TBTS’s “Jersey Boys”- Oh What A Night!

It is the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons that brings us back to see “Jersey Boys” whenever it is within driving distance.

The story of four guys from Jersey growing up, getting in trouble, and finally becoming one of the top rock and roll groups ever before crashing and splitting up is interesting and well told, but it is the music that is the driving force behind one of the most popular musicals to ever hit the stage.

The success of the show falls on the shoulders, or I should say Voice, of the singer/actor who plays Frankie Valli.

Theatre-by-the-Sea has found a winner in Zane Zapata, a Jersey native with a degree in Musical Theatre from the Manhattan School of Music who dreamed of playing Valli since his mother took him to see “Jersey Boys” when he was 12 years old.

Zapata has the pipes to belt out Valli’s classic, “My Eyes Adored Her” and the falsetto to kill “Sherry”.

He is backed by three capable singers/actors and a cast that is right on the mark in the fast-paced, demanding show.

The show comes alive after we quickly go through the early years leading up to the Four Seasons’ first big hit, “Sherry”, packing the remainder of the first act with a slew of Valli’s big hits, including “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Walk Like a Man”, and “Dawn”.

Valli’s big comeback hit, “My Eyes Adored You”, gets a powerful interpretation, and one long, positive and well-deserved response from the audience.

“Jersey Boys” is one of those shows that you can see over and over. If there is a believable and talented person in the role of Frankie Valli, the audience will eat it up.

Zapata fills the bill, giving Bill Hanney and crew another “Whatta Night” experience for his audiences at Theatre-by-the-Sea.

“Jersey Boys” plays through September 10. Call 782-8587 for tickets.