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Stars Rave Over "Jersey Boys"

By Pete Allman

Considering that Broadway shows come and go in Las Vegas, "Jersey Boys," the award-winning musical about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, now running at the Palazzo Resort and Casino, is a tremendous success. "Jersey Boys" has been entertaining audiences for over a month to sellout crowds.

The recent Saturday-night red carpet event brought together Frankie Valli, with the original Four Seasons: Tommy DeVito, credited for starting the group, Bob Gaudio and Nick Massi.

Receiving rave reviews as far back as November 2005 when the musical opened on Broadway in New York City, it was a natural for the producers to bring it to Vegas. When you consider Valli, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, along with The Four Seasons, sold over 175 million records worldwide before any of them turned 30, that was, indeed, remarkable. That's what makes them one of the most successful pop groups of all times.

Nigel Lythgoe with local entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak)

Their hits included, "Walk Like A Man," "Sherry" and "Big Girls Don't Cry."

Valli, who has appeared in Las Vegas many times, stated, "This is as good as it gets."

When asked recently if he would appear in Las Vegas to do a solo concert, he said, "I don't think so."

He has definitely had his ups and downs in life, and he is truly a family man. When I interviewed him a few years ago at the Riviera, he had his son with him.

Tommy DeVito, who had his share of misfortunes was also in good spirits. It was a great night for Tommy who remembered all the way back to when he was a blackjack dealer at the Sahara Hotel. At that time, he had left the group because he had a big gambling debt to pay back. But as fate would have it, DeVito ended up with his own recording studio producing musical groups.

Cast of "Jersey Boys" with lead singer of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. (from left to right) Erich Bergen, Bob Gaudio, Rick Faugno, Frankie Valli, Jeff Leibow, Jeremy Kushnier. (Photo by Jacob Andrzejczak)

Wayne Brady, headliner at the Venetian, said he enjoyed the musical and songs like "Sherry" which will never die. Other Frankie Valli classics can be heard on national commercials. Celebrities seen on the red carpet were Rita Rudner, John O'Hurley, John Cleese, Nigel Lythgoe, Willie Garson, Michael Urie, and Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Adelson.

For ticket information, call 888-283-6423. Tickets for "Jersey Boys" range from about $75 to $250 for a VIP package that includes a private entrance and other special benefits.

Pete Allman is a Las Vegas-based commentator, broadcast personality and celebrity interviewer. He also produces inspirational messages for television and other media. Contact him at peteonthescene@yahoo.com or (702)265-9099. Visit www.CelebrityScene.com.