Steadstyle Chicago
	January 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Jersey Boys It is hard to believe, but the hit musical "Jersey Boys" is already in its second year of running at the Bank of America Theatre on Monroe Street in Chicago.  Many of this still refer to the theater as the Shubert and of course it was called LaSalle Bank Theatre until Bank of America took them over.  This is the perfect venue in the Broadway in Chicago network for this intimate view of the life and times of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It is a wonderful tribute to this very talented singer as well as Bob Gaudio, who wrote many of the songs for this group and the music for this show, Nick Massi and Tommy De Vito.  While some of the cast members have changed during the run, this is a very strong cast with a great sound.  From "Silhouettes", "Walk Like A Man", "Dawn", "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Oh What A Night", "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", Rag Doll" and of course "Who Loves You" and "Sherry" and lots more, we see a story of how these guys from New Jersey, who could have ended up in prison or dead, ended up becoming the idols of many American teens during the 1950's and 60's . And, Oh What A Cast!  Corey Grant hits the high notes as Frankie Valli with great ease and Drew Gehling is almost a replica of Gaudio.  Michael Ingersoll is a perfect and lovable Nick Massi, and tough guy Tommy De Vito is handled by Bryan McElroy.  The ensemble is made up of 18 members who handle many, many roles, each one being developed to perfection. This musical is almost like attending a concert that just happens to tell a story.  This production will continue until the audiences stop buying tickets (which could be several years) and while cast members may change, the talent that this company has brought in for these changes has been as solid as those who performed on opening night back in October of 2007. After more than two years at the Bank of America Theatre, the Chicago Company of Jersey Boys ends its successful run on January 10, 2010.  Performances are Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.  Tickets range in price from $30-$110 and are available at any of the Broadway in Chicago box offices, by phone at 312-902-1400, at all Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.  There are also Rush tickets that go on sales 10 a.m. (11 a.m.on Sundays) the day of each performance at $25 (subject to availability).  Only two can be purchased per person and these seats are somewhat limited view.   About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The Epoch Times.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.