Review: 'Jersey Boys' at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel

From left: Jeff Leibow (Nick Massi), Graham Fenton (Frankie Valli),
Ro Marnell (Bob Gaudio) and Deven May (Tommy Devito).
(production photos: Joan Marcus)

'Jersey Boys' playing the Paris Las Vegas Hotel continues to be the crowd-pleaser wherever it plays. After seeing the show on Broadway, London and Toronto the overall quality is not lost in its Vegas incarnation. The original sets and costumes are duplicated but it's the energetic and talented young men who play the Four Seasons and their performance of the group's hit songs that do not disappoint.

This Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2006 tells the story behind the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from the streets of Newark to the top of the music charts. All of the groups major hits are featured in the show. Among them include "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't' Cry," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," "My Eyes Adored You" and "Walk Like A Man"

Tonight's Frankie Valli is Graham Fenton, who alternates in the role with Travis Cloer (each playing four performances per week due to the vocal demands of the part), is in fine voice as the lead singer of group never sounding strained to duplicate Valli's vocals. Though the character is given some of the most dramatic scenes especially in the second act which he handles ably, character growth is mainly offered up through narration (a fault of the show's book writer). However this device does keep the show moving at a clipped pace.

If there is a standout performance among the four it is Rob Marnell as Bob Gaudio (the songwriter of some of group's biggest hits) who plays the role with boyish charm and mature keenness. Deven May as Tommy DeVito offers the standard tough Jersey attitude (maybe a bit tad too rough) for the character and Jeff Leibow as Nick Massi, as the least developed character of the four musicians, is given a couple of fine moments including a scene of comic relief where he describes DeVito's obsession with towels.

The ensemble make do with the bit background characters they are assigned. As a company some of the most dazzling scenes is when the entire cast is up on stage in fully choreographed numbers especially in the finale. If we only get an outline about the rise of the Four Seasons at least the musical is entertaining from the start to its very last note.

Unlike some other Broadway musicals that were transplanted to Vegas, the show retains the full running time in lieu of being condensed to 90 minutes. But it should be noted that the 15-minute intermission is dispensed with in favor an eight-minute pause. Patrons are encouraged to hot foot it to the restrooms or bar during this short break. But during the pause, those who choose to remain seated are treated to black and white filmed images of America during the era of the Four Seasons.

I have to admit I was shocked at the sky high ticket prices to see this show. Topping at $226.80, I did not have the opportunity to check if discounts tickets were available. So instead I picked up a mid-price orchestra seat for $171.80 which put me in a fifth left orchestra row three seats off the aisle. This evening the house was not full and there was a huge gap of seats between those seated in the front orchestra and those sitting in less expensive mezzanine seats. I'm not sure if the ushers at the Paris Theatre were Nazis about patrons remaining in their paid seats but it was unusual to not notice anyone moving a few rows forward during the break.

The Vegas production originally opened at the Palazzo in 2008 and after over three years closed at that venue and moved to the Paris (according to press reports under more favorable terms) where the musical is playing an open-ended run. With the announced closing of 'Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular,' 'Jersey' will be the only Broadway musical playing the Strip.

The DETAILS

• Website: jerseyboysinfo.com/vegas
• Venue: Paris Theatre (Le Theatre des Arts) click HERE for seating chart
• Location: Paris Las Vegas Hotel
• When: Tue & Sat 6:30 & 9:30pm; Wed-Fri & Sun 7pm
• Running Time: 2 hrs 10 min (with eight minute pause)
• Ticket Prices: $100.30-$226.80
• Opening: Mar 6, 2012
• Closing: Open Ended Run
• Book Online: ticketmaster.com
• Reservations: 702-777-7776
• Cast Recording: 2005 Original Broadway Cast Recording

The Venue: The Paris Theatre at Paris Las Vegas Hotel

'Jersey Boys' advertising amid the hotel's Montgolfier Balloon and
Eiffel Tower.

The 'Jersey Boys' merchandise shop located across the casino.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Paris Theatre now hosting an open-ended run of the hit musical 'Jersey Boys' is only one of two venues currently playing a Broadway musical in Las Vegas (the other being 'Phantom' at the Venetian which I'll be seeing tomorrow night). The theatre was designed to be more of a concert venue than traditional Broadway-type house as evidenced by the extra wide auditorium. Previous productions here include a Vegas version of the musical 'The Producers' starring David Hasselhoff and Tony Danza and more recently Barry Manilow as headliner.

One of the striking things missing within the auditorium itself is the lack of any decor that is associated with the hotel's Parisian theme. It's a black box that could be in any other hotel on the Strip. The theatre is located down the hall next to the registration desk. The theatre entrance itself is also not striking which opens to almost bare room where the showroom's bar is located before guests enter the auditorium. An elevator is available for those unable to walk up to the balcony.

