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Post by BurlyBeaR on Oct 22, 2021 17:38:07 GMT
I was creating a new thread for the tour seeing as it’s going to run concurrently with the West End and inadvertently deleted the posts relating to the tour by mistake. Sorry 😞.
Feel free to start a new thread with the next comment relating to the tour. Thank you!
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Post by Mark on Nov 24, 2021 23:52:31 GMT
Went back to see this tonight for the first time in nearly 10 years. It is a much smaller production now as others have mentioned but I still very much enjoyed it. Ben Joyce has the most incredible voice, and is a really great Frankie - worth going just to see him if I'm honest.
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Post by cezbear on Nov 24, 2021 23:58:20 GMT
Went back to see this tonight for the first time in nearly 10 years. It is a much smaller production now as others have mentioned but I still very much enjoyed it. Ben Joyce has the most incredible voice, and is a really great Frankie - worth going just to see him if I'm honest. Hah, me too, also first time in around 10 years I think. Was pretty impressed, Ben is very good (he looks very young though and is quite tall for a Frankie). His voice is astonishing. Teeny criticism; his diction sometimes needs work, the beginning of some of his limes was often lost. Noticed a few line changes from last time I went, though I'm sure they're not new. It's in good shape! |
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Post by Dr Tom on Feb 27, 2022 13:17:30 GMT
Popped back yesterday to see this at the matinee (for the first time seeing this version of the show since the first preview).
Got a perfect Rush seat at the end of the front row, which only appeared about 2 hours before the show time.
I got to see Matteo Johnson as Frankie and he was excellent. It is such an intimate theatre from the front that at times it feels like he's singing right at you (and Matteo is very easy on the eye as well). The sound was also much better than last time I saw this, but I don't know if they've adjusted things or if the sound is better in certain parts of the theatre than others. They still over-sweeten the sound in parts, but maybe that's necessary.
The audience was pretty full, but also well behaved, which helped a lot.
Charlie Allen was on as Franchine and also very good. One nice thing about this theatre is they do have signs up showing which covers are on.
No real need to rush back and see this again too soon (unlike the lady next to me who sees this once a week, but I can understand the appeal). But glad to say this is in good shape, with everything bedded in and always an entertaining and uplifting show.
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Post by theatremiss on Mar 6, 2022 13:02:45 GMT
Does anyone know what happened at the show last night. Not only did the lead tweet that there was a issue but Mark Isherwood Tweeted:
“ I did my first professional performance back in 1997… I can categorically say that I’ve never witnessed such degenerate behaviour from certain audience members as tonight… If you don’t know how to be respectful theatre goers, then stay home… just unbelievable…”
Was anyone there to expand on what happened? I’m just curious as I cancelled a second trip to this show after the behaviour during my first visit was so appalling
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Post by marob on Mar 6, 2022 13:27:21 GMT
Does anyone know what happened at the show last night. Not only did the lead tweet that there was a issue but Mark Isherwood Tweeted: “ I did my first professional performance back in 1997… I can categorically say that I’ve never witnessed such degenerate behaviour from certain audience members as tonight… If you don’t know how to be respectful theatre goers, then stay home… just unbelievable…” Was anyone there to expand on what happened? I’m just curious as I cancelled a second trip to this show after the behaviour during my first visit was so appalling I saw on Twitter that someone kicked off when FOH tried to stop them recording the show then had to be taken out by security. I don’t it makes much difference but they’ve apparently added a preshow announcement telling people not to sing. |
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Post by theatremiss on Mar 6, 2022 14:01:55 GMT
Does anyone know what happened at the show last night. Not only did the lead tweet that there was a issue but Mark Isherwood Tweeted: “ I did my first professional performance back in 1997… I can categorically say that I’ve never witnessed such degenerate behaviour from certain audience members as tonight… If you don’t know how to be respectful theatre goers, then stay home… just unbelievable…” Was anyone there to expand on what happened? I’m just curious as I cancelled a second trip to this show after the behaviour during my first visit was so appalling I saw on Twitter that someone kicked off when FOH tried to stop them recording the show then had to be taken out by security. I don’t it makes much difference but they’ve apparently added a preshow announcement telling people not to sing. Oh that will stop it. Looks like audiences are getting worse |
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Post by Dr Tom on Mar 14, 2022 14:31:11 GMT
Nipped back yesterday with a rush ticket for the 4pm performance, in the hope of perhaps seeing the 2nd or 3rd cover Frankie (since they'd been resorting to all kinds of unusual cover arrangements this past week, including bringing back former cast members).
As it happened, Ben Joyce was back, who is very good but I do have a slight preference for Matteo.
Otherwise, it was many of the same cast I saw a few weeks ago, just with very few of them in the same roles. Ben Irish was really good as Bob Gaudio. Mark Isherwood likewise as Nick Massi, which is a role I presume he's been playing off-and-on for over ten years.
It was a very odd mix of heights and ages visually. I liked Elliot Allinson as Bob Crewe, really embracing the camp feel, but it does look rather odd when he has to comment how young somewhere looking at least 10 years older than him is!
