Customer Reviews

Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Ever since I saw Jersey Boys I have been obsessed with the Four Seasons! I pre-ordered this book when it was announced and I was not disappointed. Since I am in my mid 30's, I didn't get to see them in their prime. I never really paid much attention to them and didn't realize I knew so many of their songs until I saw the play. This book gave a lot of insights not only to the Four Seasons themselves, but also to the development and production of Jersey Boys. It is put together in a fun and easy to read format and is filled with tons of information and trivia. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

There is no definitive biography of pop icons Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, but until one comes along this glossy coffee table book will do. Make no mistake - this book is primarily about the musical Jersey Boys rather than the musical group that inspired it - but there is plenty of material about both to make the casual fan happy.

Billed as "the official companion to the Broadway musical," the book features the show's libretto, tons of photos, and interviews with the cast, director, writers, and the Four Seasons themselves. There is also a nice Valli/Seasons discography at the end of the book that spans five decades of musical output.

This is not as amazing as expected -- the written material about the show itself and its development is more limited than one would expect in a book of this type. There is next to nothing written about the set design, or the lighting, or the other more interesting technical aspects of the show. There is very little written about the actors themselves - one page per actor and next to no biographical information about any of them -- their Playbill bios have more information. Example, Danny Reichart's doesn't even mention he is a University of Michigan grad -- which any of us Michigan folks know is next to impossible to imagine for anyone who has gone to UM.

There is some limited information on the Four Seasons themselves -- but most of it is highly edited and highly proofed to assure there is no controversy in this book. The section on Guardio is the most developed. Not a big surprise there given the constant editing the show itself has had to assure no "dirt" is exposed.

I love the musical -- it is exciting to read through the libretto again. There is so much missing on the cast album that it is a thrill to have the whole thing there to read through again.

Similar to Hairspray's coffee table book with less emphasis on the technical aspects of the show; and blissfully less self-absorbed than The Producers coffee table book; but nowhere near the completeness and creativity of the Wicked Grimmery coffee table book.

I'm finding this book to be a fascinating read. I love the different prespective on things. The only thing missing is Tommy DeVito's take on all of this but since he wasn't involved in any way with creating the show you don't get his take on it unfortunately. It gives you a little more insight on what took place than what the story in the musical can give you. I'm planning on having the First National Tour sign mine when I see the show again soon.
If you're a Jersey Boys fan this is must have for one's collection!

This book is what all Jersey Boys and Four Seasons fans need. The photos are clear, show the Original Broadway Cast and Four Seasons in a different light than when we see them on TV and onstage, I loved the contributing writer's stories and experiences, and all-in-all, was written very well!

I attended an event in NYC with the fans thanking both the Four Seasons and Jersey Boys. That book's value is now higher with in-person autographs from Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, Joe Long, Jersey Boys writers Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman, John Lloyd Young, Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard and J. Robert Spencer.

It's definitely "Must Read"!!!!!

I pre-ordered this book when it was first announced and just received it. I sat down and read the entire book including the script in one sitting. It is fantastic! Could NOT put it down, finished at 3am. I have been to the show at least 12 times, 10 of those times bringing a 55 passenger busload of Upstate NY fans and family from the Utica area. Relatives from California, Ohio, Florida, Mass & CT have flown or driven to the city just to see the show. John Lloyd, Christian, Bobby, and Daniel along with all the cast members make every show and post-show autograph/photo session an event to remember. This book will be a welcome addition to any Jersey Boys fan's collection. Don't miss out!

I loved the musical "Jersey Boys" and wanted to learn more. This book has biographical data about the singers and that time in the 1960s when they made their mark. It also chronicles how the story came to the stage and includes the complete script. It was like reliving the whole experience. If you are a fan of the The Four Seasons, have seen the musical and enjoy the music of the era, you will aappreciate this book!

Even though I was born in 1991, I love the Four Seasons, and the Jersey Boys even more. To me, this book has everything a Jersey Boys fan would need, such as facts about the production of the show and interviews with everyone involve, including the original Four Seasons members. I believe the best part of this book is that it includes the script of the show and hundreds of pictures. Reading it almost makes you relive the live show. If you know any fans of Jersey Boys, this would make a perfect gift.

The Jersey Boys book is amazing. You can read the entire script of the hit Tony Award winning musical. It shows how fun the history of the show was, and has interviews with the actors and the original Jersey Boys themselves.

This book is long overdue; however, it is truly outstanding. Once you start reading it, you can't put it down. It's a real, factual collector's item. I strongly recommend buying it. By the way, if you haven't already seen the Broadway musical "Jersey Boys," you're missing a great show. Long live the sound of Frankie and The Boys.