Those who aren't die-hard fans of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons were most-likely left baffled by the live on-stage production of Jersey Boys at Sunderland Empire in it's opening week - positively surprised at the influence and impact the quartet had on music to this day.
From the opening rendition of Yannick's Ces Soirées-là which rips Bob Gaudio's December 1963 (Oh What a Night) to other heavily reproduced songs like Beggin' and Bye Bye Baby, the show itself is full of songs that many may be surprised to learn the true origins of.
A fantastically-rounded show, full to the brim with a well-balanced mixture of slapstick comedy and heart wrenching drama - the production tells the story of The Four Seasons from start to finish, including the mob ties, the heavy debts, the penitentiary stretch and the band's ultimate collapse.
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And although musicals and theatrical performances are usually adapted from books and movies alike, Jersey Boys (by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice) tells hard-hitting tales of real life through the entirety of its 133 minute runtime.
Washington-born Michael Pickering starred throughout the on stage production as Frankie Valli himself, constantly quabbling and qualming with the exceptional Dalton Wood (Tommy DeVito) who in my humble opinion upstaged Pickering at some points through his quick whit and fantastic adaptation of DeVito himself.
Lewis Griffiths also took to the stage as Nick Massi, while the fantastic Blair Gibson portrayed Bob Gaudio .
Although each and every member of the casting from main-stagers to backing artists had their time to shine in the limelight, it's indisputable that the real star of the show is Pickering, who hit the nail smack-bang on the head as Valli, with his mixture of mannerisms and presence alike.
His voice throughout the whole production was also a spectacle to behold, never missing a note and sounding like a real like rip from the timeless records themselves, and when replaced by Luke Suri for certain performances, the understudy's vocal presence was also unmatched. In fact, at times Suri appeared as if he had been there the whole time when appearing throughout certain songs, with a completely similar tone to Pickering himself.
Both men's energy on stage was ridiculously high, and although not one sole performer carried the production - the impact that they both had on the show itself was remarkable.
The real stand-out performance which sprung a theatre-wide ovation of around a minute came in the form of a stunning solo performance of Can't Take My Eyes Off You, in which Pickering delivered an outstanding rendition of the heartfelt Sonata - jerking tears from many members of the audience.
Everything about the show on the whole irrespective of the performers was also superb, from the smooth roll-out of props to the subtle backing music playing throughout the more lively scenes, Jersey Boys had it all. Costume was on point also, with each and every era throughout the show to a tee - no expense for quality had been spared at all.
The use of screen animation also perfectly encapsulates the success of the band, with one point with the band faced away from the audience illuminating exactly what it was like for the band to be in the limelight. Cameras in the background flashing and stage lights gleaming, it was a real point of view insight which showed what it must have been like to be at a Four Seasons performance back in their prime.
The only qualm with the production itself is the sheer amount of foul language throughout. However with that being said, the show is a replication of the real lives of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, so it was never going to be completely family friendly.
All in all, a fantastic live performance telling the back story of a highly-successful band and their troubled tales. Jersey Boys is a magical experience for its viewers and the hits performed from Sherry, through to Big Girls Don't Cry leave the audience constantly toe tapping, clapping and singing along in delight.
The breaking of the fourth wall at the end of the show highlighting the present lives of the band also seen each member of the act applauded deservingly - with a full on standing ovation for the work of Pickering and Suri who portrayed Frankie Valli at it's cessation.
A highly-insightful deep-dive into the music industry and the struggles of four men on the road, Jersey Boys is a must see for music buffs and lovers alike.
*Jersey Boys is running at Sunderland Empire until Saturday April 2
