Arts Club Theatre presents Jersey Boys at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage on now thru October 28

“What a Night!”

The song lyric truly embodies everyone’s feelings as they left the theatre after enjoying the Arts Club Theatre production of Jersey Boys. I heard one patron say, “I finally feel truly happy!” as she almost skipped down Granville Street.

The story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons takes you on a journey back in time following a group of teenagers from New Jersey, through to their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Arts Club stage, designed by Ryan Cormack, is an homage to 50’s and 60’s music, designed as a big sound speaker with dials and gauges, hiding a staircase and enabling a raised walkway.

Jersey Boys is at the top of its game from the entrance dance to the final song. A young enthusiastic cast and a great support staff led by a fantastic director, Julie Tomaino, who also choreographed the performance have created an incredible experience.

The music!! Yes, the music of the past transfers to the present. The production flows as the music relaxes you and keeps you humming or clapping along. For the older audience members, it brings back memories and for the younger ones, a new appreciation for music of a previous
generation.

Ken Cormier is the Musical director and leads eight musicians to support the singers and dancers. The cast is amazing. As part of the Ensemble, they change costumes, wigs, and persona at least six times back and forth; a credit to Barbara Clayden, the Costume Designer.

The Jersey Boys are pitch perfect! I attended both Elliot Lazar and Caleb Di Pomponio as Frankie Valli and was impressed with both of their amazing performances. Darren Martens as Tommy DeVito, Tanner Zerr as Nick Massi, and Jason Sakaki as Bob Gaudio round out the
four. A special mention for Jason Sakaki as he not only performed with the quartet but also in the Ensemble, dancing, and performed a couple of solo numbers that were outstanding including “What a Night”. Emma Pedersen’s portrayal of Mary Delgado (Valli) was emotional as was Sarah Cantuba’s as Lorraine. Tiana Jung is great as a tragic Francine Valli but her voice is especially lovely as the lead songstress of The Angels
leading “My Boyfriend’s Back”.

As noted, the entire cast is extremely talented and skilfully moves through the characters and dances. They are supported by a team of creative staff, including lighting, sound, dialect, intimacy and fight directors and coaches.

What is especially impressive is how the Arts Club family includes so many local artists and it needs to be recognized for encouraging the development of BC talent.

I recommend you run, don’t walk, to your nearest ticket office to book seats to this Arts Club production of Jersey Boys!