Broadway in Chicago: Jersey Boys

"Sherry” - The 20th Anniversary Tour of Jersey Boys

Broadway in Chicago Presents JERSEY BOYS Review - Still A Classic for a Reason

TLDR: Jersey Boys makes another appearance here in Chicago on its 20th Anniversary Tour. The cast still delivers on the talent and the show still delivers on The Four Seasons experience that long time and new fans will love. 

The Recording Studio - The 20th Anniversary Tour of Jersey Boys

A Finely Tuned Musical

Framed in four seasons, we see four distinct eras of history of the legendary Four Seasons, each told by a different member of the group. We see their beginnings as forming a band in Jersey and trying to find their sound in Spring. We move to when they finally strike gold and have hit after hit in Summer, even going head to head with the English Invasion. Aptly named Fall, the third section finds the band in crisis both as a group and in their personal lives. And finally moving to Winter when the band is officially renamed Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons after the others’ departures. 

Though the music is woven throughout the story, there’s many numbers that recreate the band’s iconic performances like “Sherry” and “Who Loves You”. So at times it felt like we’re at a tribute concert, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing by any means. The guys playing The Four Seasons, Coby Oram, Peyton Schoenhofer, Harry Sperduto, and Owen McCredie have got their harmonies and dance moves down pat. All the movements are crisp and synchronized and we hear each vocal part of the quartet come through loud and clear.

This national tour of Jersey Boys still shows how the musical has stood the test of time because of the story and talent that continues to deliver.

That’s Some Good Gabagool

There’s something about this production that feels like it brings out the Jersey of the Jersey boys more. Maybe it’s because of all the re-watches of The Sopranos we did during the pandemic and now we see the Italian-American mafia experience amplified. 

A favor is called in and then two families are meeting to settle a dispute. Sperduto as Tommy DeVito feels like Christopher Moltisanti from his making deals to his posturing and tough guy persona. McCredie as Nick Massi takes on the tall, strong, and silent type as a man of few words, but when he speaks he’s listened to. 

And the loyalty and friendship that Oram and Schoenhofer show between Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio comes from nothing else than a handshake. Joe Pesci even makes an appearance for god's sake! With our focus drawn to these moments more, it makes it easier to see how being from Jersey was a part of this group’s DNA.

Sit Down - The 20th Anniversary Tour of Jersey Boys

The After Party Thoughts

My friend and I were curious and obviously Googled it - what was the first jukebox musical biopic about a band’s or artist’s life? Suffice it to say, there’s another musical that holds that title, but Jersey Boys feels like it’s also up there as one of the most popular. The story of The Four Seasons is well crafted, they play all the hits we know and love, and it delivers on a roller coaster of emotions.

And though the second act feels like it takes an emotional downturn, the ending resonated differently for me this time. Even though the band reached its Winter, we know what comes soon afterwards is Spring. And when the entire cast comes out on stage for the finale, it feels like spring is here and the band’s legacy will live on. 

For those that are wondering if they’ll enjoy this show even if they’re not fans of The Four Seasons, you’ll definitely recognize a lot more of their songs than you think. For those that are long time Four Seasons fans, you might have more scrutiny if these guys are just as good as the originals. But all in all, like its 20th year can attest to, Jersey Boys is still an enjoyable musical all around.


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“Dawn” - The 20th Anniversary Tour of Jersey Boys

When

Now through November 22, 2026


Where

CIBC Theatre

18 W Monroe St. 

Chicago, IL 60603


Runtime: 2hrs 30min, including an intermission


Tickets

Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (312) 977-1700 or through the Broadway in Chicago website


Photos

Jeremy Daniel


Find Allie and The After Party featured on Theatre in Chicago

The Kiss - Eliza Levy as ‘Mary Delgado’ and Coby Oram as ‘Frankie Valli’ in the 20th Anniversary Tour of Jersey Boys

CAST

Coby Oram (Frankie Valli)

Andrew Martin Maguire (Frankie Valli – Select Performances)

Peyton Schoenhofer (Bob Gaudio)

Harry Sperduto (Tommy DeVito)

Owen McCredie (Nick Massi)

Alexis Aponte (Lorraine)

Sarah Coleman (Francine)

Ryan Hurley (Norm Waxman)

Sam Joseph (Hank Majewski)

Eliza Levy (Mary Delgado)

Nicholas Dion Reese (Barry Belson)

Andrew Sattler (Bob Crewe)

Grant Weathington (Joe Pesci)

Jason Winfield (Gyp DeCarlo)

Sam Alan Johnson (Swing)

Ryan Koch (Swing)

Lexie McEntire (Swing)

CREATIVE

Des McAnuff (Director)

Sergio Trujillo (Choreographer)

Klara Zieglerova (Scenic Designer)

Jess Goldstein (Costume Designer)

Howell Binkley (Lighting Designer)

Steve Canyon Kennedy (Sound Designer)

Michael Clark (Projections Designer)

Danny Austin (Production Supervisor)

Steve Orich (Orchestrations)

Ron Melrose (Music Supervisor and Vocal Arrangements)

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