By Kayla Marrero
Positively Osceola
REVIEW: Osceola Arts has done it again! Under the masterful direction of Rob A. Lott, the latest production of Jersey Boys opened last Friday in Kissimmee to a packed theater, continuing the venue’s streak of packed performances. Following the success of crowd-pleasers like 42nd Street, Misery, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Play That Goes Wrong, Osceola Arts has firmly cemented its reputation for delivering top-tier productions, and Jersey Boys is no exception. The energy, talent, and nostalgia of this musical, which featured a small power-packed live orchestra, had the audience on their feet, proving once again that Osceola Arts is a cultural force to be reckoned with in Central Florida.
In a night filled with foot-tapping love songs and a story about the rise to fame, Jersey Boys The Musical: The story of Frank Valli and the Four Seasons opened on Friday, and trust Positively Osceola, it’s not to be missed! The story, which is about four ordinary guys from New Jersey with incredible talent who want to make their way to the top of the music industry.
It all starts in Jersey with the singing trio of Tommy DeVito (played by Nate Elliott), Nick DeVito (played by Logan Halliburton), and Nick Massi (played by Joseph de Rosa.) Two Nicks and a Tommy, how Italians-From-New-Jersey are they?
When the musical starts, Tommy DeVito acts as the narrator, known in their neighborhood as the guy that knows a guy. He wants to help his younger friend Frankie Valli (played by Lee Markham) with his singing career and tutors him, or so to speak. All four leads take turns narrating which really kept story moving along, and filled with light eye winking humor.
As the story unfolds, the trio transforms into a quartet with Frankie as the newest member—though their full lineup is cut short by Nick DeVito’s untimely imprisonment. Brother Tommy DeVito lightens the mood, reassuring the packed audience that in Jersey, getting locked up is no big deal, sparking immediate laughter from the crowd.
The unexpected incarceration left a vacancy in ‘The Four Lovers,’ forcing Tommy to find a replacement. One of his friends introduces a young guy to fill the gap. After a quick audition, where the group performs a song to try him out, Bob Crewe (played by Matthew Warfield) steps in, much to Tommy DeVito’s dismay. Crewe has the musical knowledge and self-awareness to not be pushed around.
From there, the group undergoes a transformation, changing their name—a running joke throughout the show. Now rebranded as The Four Seasons, their next challenge is getting their recorded demo into the right hands.
Their struggle to fame ends when after much time, their song ‘Sherry’ is a hit.
They begin to enjoy the fruits of their labor, with newfound wealth fulfilling their desires—except for Tommy DeVito, who falls deeper into debt. This marks the beginning of the group’s unraveling, with members leaving one by one.
Tommy’s departure stems from his financial mismanagement, which threatened to ruin the group. Nick Massey leaves for more personal, complex reasons, citing a vague unhappiness, leaving his true motivations open to interpretation. Bob Crewe, uncomfortable with the spotlight, follows suit, quietly exiting the stage.
Frankie Valli rises as the lead singer, keeping the group’s legacy alive. Years later, they reunite for a one-time-only performance as The Four Seasons, offering a final glimpse of their iconic sound.
Director Rob Lott expertly brings the vibrant spirit of the 60s and 70s to life in this captivating musical, immersing the audience in the era’s energy and emotion.offering a deeply authentic portrayal of the era. The performers onstage are astonishingly close replicas of the real-life figures they embody, making the experience even more immersive.
Set Designer and Tech Coordinator Waylon Lemasters crafted a stunning two-story club set, using simple yet effective props like a dining table and stand-up mics to seamlessly transport the audience into the performance. The metal structures and minimalist design pull viewers into the heart of the story without distraction.
Lighting Designer Bradley Cronenwett enhanced the atmosphere with a perfectly executed nighttime club vibe. The stage was awash in deep blues, purples, and reds, while the classic yellow spotlight highlighted the performers. The lighting truly captured the energy of a vibrant nightclub, and the audience’s eyes were drawn effortlessly to each moment on stage.
The lead actor portraying Frankie Valli, delivered an angelic vocal performance, singing in falsetto throughout the entire show—a remarkable feat that stayed true to the character’s iconic sound. Tommy DeVito’s character brought humor and charm, with impeccable comedic timing and a thick Jersey accent that fully immersed the audience in the character’s Italian-American roots. Bob Crewe was portrayed with a palpable passion for his music, while Joseph de Rosa delivered an equally strong performance as Nick Massey.
Music Director Jessica Raspolich deserves high praise for achieving exceptional sound. The harmonies of The Four Seasons were flawless, blending together seamlessly before Frankie Valli would soar to ever higher notes, captivating the audience. Their performances evoked the sound and spirit of the 1960s and 70s, transporting the crowd back in time as the men swayed with their mics and serenaded the audience with timeless love songs.
The live band, positioned high on the stage, was equally outstanding, performing without a single misstep. Their flawless playing provided the perfect musical foundation for The Four Seasons, elevating the entire production to new heights.
Assistant Director and Choreographer Ashley Willsey brought the story to life through dynamic physical movement, adding depth and excitement to every scene. The quartet was expertly directed to sway and gesture, enhancing the impact of each song and making every performance a hit. The ensemble added an extra layer of energy, incorporating fun period-appropriate dance moves, like twists and turns, that captured the essence of the era.
If you’re looking for a vocally stunning musical that will leave you in awe, don’t miss this production. Tickets are available for performances from September 13th through September 29th at Osceola Arts. For those seeking an inclusive experience, an American Sign Language interpretation will be offered on September 28th at 2:00 PM.