Three Bens (or Benjamins) in the four lead roles! Some occasional weird sound combinations where the lips and vocals just don't match up, but perhaps that's just more evident from the fourth row (nice Rush aisle seat).
The audience could have been worse, but a group of middle aged women arrived about an hour late into the seats directly in front of me. The usual rustling and comments. One of them complained to her friend there was swearing in the show. During the interval, they purchased drinks and crisps for each of them, no guesswork required to work out which of those items didn't get opened until the second half started. And, toilet breaks needed during the second half. Still, at least they refrained from singing!
Otherwise, with the cast all slipping into whatever roles are required, it just shows what a well-oiled machine Jersey Boys is!
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Post by tmesis on Apr 23, 2022 18:05:03 GMT
I was disappointed when I saw today's matinee. The sound was all over the place, hitting the mark 50% of the time but underpowered in spoken dialogue and musical numbers for the rest of the time. The biggest let down was Matteo Johnson as Frankie Valli. Acting and movement was fine but vocally he was distinctly lacking. His voice was only OK when he hits the extreme falsetto notes characteristic of Frankie. Lower falsetto and more usual male pitch notes were almost nonexistent. I don't know whether this was just exacerbated by the poor sound, or whether he was having an off day or this was just his usual standard.
One plus. point - the audience was impeccably behaved.
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Post by musicalcritical on Apr 26, 2022 2:29:45 GMT
I was disappointed too, I kept hearing good things about the show but it didn't really hold my attention. Though I'm not a fan of jukebox musicals in general
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Post by Matt on May 11, 2022 19:31:38 GMT
There seems to be a press night tonight, but the show has been open for nearly a year and cast change is still 2 months away. Does anyone know what’s going on?
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Post by Dr Tom on May 20, 2022 8:56:28 GMT
Gambled yesterday that with Matteo having been on as Frankie on Wednesday evening, that someone else would do the Thursday matinee. I did indeed get lucky, Elliot Allinson was on and I've now seen four of his tracks (still need his Bob Gaudio).
I love Elliot as he always seems to be so excited and happy to be on stage. He did very well as Frankie and throws in the same subtle ad-libs and changes to Frankie as he does to all of this cover roles.
I also got lucky with my seat. For some reason, my first rush attempt (which had me at the end of the front row), didn't go through. I tried again later and got central third row with a free seat in front, a perfect view.
Otherwise, they were a bit short of people. Andy Smith was on as Joe Pesci. There were only two people in the female ensemble, which rather than sending one of the men out in female attire, meant only two Angels and some roles played from off-stage. Melanie Bright and Charlie Allen did an excellent job covering everything between themselves.
For a Thursday matinee, the crowd weren't bad either. A few mobile phone interruptions, some people where it is clearly the only time in the week when they're allowed out to talk, a little commotion audible from the dress circle, but I didn't notice any (audience) singing. There was a show stop after the car scene.
Just got to try and hit the holy grail of an Andy Smith show as Frankie to complete the set!
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Post by Matt on May 20, 2022 14:13:44 GMT
Gambled yesterday that with Matteo having been on as Frankie on Wednesday evening, that someone else would do the Thursday matinee. I did indeed get lucky, Elliot Allinson was on and I've now seen four of his tracks (still need his Bob Gaudio). I love Elliot as he always seems to be so excited and happy to be on stage. He did very well as Frankie and throws in the same subtle ad-libs and changes to Frankie as he does to all of this cover roles. I also got lucky with my seat. For some reason, my first rush attempt (which had me at the end of the front row), didn't go through. I tried again later and got central third row with a free seat in front, a perfect view. Otherwise, they were a bit short of people. Andy Smith was on as Joe Pesci. There were only two people in the female ensemble, which rather than sending one of the men out in female attire, meant only two Angels and some roles played from off-stage. Melanie Bright and Charlie Allen did an excellent job covering everything between themselves. For a Thursday matinee, the crowd weren't bad either. A few mobile phone interruptions, some people where it is clearly the only time in the week when they're allowed out to talk, a little commotion audible from the dress circle, but I didn't notice any (audience) singing. There was a show stop after the car scene. Just got to try and hit the holy grail of an Andy Smith show as Frankie to complete the set! Ive seen Andy as Frankie! I thought it would never happen, but JB had a bit of a crisis a few weeks ago and I ticked a load of covers off my list. I still need to see Andy & Elliot as Bob Gaudio though! Does anyone know who's confirmed they are leaving at cast change? The only person I've seen announce it so far is Melanie. |
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Post by Steffi on May 21, 2022 10:17:07 GMT
Mark Isherwood is leaving (after being part of every West End cast since the show opened in 2008).
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Post by peggysue on Jul 8, 2022 13:56:09 GMT
Luke Siri has been named as the new Frankie Valli and appeared on This Morning today for his first televised performance of Jersey Boys. They all gave a very slick performance as expected. I saw Luke as the alternate Frankie on tour and he was brilliant. So pleased for him to play in the west end.
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Post by Matt on Jul 8, 2022 14:55:23 GMT
I’m happy with the new cast. Glad a lot of them have stayed but glad there’s a lot of new faces too. Ben was great as Frankie but I’m glad I get to see a new one plus some new understudies.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 8, 2022 15:05:57 GMT
Likewise, like the look of the new cast.
