatile set by Krit Robinson that makes the most of the giant Muny stage and its turntable, screens, and movable platforms. The dynamic, always-moving tone of the show is augmented by means impressive video design by Kylee Loera and Greg Emetaz that also highlights the eras and changing times. Rob Denton’s dazzling lighting adds to the glitz and glamour and occasional grit of the rock ‘n roll lifestyle, as well, along with the superb sound design by by John Stivers and David Patridge. There’s also excellent musicianship by all involved, especially the excellent Muny Orchestra conducted by music director Paul Byssainthe Jr.
If you love Jersey Boys and/or the Four Seasons, you will probably love this show. Even if you aren’t as familiar with the show or its subject, there’s a lot to love here, from the music to the energy to the well-crafted book and dynamic story. It’s a new approach to this show that also adds an extra element while keeping the vibe and spirit of the show intact. It’s a strong tribute, and a memorable show in its own right. It’s also a fitting closer to a truly fantastic 2025 season at the Muny.
Andrew Poston, Cory Jeacoma, Ryan Vasquez, Pablo David Laucerica
Photo by Phillip Hamer
The Muny
The Muny is presenting Jersey Boys in Forest Park until August 24, 2025
