CCAE Theatricals opens Jersey Boys in Escondido

by Cassiopeia Guthrie, Sept. 15, 2024

Nostalgia and energy are the name of the game in CCAE Theatricals' newest production, Jersey Boys, which enjoyed its Escondido opening this weekend.

The Tony Award-winning production, with book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio, and lyrics by Bob Crewe, follows the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons from their most shining highlights to the lowest lows.

This retelling is directed by T.J. Dawson and stars the talented quartet of Nicholas Alexander (Frankie Valli), Noah Archibald (Nick Massi), Anthony Carro (Tommy DeVito), and Taubert Nadalini (Bob Gaudio), alongside an able ensemble cast (Johnny DiGiorgio, Marlana Dunn, Maggie Ek, Skylar Gaines, Christopher James Hester, Claire Marshall, Donovan Mendelovitz, Stefan Miller, Sarah Pierce, Andrew Sattler, and Lance Arthur Smith), and a tight 11-piece orchestra.

The sentimental jukebox musical is told in four quadrants, with each of The Four Seasons performers taking the lead as the fourth-wall breaking storyteller for his portion, weaving his narrative into and out of the story that unfolds onstage. And, while this shifting perspective captures historical interest and gives each performer a chance to shine, the many chart-topping hits peppered throughout are what really keep the crowd cheering and tapping their toes.

It helps, of course, that these tunes are being performed by a wickedly talented and high energy cast who - while jetting up and down staircases on both sides of the two story set and executing on-stage quick changes - manage to nail the tight harmonies and create the perfect background for Valli's iconic soaring falsetto lines. Crowd favorites included the vibrant "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," and "Working My Way Back to You," among others, with special kudos to the gifted Nicholas Alexander who embodies legendary frontman Valli. This musical, when well performed, is absolute ear candy, and the cast and band were certainly up to the challenge.

Adding to the big production appeal are Stephen Gifford's framing apartment facades, Janet Pitcher's eye-catching blazers and sequined numbers, and dramatic LED lighting by Jean-Yves Tessier. CCAE's Center Theater may be a small space, but this is not a small show - rather, it's a charming call-back song cycle paired with a behind-the-scenes documentary... and, most importantly, it's good.

Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons runs at the Center Theater at the California Center for the Arts Escondido through October 6.