The merchandise shop located next to the Paris Theatre entrance.

Casino gaming tables in a 'Jersey Boys' theme.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

At capacity the theatre seats 1,500 but extreme sides on the orchestra level appear not to be on sale due to the poor sight lines. The box office is located opposite the registration desk. Near the theatre's entrance is a merchandise shop where purchased are made from a window. This shop is only open during showtimes. A larger shop with extended hours is located by the casino.

As is being more common on Broadway, the theatre's bar lists signature cocktails associated with the 'Jersey Boys' musical. The menu lists a Jersey Sour, Hang On, Four "C"-Sons, I've Got You, Walk Like A Man and Boardwalk Breeze among the drinks.

By the way the theatre ushers did not pass out any Playbills. However flyers near the auditorium entrance were available listing the cast members and creative credits.

It should be noted that signs at the Paris Hotel point to the venue as Le Theatre des Arts. However other advertising (including the hotel's website) indicates the showroom as the Paris Theatre. In cross promotion within the casino, games near the theatre is themed for the 'Jersey Boys'.

Click HERE to view the seating chart. Visit parislasvegas.com for info about this venue and other entertainment at the hotel.

One of the signs pointing to the Le Theatre des Arts rather than
Paris Theatre for the name of the venue.

One of the traditions of a Broadway production is the cast list of who is
performing tonight but this one also includes photographs.

One of many signs around the hotel and casino advertising the show.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

ProBax Seats Installed In August Wilson Theatre

August Wilson Theatre (photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Anyone can tell you that sitting in a Broadway theatre seat for two-half hours can be literally a pain in the butt. Following the example of the Ambassador Theatre Group in London which installed ProBax seats in their West End venues, Jujamcyn Theatres installed the brand of seating technology at the August Wilson Theatre in New York City.

Design of the ProBax seats installed
in London theaters.

The August Wilson is the first theatre in North America to have the ProBax seats installed. The seating technology requires no changes to the seat frame, design or upholstery and can be upgraded by changing the base of the cushion alone. The seats are ergonomic using dual density foams that encourage anatomically correct posture and are expected to last longer than regular seating. This same technology is applied for use in movie theaters, cars and aircrafts. The ultimate goal is for the comfort of the audience.

But more amazing about the transformation is that each seat cushion and seat back at the August Wilson was changed without the loss of a single performance of the musical 'Jersey Boys' taking place between the end of a Sunday, January 8 matinee and the start of the Tuesday, January 10 evening show. The venue currently has a capacity to accommodate 1,250 theatergoers.

But will the new seats help audiences enjoy a Broadway play? Or will it prevent others from putting their feet up against the back of seat in front of them? No word yet if other New York theaters will gain the new seating. Click HERE to read The New Yorker's unique perspective on the ProBax seats.

And There Was One, Broadway Long Runs in Las Vegas: 'Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular' To Close at the Venetian in September

Advertising at the Venetian/Palazzo for 'Phantom' and 'Jersey Boys'
(image: DurangoBeach/flickr)

When 'Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular' closes in Sin City on September 2, only one Broadway musical ('Jersey Boys') will remain playing in one of the major hotel resorts on the Vegas strip. It's unlikely any new New York musical will set up shop in this gambling mecca anytime soon. The dream of a "Broadway West" in this desert city has evaporated.

The stage musicals presented on the strip since 1993:
'Starlight Express' (Las Vegas Hilton, September 1993-November 1997)
'Chicago' (Mandalay Bay, March 1999-February 2000)
'Mamma Mia!' (Mandalay Bay, February 2003-January 2009)
'Avenue Q' (Wynn, September 2005-May 2006)
'Hairspray' (Luxor, February 2006-June 2006)
'Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular' (Venetian, June 2006-September 2012)
'The Producers' (Paris Las Vegas, February 2007-February 2008)
'Spamalot' (Wynn, March 2007-July 2008)
'Jersey Boys' (Palazzo, May 2008-January 2012; Paris Las Vegas, March 2012-open ended)
'The Lion King' (Mandalay Bay, May 2009-December 2011)

'The Producers' at the Paris Las Vegas.
(image: snakecharmed/flickr)

These productions were designed to play long-term sit-down runs in Las Vegas. Other productions such as 'Footloose' at the Rio or 'Smokey Joe's Cafe' at Caesar's Palace had definitive limited runs while other played on the strip as stops for a national tour. Some off-Broadway productions ('Blue Man Group') have made it to Vegas and these titles are not included on the above list. Although 'Chicago' was announced as a limited run at Mandalay Bay, the belief is if the musical proved successful its run would have been extended.