Interesting that Joey Cornish, the new Joe Pesci, has tweeted that he's 2nd Cover Frankie Valli. Most of the time, the actor playing Joe Pesci has been first cover.
I wonder if they're promoting Elliot?
I will miss Ben Joyce and Matteo Johnson.
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Post by Matt on Jul 8, 2022 20:51:20 GMT
Likewise, like the look of the new cast. Interesting that Joey Cornish, the new Joe Pesci, has tweeted that he's 2nd Cover Frankie Valli. Most of the time, the actor playing Joe Pesci has been first cover. I wonder if they're promoting Elliot? I will miss Ben Joyce and Matteo Johnson. Yeah Elliot confirmed he’s first cover now with 2 guaranteed shows a week. Danny Knott is also cover Frankie, not sure how far down though, and he’s cover Bob, so it looks like some of the understudy tracks have swapped around. |
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 13, 2022 9:20:15 GMT
I caught this on Monday night (the first performance back after several cancellations) with the always great Matteo on as Frankie.
The highlight was getting Elliot on as fourth cover Norm Waxman (and the rest of his track). Are there any roles in the show he can't play? I keep expecting him to pop up as Mary Delgado. Definitely my favourite swing right now and so great to see a Norm Waxman looking thoroughly evil but with an infectious smile. Plus, he wins the prize for greatest blood projection I've seen! I wasn't completely convinced he was playing his own instruments though. Hopefully being the alternate Frankie doesn't keep him away from covering other tracks, as I still need to see his Bob Gaudio.
Otherwise, everyone was on form and a great show all around. Even the audience behaved!
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Post by Matt on Jul 13, 2022 14:38:59 GMT
I caught this on Monday night (the first performance back after several cancellations) with the always great Matteo on as Frankie. The highlight was getting Elliot on as fourth cover Norm Waxman (and the rest of his track). Are there any roles in the show he can't play? I keep expecting him to pop up as Mary Delgado. Definitely my favourite swing right now and so great to see a Norm Waxman looking thoroughly evil but with an infectious smile. Plus, he wins the prize for greatest blood projection I've seen! I wasn't completely convinced he was playing his own instruments though. Hopefully being the alternate Frankie doesn't keep him away from covering other tracks, as I still need to see his Bob Gaudio. Otherwise, everyone was on form and a great show all around. Even the audience behaved! He was 3rd cover Bob last year, and with Andy still in the cast I doubt they would have swapped, especially with the guaranteed 2 Frankie shows a week now, but I HAVE to see his Bob, I haven't seen it yet! |
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 21, 2022 20:01:11 GMT
Picked that one the wrong way round. Went this afternoon and got an Elliot as Frankie show.
This evening he’s showing off his Gaudio!
Not that I would ever complain at Elliot being featured.
Looks like they have a lot of need for covers again, so it’s anyone’s guess who will be on for cast change.
Was hoping to see Matteo again as Frankie before he leaves, but he was taken off during the show the other night and is now back in his main role, so that’s unlikely.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 23, 2022 13:27:39 GMT
Here for the final Matteo show. Glad he’s able to go on!
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Post by Matt on Jul 23, 2022 13:32:57 GMT
Elliott is now 4th Bob (from Wednesday) so I really should have took the chance to see him as Gaudio when I could! It still might happen though, just even more unpredictable now.
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Post by Dr Tom on Jul 23, 2022 17:57:55 GMT
Someone will have to have a word with the lighting team. The horn section had to wear shades and poor Matteo was in tear for most of the second half.
Seriously, an excellent final Frankie performance from Matteo, who has never sounded better. He was rather emotional (as were plenty of the audience) and I wasn't sure if he'd get through his final speech, but he made it. He will be missed. Lots of applause for him too, even at times when there isn't normally a break for applause.
The show also kept the spirit of a cast change muckup matinee alive. I don't think I spotted anywhere near everything (and the cast were also overacting much more than usual, so it's hard to know what to include), but a few memorable moments.
When Mary and Frankie meet for the first time, rather than whispering in his ear in the restaurant, Mary pulled him in for a deep kiss.
In the car scene, Carl Douglas had a much longer death than usual, even managing to say "what the f***". Great blood work too.
Lots more leg kissing than usual during the scene where Bob Gaudio loses his virginty.
When Frankie was asked for his autograph, this was announced as "Give the officer your johnny cockhands".
All great fun and nothing that would ruin the show for people who hadn't seen it before. Just what muckups should be.
Hopefully Matteo will get the chance to come back to the lead role as some point, perhaps on tour. But he still has to say goodbye to Joe Pesci.
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Post by Matt on Jul 23, 2022 23:40:15 GMT
When Mary and Frankie meet for the first time, rather than whispering in his ear in the restaurant, Mary pulled him in for a deep kiss. I’m pretty sure this was always how it was, but they changed it post-covid. The same with the joint bit in oh what a night; they used to share it and koko would pass the smoke through a kiss, but they stopped that too. Can’t wait for Monday and Wednesday! |
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