Jersey Boys Reviews

CLINTON JESSEE from Seattle, Washington

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Last Saturday, my best bud, Spencito Fairbanks and I embarked on a trek south to Kentridge High School. I think that we both have found diamond in the rough…in regards to AMAZING theatre! That night we were treated to a wonderful production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. I never thought that two discriminating theatre snobs, Like Spencer and myself would be SO starving for new theater, that we would be reduced to High School suburbia theatre… Well, nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact it was Spencer taking me out to Kentridge High School’s last production of “EVITA.” which completely won us over! Well, I am rambling..Ill get to the current show. After having seen this show on Broadway, and at Disneyland Park, I was once again surprised to hear that Kentridge was going to mount, yet again, a non typical, high school musical. The show was wonderful! From the start, the great set and costumes reel you right in! I was SO excited to see that Caelan Creaser, who rocked the lead role in “EVITA,” was back again, as Belle. Her characterization was perfect! Half Disney-fied princess, half vulnerable seeker…Caelan’s articulate, lyrical command of the Menken / Ashman score is solid, and really keeps the entire show moving forward. This girl WILL be on Broadway someday soon!! Most surprising, was the great performance of The Beast. This is a part that is often forgotten. But, I was completely captivated by the emotionally charged, dramatic interpretation of the role…not to mention, the great vocals from the baritone. The supporting cast complimented each other so well…Lumiere, Cogsworth, Babette, Wardrobe, and friends really steal the scenes with their great caricatures! Gaston really began strong…I just felt I wanted him to be more strong in his character…both physically and vocally. I know he has it in him. Just be more arrogantly confident! Lefou, was amazing! I thought ALL the chorus numbers were BRILLIANT! The staging and choreography made the numbers look twice a full and three times as big!! BRAVO!! The amazing talents and voices of the entire cast made this big show a WINNER! The real heroine here isn’t Belle…its Jennifer Grajewski! Director and source of magic that drives this AMAZING program at Kentridge. I am completely in awe of this woman! Her love of these kids, these shows, and the Theatre….completely has ME…not only…so PROUD that a local school and kids have such a wonderful resource, friend, and mentor….but that they are taking risks by picking challenging…non typical shows….and then….delivering AMAZING, professionally polished productions….not to mention turning out some very capable and experienced talents that will be well on their way to careers in the Theatre. Personally, I have never been so motivated. I want to be doing what Jennifer is doing. I love this lady and what a difference she is making! I look forward to getting to know her better. But, I can tell you one thing! I am want to do what ever I can to be a part of this great group…so get out to Kentridge and see what I’m talking about~! I feel like I have been given a great gift..by finding out what hidden treasure is thriving down south! GREAT JOB TO ALL INVOLVED!! PLEASE SUPPORT THIS WONDERFUL PROGRAM.

RJ Wayne from South Lake Tahoe, California

STILL WORTH IT!

The cast was stellar, and despite a supporting cast that was about 60% the strength of the original Broadway production (two actual brass musicians vs. seven in the original and three "shoop-shoop" girls instead of five) they gave the audience their money's worth. The feel was still there. Thirteen years ago it was the hottest ticket on Broadway, and today, the hottest in Sacramento.

Angela Scott from Vancouver, British Columbia

GREAT BUT NO NEED FOR REAL CIGARETTES, NO VENTILATION.

When we first sat down we notice the haze, didn't put too much thought. The show was great! very entertaining. But by the time the intermission came all I could do was smell the smoke. Totally unnecessary. A chocolate cigarette could have had the same effect. We get it! it was the sixties. Also, toning down the language wouldn't hurt the play either. Before the show we went to Chambar Restaurant. It was great! I highly recommend it! But please make reservations. Overall (dinner and play) was a great night out.

Elaine from Calgary, Alberta

LOVE THE SHOW BUT...

I loved the show and listening to such great hits. The acting was fun. We did not care for so much swearing though..We were on the first balcony and it was difficult at time to hear the words sang by Valli. It happened most often when he was holding the small microphone himself. His voice was also pitchy, particularly after intermission. Overall a great show. I would recommend it but would not bring children. Too much swearing. They could have done better with much less.

Melissa Walters from Norfolk, Virginia

CONSTANT F BOMB.

Why take a play that is such a hit and add so much foul language. I have seen the play several times over the years. They added the "F" bomb over and over in Norfolk. So much talent, great songs and singing, why ruin it. You should be able to take your family and could to the original play, but thank God I didn't bring my kids this time.

Anonymous from Worcester, Massachusetts

SOMEWHAT DISAPPOINTED WITH

My gal and I had seen this show a few years ago in Providence and loved it. We both came away with same belief that the Frankie in Worcester was not nearly as good as the one in Providence. I tried had to imagine the guy as Frankie, but he came no where close to capturing that particular magic. Despite this shortcoming , I would still recommend the show to anyone looking for a good time and good memories. Would not recommend getting the balcony seats if you are over 5'8". Tough on the knees. Also, I hope that management is aware of the constant hum/buzz of what is probably a heater on the top right of the building. Very distracting and frequently drowned out some of the dialogue. The interior of this building is truly beautiful, just too bad that some of the seating is a bit on the uncomfortable side.

Sandra Horner from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

SHOULD BE RATED FOR LANGUAGE.

Although I enjoyed the music in this show I was very offended by the overuse of the F--- word. This was music from the time when I was a teenager and people did not use that word as they do today. It did not fit the time of the group. I feel that the word was added for shock value. I talked to people who saw the show earlier in the year and they said that it was used only a few times in the show. If this is a sign of how shows are changing I think I will not be coming to this theater again. I was on a bus trip with 53 people on it and we discussed this with several people on the bus and they all felt the same. It is a shame that such great music was spoiled by the gratuitous cursing of the cast. I would not recommend it for children.

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