With most of these shows logging disappointing unprofitable short runs, it's likely that only 'Mamma Mia!', 'Phantom' and 'Jersey Boys' returned their investments with smaller profits made by 'Starlight Express' and 'Chicago'.

'Mamma Mia' banners at Mandalay Bay.
(image: hayncandi808/flickr)

Some critics called the selection of Broadway-type shows for Vegas a dud of a fad while others blame the current financial climate as well as the expensive economics to produce and run each show all the while maintaing the quality of a New York production.

There are some other extraneous reasons that caused the shuttering of some of these productions. The Las Vegas Hilton changed ownership in 1997 and the current owners chose to close 'Starlight Express' despite a planned five-year run. It is largely rumored that the 'The Lion King' was shuttered as Mandalay Bay wanted to accommodate a new Cirque du Soleil production based on the songs of Michael Jackson and the closing would allow for renovation of Mandalay's theater.

It was a great experiment, if one would accept that it was such, to compete against the Cirque Du Soleil productions that multiply every few years. Even Cirque found a dud by their standards with 'Viva Elvis' at the Aria Hotel which opened February 2010 and will close August 2012.

The steps of Manadalay Bay welcomes guests to 'The Lion King'.
(image: dshalock/flickr)

In an attempt to generate interest in 'Avenue Q' at the Wynn, a Vegas
taxi decked out in fuzzy orange.
(image: drewinchicago/flickr)

For myself seeing these productions were my main purpose for returning to Vegas every three or four years since 1993. With the announcement this month of the 'Phantom' closing, it's likely I will require another trip before September.

Of course the closings and lack of new Broadway productions on the strip may be symptomatic of the opening of The Smith Center for the performing arts. Where Vegas largely lacked a traditional theater venue outside of casinos for touring Broadway productions, visitors and residents will now have a chance to enjoy these shows outside of a gambling environment. The $470 million Smith Center is located west of the Fremont Experience. Best of all the venue presents the perfect place for the strict limited run of one or two weeks that is normal for touring musicals.

On the calendar for the Smith Center's Broadway Las Vegas Series:
'The Color Purple' April 3-8, 2012
'Mary Poppins' May 22-27, 2012
'Million Dollar Quartet' June 12-17, 2012
'Memphis' July 18-22, 2012
'La Cage Aux Folles' August 14-19, 2012
'Wicked' August 29-October 7, 2012
'The Addams Family' November 20-25, 2012
'Anything Goes' February 5-10, 2013
'West Side Story' February 26-March 3, 2013
'Shrek the Musical' March 19-24, 2013
'Disney's Beauty & the Beast' April 16-21, 2013
'Billy Elliot the Musical' May 14-19, 2013
'American Idiot' June 11-16, 2013
'Catch Me If You Can' June 18-23, 2013

Click HERE for tickets and more info about these productions at the Smith Center.

The Smith Center
(image: tossmeanote/flickr)

'Hairspray' had folded four months after opening at the Luxor.
(image: grubby)

Some of the theaters in Vegas were renamed for the production it was
hosting. Here is the Grail Theater named for the object of obsession in
'Monty Python's Spamalot'.
(image: n-sai/flickr)

Las Vegas Hilton tokens advertise 'Starlight Express'.
(image: silverstrikers.com)

Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas

One of my favorite collections of Christmas songs this year and likely for many years to come is Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas. The CD mainly features the actors who played the role of Frankie Valli in the Broadway, Las Vegas, the US National Tour, London and Australia productions performing holiday songs in the style of the Four Seasons.

The whole CD is a package of fun to past the time during the season. Among my favorites is "A King is Born" featuring Jarrod Spector (Broadway), "Angels from the Realms of Glory"featuring Bobby Fox (Australia) and "Santa Medley: Santa Claus Is Coming To Town/Here Comes Santa Claus/I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" featuring John Lloyd Young (Broadway). Ryan Molloy (London), Rick Faugno (Las Vegas), Joseph Leo Bwarie (National Tour) and Travis Cloer (Las Vegas) are also featured in singing such holiday classics as:
"Joy To The World/O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
"Winter Wonderland"
"Little Drummer Boy"
"O Holy Night/Rise Up Shepherd"
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
"Jingle Bell Rock"
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
"White Christmas"
"I'll Be Home For Christmas"
"Silver Bells/Silent Night"
"Do You Hear What I Hear"
"Breath of Heaven/We Three Kings"
"Carol of The Bells/Angels We Have Heard On High"
"Auld Lang Syne"

Pick up a CD or digital copy. It will light up your holidays.

It should be noted that the CD version available from Target stores exclusively includes two bonus songs: "What Child Is This" and "The Merry Christmas Medley"by the original Four Seasons.