Format: Variety
Genre: Comedy Musical
Date: March 17 2019
Location: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool
We previously covered The Jersey Beats – Oh What A Nite!, a show combining a musical tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with some first-class comedy by Leye D Johns, back in September (you can read that review here). The second viewing of this production came on St. Patrick’s Day, so everybody within the show and in the audience were up for having an even better time than usual, and the upshot is that the evening was even better on this celebratory occasion.
The show began with the Dancing Girls, and we were taken back to 1951, to where it all began in Jersey. Silhouettes of the four stars led to them beginning their performance, almost in the dark. We were then taken through the various stages of the Four Seasons’ careers by Nick (Johnny O’Connor), who enjoyed a hit with Short Shorts before he joined the group, which eventually became known as The Four Seasons. Two old favourites in the form of Rag Doll and Sherry were performed excellently; Sunday Kind Of Love, a stunning rendition of My Eyes Adored You and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You completed the first half from a musical standpoint.
Midway through this section, we had our first turn of Leye D Johns, who had the audience in stitches with his risqué comments. He knows how to engage the crowd and they were loving it here, if not somewhat surprised at first!
The second half began with a great rendition from Frankie (Matt Andrews) of several classics, including a fantastic and emotional singing of Fallen Angel. The dialogue and general audience interaction were good, and attendees were often encouraged to dance. There were some really good acapulca songs too, which Leye D Johns wanted to join in with but was refused. He was hilarious, particularly when he showed up on stage as The Lion King to try and contribute.
There were solo songs from Frankie, Nick, Tommy (Toby Beal) and Bob (Michael Cosgrove), which again were very good; Blue Moon and Why Do Fools Fall In Love were amongst the tunes in this part. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do was a faultless harmony, and In The Still Of The Night was another classic performed here. The Grease section was enjoyable, and enhanced by Leye D Johns coming on dressed as John Travolta (a definite lookalike!). The girls then performed My Boyfriend’s Back and Be My Baby, and the show finished with Oh What A Nite and Bye Bye Baby.
Overall, this was a fantastic night out, with the added bonus of Leye D Johns as the host with the most. It was a great all-round effect, and a very professionally-produced show. I highly recommend seeing this show, and it often runs in Viva Blackpool for those who wish to take a trip a bit further out to see it. This was one of the best shows we have seen this year; we suggest booking early for next time!
Overall Rating: 9/10 – Outstanding