Entertainers operate differently to others. They are creatures of brilliance and showmanship, hardened by rejection. Bobby Fox is one such creature, star of 850 Jersey Boy shows, he takes us on his personal journey through a delicately crafted combination of songs and anecdotes.
‘Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons’ were a big deal in the 60’s. Churning out popular hits such as ‘Sherry’, ‘Walk Like a Man’ and ‘Oh What a Night’ they imbue the cultural significance of 1960’s pop music.
‘Jersey Boys’ was conceived from a desire to make a musical out of the band’s impressive discography. Instead, it became a documentary-style performance of their history. Told from the four perspectives (seasons) of the group this is the classic American tale of “rags to riches and back to rags.”
The musical opened on Broadway in 2005 and was where one if its future stars would watch it for the first time. Bobby Fox was already a four time World Irish Dancing Champion and had earned feature roles in productions of ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Leader of the Pack’ but nothing could prepare him for the magnitude of the path he was about to embark on.
‘Four Seasons In One Night’ is Bobby’s own Jersey Boys. A musical re-imagining of his personal experiences in gaining, performing and finishing his role as Frankie Valli, it is life imitating art. For fans of ‘Jersey Boys’ this is the perfect fantasy. An all access pass. A Big Brother experience without the scandal.
The show perfectly intertwines ‘Four Seasons’ hits with Bobby’s story and runs like a concert/theatre hybrid. Bobby is humorous without being hilarious but has a charisma that drips with all the power of his stunning falsetto. The man sounds like Frankie and as a graduate of “Frankie Camp” rightly so.
Fox understands how to engage an audience and he does so with a delightful charm and energy. Many of the audience members found themselves singing and swaying in their seats, making it a nostalgic time capsule for all. My 12-year-old sister came along and ended up purchasing his EP, such is his allure.
There is a certain theatricality to the way Fox performs, from his infectious moving and grooving to the story-telling qualities in his vocalisation. He captures an essence of Valli that precedes shivers and renditions of ‘Grease’ and ‘Sherry’ are particular standouts.
‘Four Seasons’ tracks could never be complete without backing vocals and Carl Fidler and Juliane Di Sisto are excellent. Carl’s bellowing baritone and Juliane’s soulful sound perfectly compliment the atmosphere Fox creates. The band is outstanding with each musician demonstrating creative flair and an individual virtuosity during their solos.
From redheaded fantasies to “Tom Cruise’s creepy little daughter,” ‘Four Seasons In One Night’ will keep you enthralled and belting ballads in the shower for days. Even Bobby’s keys player gets her heels rocked off, playing the majority of the performance barefoot.
This is the perfect show to bring Jersey Boys and music fans to. It’s also the perfect show to bring your Mother, who’s endless replaying of classic songs on YouTube drives you insane.
Which is what I did.
Enjoy the show.
Four Seasons In One Night – Glen St Theatre
Thursday 4th June – 8pm
Friday 5th June – 8pm
Saturday 6th June 2pm
Saturday 6th June 8pm
Sunday 7th June 5pm
1 hour and 45 minutes – including interval
Tickets $71 – $46
Student Rush just $16*
Phone Box Office on 9975 1455 to book.
*Please note, full time student ID required upon ticket collection
