Jersey Boys the Musical

Following the story of “The Four Seasons” musical group, ​Jersey Boys​ follows the classic narrative of coming from nothing into a world of fame and celebrities. Beginning in mob controlled New Jersey, a young group of musicians dream of success.

Each of the members of the band tell their version of events. The story begins with Tommy DeVito explaining how he originally started “The Variety Trio” with his brother Nick DeVito and a friend named Nick Massi. Tommy has been mixed up in petty crimes with the local mob, resulting in time in and out of jail. Nick Massi discovers Frankie, a talented teengager with an incredible voice who joins the group. A well known mobster, Gyp DeCarlo takes a liking to Tommy and Frankie. During this time Frankie falls in love and marries Mary Delgado. The group struggles to find an identity and name that will launch their careers until a friend suggests a fourth member.

Bob Guadio begins to tell his story, describing when he first heard Frankie sing. Impressed by his voice, Bob performs some of his own songs for the group. Tommy is wary to let Bob into their group so quickly but they negotiate a deal. As a group of four, they land a deal but only as singing back up. Their producer Bob Crewe insists the boys need to settle on a sound and name. While at the bowling alley, they are inspired by the name: “The Four Seasons.” After choosing their name, Bob writes several hit songs, finally pushing the band into the limelight. “The Four Seasons” is hugely popular as they tour, but Frankie’s wife Mary is worried by his new lifestyle and they divorce. One night after a concert, a loan shark approaches Tommy and demands to be paid for Tommy’s old debts.

Nick Massi picks up the story, explaining the band had been in trouble for a while now. Tommy had enormous debts and even landed the band in jail for skipping out on a hotel bill. Bob is angry with Tommy and feels he is hurting the band’s career. Nick wonders if Tommy is jealous of the bond Bob and Frankie have within the group. Tommy tries to flirt with Lorraine, Frankie’s new girlfriend as revenge. Frankie resents Tommy for this betrayal but does not outwardly confront him. Despite their distance, Frankie approaches Gyp DeCarlo for help with Tommy’s debts. The band, Gyp and the loanshark reach an agreement – Tommy will hide in Las Vegas to be kept safe by the mob and the band will pay back over half a million dollars of Tommy’s debt. After this, Nick tries to leave the group but the others try to convince him to stay.

In the fourth and final part, Frankie begins to narrate the show. He admits that Tommy really gave him his current fame, despite his many mistakes. With Tommy in hiding and Nick gone, Bob and Frankie try to fill the open band spots until Bob eventually leaves as well. Frankie keeps singing the songs Bob writes, but as a solo act now. Frankie explains his home life has been strained, and breaks up with his girlfriend Lorraine. Frankie has more number one hits and Tommy’s debts are eventually paid back. Everything seems to be improving until Frankie gets the heartbreaking news that his daughter Francine has died from a drug overdose.

The final scene of the show reminisces the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ​Jersey Boys​ is a story of lucky breaks, success and loyalty. The boys’ Jersey background taught them to take care of their own, no matter the situation.